Knoxville Residents Scammed by Out-of-State Driveway Paving Company

Knoxville Families Fall Victim to Driveway Paving Scam

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It’s a familiar scene in many neighborhoods—workers going door to door, offering home improvement services that seem too good to pass up. But for some families in South Knoxville, what started as a promise for a shiny new driveway quickly turned into a frustrating experience. The culprit? An out-of-state paving business known as Paving Solutions.

Residents have reported that this company, operating mainly out of South Carolina, has been making rounds in East Tennessee, showcasing a convincing pitch that includes a great deal on driveway paving. Joe Terry, one of the affected homeowners, described how the company approached him in May 2023. “They were working down the street, stopped by and said they could do this for me,” Terry recalls. He signed a contract for $10,000, expecting a beautiful driveway laid with hot liquid asphalt and stone chips, a method known to create a smooth and polished finish. Unfortunately, that was not how things turned out.

A Disappointing Reality

Despite the initial excitement, Joe’s experience quickly soured when he attempted to contact the company to address his concerns. After using the driveway for some time, he realized that the work was not as promised. “I would just as soon get my money back,” he shared, expressing his deep disappointment.

Another local resident, Ruby Jones, also fell for the same scheme. When she had her driveway installed in May 2024 by Paving Solutions, she was hopeful. But soon enough, she noticed something was wrong. “It’s got ruts all in it. The first rain that came, ruts were in it,” Jones emphasized. The unfulfilled expectations left her frustrated, as the driveway she imagined turned out to be filled with deep ruts, not the smooth surface she expected.

Her neighbor, Humberto Gonzalez, also hired the same company, only to find that his driveway suffered the same fate. “The gravel is going down to the street with the rain. Right here, you can see the dirt. There is no gravel, everything is washed out,” he lamented, showing the havoc caused by the heavy rainfall on his driveway.

Disappearing Act

Sadly, attempts to reach the paving company have been met with silence for Jones and Gonzalez. After trying to get answers multiple times, Jones shared, “I have even *67 it and they don’t answer. Now, they have cut their voicemail off.” It’s clear that responsiveness is not part of the service they purchased.

The experience has left many in the community feeling wary of future contractors. There’s a clear warning here—out-of-state businesses often come to the area during warmer months, typically leaving behind dissatisfied customers and unfulfilled contracts.

Legal Actions and Community Caution

In response to the lack of accountability from Paving Solutions, Joe Terry is taking a stand. He has filed a civil lawsuit against the company in Knox County Court, believing it’s important to hold them accountable for their actions. Meanwhile, Derrick Carroll, a representative from Paving Solutions, has not been forthcoming with answers regarding when or if they will return to fulfill their promises. “I’ve given them every opportunity to get it fixed,” Terry stated, showing his frustration with the situation.

Stay Vigilant

As this story unfolds, it serves as an important reminder for homeowners looking to renovate their properties: be cautious of contractors that come from out of state. Dealing with local contractors not only fosters better accountability but also offers peace of mind. If it sounds too good to be true, it might just be.

In the end, what these families wanted was simple—honorable workmanship and a driveway that stands the test of time. Instead, they were met with heartache and disappointment. The hope now is that others in the community will take note and protect themselves from falling into a similar trap in the future.


Author: HERE Knoxville

HERE Knoxville

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