After enduring three absolutely horrific experiences with contractors for our interior remodel, we were pretty scarred and justifiably hesitant when the time came to do our exterior remodel. We didn't want to end up in another situation like any of the ones we'd already gone through, and almost decided that it just wasn't worth it to go through all the torture again. We could live with our decaying wall and dirt yard, right? I mean, who really needs to go outside anyway? (I know it sounds dramatic, but if you've dealt with bad or crooked contractors, you understand.)
Then we met Tulio from Atlas Pools. Tulio was a Godsend. He exuded warmth, knowledge, experience, professionalism, honesty, and trustworthiness (And again, if you've dealt with contractors, you know how rare this is). We spoke with him at length, discussed the project in depth, and saw an example of his work in person -- a gorgeous, refreshing backyard oasis in the canyons of Coto de Caza -- and finally decided to give it one last shot.
Well, let's just say that he blew us away. His crew came out and just went to work. No 50,000 questions, no complaining, no tired excuses... I've had the unfortunate luck of having to deal with many construction crews, and Atlas Pools' crew's work ethic just put them all to shame. The whole process was completely painless. The workers were on time every morning, worked hard every single day, and got things done. I would get exhausted just watching them. None of the typical slow-moving workers that stand around and watch each other take turns at hammering in a nail over here (probably the most frustrating thing to watch, Ever). The usual headaches that come with any project - going over-budget or taking twice as long - didn't happen this time. We realized they were so good, we didn't even need to watch over them. Let me put it this way: we even left on a 3-week trip to Argentina while we were in the middle of construction because we came to trust them so much to do things properly that we didn't feel the need to be there. Now That's crazy (especially for an ever-so-slightly controlling person like myself :)). And a great little bonus was that they were all always, always so cheerful - we even had a couple neighbors comment on the fact that our workers were so delightfully different - always smiling and joking with each other without it detracting from their work and their ability to effectively complete tasks on time.
Tulio came by diligently every single day to check on the progress for the whole 3+ months it took to complete (it was a big job). And he was always enthusiastic, polite, and a pleasure to work with. Not only did Atlas Pools do what the plans called for, but they did it magnificently, and even suggested little changes here and there that would improve the outcome both functionally and aesthetically (which is another thing I truly appreciate, because working with bad contractors, you'll soon learn that if the plans accidentally say to put a window on upside-down, they'll put that window on upside-down without giving it a second thought). These guys truly take pride in their work, and it shows in the results you get.
We were so ecstatic with the work they did on the backyard that we asked them to stay and do our front yard as well, which wasn't in our plans for another year or so. They completely demo'ed the entire front yard, including driveway and steps, and built an absolute masterpiece to match the stunning new backyard.
In the end, Atlas Pools built the following things for us: demo and rebuild a 50-foot long retaining wall on a hill plus two side walls and veneer the whole thing in brick, regrade the back and front yard, 16-foot outdoor kitchen, sun deck, triple waterfall with basin, over 2000 sq. ft. of hardscaping with flagstone, custom firepit, covered patio, several planters, side yard walkways, demo and reform steps to house, grand entry to house, demo and redo driveway, plus they did all the drainage, electrical... and a whole slew of other things I don't fully understand.
Atlas Pool's work is top notch. Tulio makes sure of it. His work ethic is honest, consistent, and transparent. He is everything you want in a contractor, and more. I can't recommend him enough (and I do to everyone I know). I'm going to upload pictures so you call all see what I'm talking about! :) read more