FAQs
- What types of customers have you worked with?
My favorite types of jobs are those that include water features. I really enjoy creating naturalistic waterfalls using natural stone boulders. I do quite a few of those. Patios made from pavers are quite popular. They look really nice and stand up well to years of use. Stamped, colored concrete is also very big. It's less costly than flagstone, but creates a similar look.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
One of my latest jobs that I just completed was a small yard in a new neighborhood. The clients wanted a peaceful yard with a unique central focus. They originally thought they wanted a pot fountain as the focus, but I sent them to a recent job I had completed with a waterfall with an underground pool so that the water just quietly bubbles down over the rocks. They decided to go with that and they loved the result. I actually have a video of that job on my website on the video blog that I've begun.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Make sure that the person is a licensed contractor. Ask for their license number and check them on the web. Also find out how much experience they have and look at some of their previous work. Many times I have been called in to repair the work of someone who has done the job improperly due to not being licensed or experienced. For example, I recently replaced a barbecue island counter because the support was not done properly and the whole thing had to be replaced. This ends up costing the customer much more time and frustration. Be cautious of the lowest quote. If an estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is. When I give a quote to a client, I try to be as realistic as possible. I don't want to give a lowball quote just to get the job, then have to go back to the customer and add in other fees that were not in my original estimate. You really need to know what you are getting for the fees you are paying. It should be in writing.