A: I do not know what you mean by "a dusting and grit problem." Could you please give me more details -- is the concrete flaking or what? I can try to find a contractor to comment about your problem once I understand it better.

As far as making the builder do something, does your state have a contractor's licensing board? Check www.contractors-license.org to see what is available in your state. If so, could you file a complaint with them and have them send an outside expert to come evaluate your problem and determine if it was installed improperly? If you have such an authority that could influence your builder to correct a problem under threat of a fine or even losing their license and the right to do business, that would be the best way to handle it. Of course, they could determine that the builder is not responsible, but at least you'll know your rights and can move on to correct the situation yourself.

If that is not available to you, perhaps you could file a complaint with your local Better Business Bureau. You may have to pay an independent contractor to come write a report for you. There is no way to be sure your builder would honor their recommendations, but in my experience, companies that value their reputations will usually do what they can within reason to satisfy unhappy customers and keep their records clean.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com