Concrete work is acceptable, but expect cost overruns, manipulative tactics, and poor follow-through.
Rivera Concrete Paving's original $8,500 bid became $11,000 due to charges for issues I'd asked about during the estimate (roots, AC condenser, grading).
Cost overruns and manipulative sales tactics:
-$450 for root disposal: I told Magdiel upfront that there were roots in the area. He said that they have large equipment that can handle it - no mention of additional costs. Once he encountered 12" roots, he charged me $450 for disposal. This should have been disclosed as a potential cost during the estimate.
-$250 for a broken drainage pipes his crew hit during excavation
-$1,800 for grading that he said wasn't necessary during the initial quote
-They were unable to move my AC condenser despite my asking about this during the quote. I had to secure my own HVAC professional with no notice since the limitation wasn't communicated upfront.
Payment manipulation: Magdiel initially said I should pay "when I was happy with the result." At the end of day 2, he asked for half the money upfront so he could order the concrete. When he asked for final payment before all work was complete, I said "but everything isn't done" and he responded, "Don't you trust me?" He then failed to follow through on multiple promised services (detailed below).
The grading situation exemplifies the communication problems: Magdiel initially said grading wasn't necessary when I asked during the estimate. Once work began, he insisted we HAD to grade before pouring concrete because "the machines would damage it." Later, he contradicted himself by saying they could grade AFTER concrete in a way that wouldn't damage it. This manipulative approach secured my agreement when I had initially said "I'll worry about grading later."
Follow-through failures after payment:
-One section of walkway didn't cure properly. Magdiel acknowledged it would "probably need to be replaced" but has not communicated when or if this will happen.
-The $1,800 grading package included 3 months of landscaping services, but there has been no communication about when they'll return for follow-up care.
-The 2' space between my parking pad and fence was left full of debris (dirt, leaves, roots). I sent a photo the night before asking if they'd tidy it up, and Magdiel said yes, it would be part of the landscaping service. On landscaping day, I asked about it again. He said it's not their responsibility. When I reminded him he'd said he'd take care of it and that it looks terrible, he made excuses: removing the debris would make the ground too low against the fence, and besides, "organic material decomposes over time." In other words, I should just wait for it to remove itself.
Fence damage:
Our brand-new fence (installed 4 months prior) was significantly damaged during the concrete work. Magdiel attempted repairs but lacked the skill to restore it properly. After multiple difficult conversations, he agreed to pay $300 toward professional repair.
Magdiel is personable and works hard, but he's young with limited experience in managing customer expectations, conflict resolution, accurate project scoping, or follow-through on promised services. He dismisses potential cost issues during estimates, then adds charges once work has begun and you're committed. He makes promises to move past difficult moments, then makes excuses when called on them. He uses guilt and pressure tactics to secure payment before work is complete, then fails to follow through.
If you hire Rivera Concrete Paving: Get everything in writing with specific timelines. Explicitly ask about additional costs for issues you know about (roots, old systems, etc.). Document all promises and payment terms in text or email and take snapshots of his "estimate" since he will continue to update it rather than send a new one. Stand firm on agreed payment arrangements - do not pay in full until work is complete and you're satisfied. Be prepared to advocate for yourself and expect to chase him for follow-through on included services.