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About
We are a small landscape design and construction company. Whether the project is $2500 or $125,000, you will get the same exceptional service. Our small stature allows us to pay close attention to the details of your project!
Our clients deal directly with the owner from their first contact through the design and completion of the project. We take pride in our craftsmanship, communication, and overall transparency.
Most importantly, I feel very fortunate that we're invited to partner with our clients in creating beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces. Spaces that change lifestyles, strengthen relationships, and bring so much joy into the family dynamic.
Overview
Hired 23 times
Background checked
4 employees
22 years in business
Business hours
Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMon12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, and Square cash app.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2020
Services offered
Work needed
Pour new concrete for entire area
Replace existing concrete
Other
Concrete location
Patio or porch
Driveway
Foundation
Sidewalk
Property type
Residential
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Great 4.7
15 reviews
5
93%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
7%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Daniel D.
Sep 27, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
We have been looking to get some patio work done for two summers and had minimal luck with contractors before meeting James and working with OOL. James was exceptionally responsive, unlike any contractor I've ever worked with. He followed through with what he said he would do and on the timeline he predicted. When I had concerns about a particular aspect of the work or it didn't conform to what we'd planned, James was very accommodating and prompt in correcting the work. We were so pleased with the first installment of what he did (a stamped concrete patio), that we almost immediately contracted with him to do a Phase II which was even more extensive. We chose to upscale Phase ll even further by installing a gas fire pit and that was the only place where James' original estimate came in low and ended up costing more, but that was due to the subcontracting plumber's fees and James cleared it with me before moving ahead.
I highly recommend James and Only Outdoor Living and appreciate James' professionalism, work quality and customer service.
Details: Complete renovation of current landscape (e.g. replace soil, hardscape services) • Patio • Back yard • No, one-time project • Home
Outdoor Landscaping and Design
Jonathon S.
Aug 23, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I needed only outdoor living to complete stairs for my patio. Not only did they finish the steps which look amazing but the workers were willing to help me out with some of the other labor intensive things that I still needed to get done. I would recommend them to anyone that needs any landscaping done!!
Details: Complete renovation of current landscape (e.g. replace soil, hardscape services) • Patio • Back yard • No, one-time project • Home
Outdoor Landscaping and Design
Kassy M.
May 22, 2019
We were very pleased with Only Outdoor Living each step of the process. First, James created a patio/landscape design that complemented our home, and fit all the requests we had specified. The workmanship by James and his team was well done, down to each detail: mason work on fireplace, landscape, lighting, and even cleanup afterwards! James was very good about communicating with us about any changes that came up schedule, weather, or worksite related. We also appreciated their patience when we decided to add or change minor details. We highly recommend Only Outdoor Living, and absolutely love our extended living space.
Only Outdoor Living's reply
Thanks for the kind words Kassy! It was a pleasure working with you and David. I hope you enjoy many nights by the fireplace!
Suzy W.
Mar 6, 2018
My new patio is awesome! Only Outdoor Living exceeded expectations. I love that they left my lawn in better shape than when they started. Thanks!
Mark H.
Jul 9, 2019
•
Hired on Thumbtack
James and his guys did a wonderful job. The entire front of our home needed an extreme landscaping makeover and that's exactly what they provided. We are very happy with the "finished product" and they were courteous and professional. I would recommend Only Outdoor Living without reservation.
Details: Larger projects in current landscape (e.g. plant trees, install sprinkler) • No existing plans, but I have preferences • Remove trees or shrubs • Plant trees or shrubs • Apply mulch • Walkway • Less than 1,000 sq ft • Front yard • No, one-time project • Home
Only Outdoor Living's reply
Thank you Mark! We really appreciate your business. You and Mary were great to work for!
Outdoor Landscaping and Design
Credentials
Background Check
James Whittaker
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We pride ourselves in being a competitively priced design and construction firm. We'll not pretend to be the "cheap" guys. Frankly, if you're looking to get a project done for the lowest price, we'll probably not be a good fit for you. If you're looking for excellent craftsmanship at a fair price, then we should probably talk.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically we start with a brief phone conversation to answer some questions and get an understanding of the project. Lots of people send us a few pictures of the area in question, which helps us provide some more detailed information during that initial call. Ultimately, if it seems like a project we can help with, an on-site consultation is typically the next step. At that face-to-face meeting, we might discuss contracting a landscape design, or we may just try to give you a better understanding of the cost and scope of the project we are discussing. Regardless of the project in question, we will be forthright concerning the potential costs and work diligently to provide a solution that is both functional and beautiful.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My staff and I have over 30 years of experience designing and building custom outdoor living spaces from Traverse City, MI, down to Elkhart, IN. I have a BBA from Davenport University in Grand Rapids, MI. Furthermore, I have taken many landscape design courses at MSU in conjunction with the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association, and completed countless industry CEU's with the APLD, ICPI, PLANET, and the NASRW.
Mostly, I just really enjoy my work designing and building awesome landscapes! There is no other job I'd rather do...
