COMPLAINT: Jeann Blankenship, Hoschton, Ga.

"I hired Decks & Porches Unlimited of Buford [Ga.] to install a stone patio and stacked stone wall. There was an existing concrete slab patio that I asked to have removed before the work was done, but Frank [Biasi, the owner] insisted it was not necessary. He also said he would be present every day supervising, but he was only here from time to time.

"A big crack appeared in the seams between the stones following the outline of the pre-existing slab of concrete. He fixed it, but it reappeared. I have asked him for an appointment to look at the crack again and address how to handle the repair, but he hasn't responded."

DESIRED RESOLUTION: "I would like the crack in my stone patio to be corrected."

RESPONSE: Frank Biasi, owner, Decks & Porches Unlimited

"Not knowing how the existing concrete slab was poured, I recommended we remove it. The client had a budget and didn't want to spend the extra money. I was at the job every day. She was more than pleased with her beautiful flagstone patio, stone wall and arbor upon completion of the project.

"A surface crack appeared due to the weather change, which is normal with flagstone and mortar. Although the crack is outside the structural warranty, as a courtesy to the customer, I fixed it. Now, because of another small surface crack, she has degraded my company."

STATUS: Stalemate