Contractor, homeowner in standoff

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin homeowner Geoffrey Agueze hired a local contractor to replace his driveway. He paid half of the money for the project up front, but the work never got done. 

And he couldn't get his money back.

It’s been quite a headache for Agueze.  Not only is he out more than $1,000, he also had to turn around and hire someone else to finish his driveway.

And he also called the KXAN Tipline. When KXAN caught up with him, we got a lot of different excuses before he ran away from us.  After all, sometimes people just don’t want to talk to us, especially when they’re accused of having someone else’s money.

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KXAN Tipline

512-703-5255, or investigates@kxan.com

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Agueze said got several estimates from contractors he found in an advertisement publication to redo his driveway. He finally hired Mardonio Flores of Flores Paint, Landscaping and Stonework.

Agueze agreed to pay Flores $2,500 --1,250 up front and another $1,250 when the job was finished.

But soon as Agueze handed over the first check, Flores cashed it. Now, two months later, Flores never finished anything. Instead, Agueze said Flores told him he didn’t have the right tools.

“I said ‘go and rent some,’ because that’s what people do,” said Agueze. “He says it costs a lot of money.”

Agueze said Flores originally sent some kids out with sledge hammers to tear up the existing driveway.  He said they made such a mess that his granddaughter took a spill in the torn-up concrete.

Agueze then had to hire a different company to do the work.  That company finished the driveway in three days.

Erin Rodriguez with the Austin Better Business Bureau said complaints like Agueze’s get heard loud and clear.

“We are a neutral third party that will pass along that complaint,” said Rodriguez.  “We do have free arbitration and litigation services if the complaint does go that far.”

But what about the $1,250 that Agueze paid Flores? 

Agueze said Flores refused to pay it back. KXAN contacted Flores to find out why he didn't do the work and won't give the money back.

His first answer? No city permit. 

Then Flores said Agueze didn’t give him enough time. 

Then it was "no insurance." Then Flores abruptly ended the conversation.    

Flores later called KXAN and provided assurance that he would give the money back to Agueze in full, by 5 p.m. Friday. We'll let you know if that in fact happens.

KXAN also offered Flores another chance to be interviewed, but he declined.