In the organization I currently work, every 6 months, we are given a review and a grade. 1 is "not cut into it" and 5 is "by far the most outstanding". For what Evergreen Landscape & Concrete and their crews have just completed in my back yard, I would simply rate them a "5" without too much thinking.
Our back yard project is basically to substitute the out-dated concrete with paving stones, reshape the planting area, build a porch for easy entry of dog, re-pipe, and to add path lights. We have been dreaming to have a new look of our messy back yard for years, and finally we decided to do it.
Before we contacted Evergreen Landscape & Concrete (abbre as ELAC), we have contacted and got quote from at least 3 contractors. We picked ELAC as our final choices for the following reasons:
1. Evidence: We have nearly zero knowledge on the landscaping thing, therefore we really need to see things in front of our eyes. A picture tells everything. Other contractors either fail to show any evidence that they can do the job, or some ill-taken photo which made us feel like a scene under investigation. Only ELAC showed sufficient photo, and more in their iPad. The quantity and quality and their website have convinced us that they can do the job.
2. Knowledge and Ideas: There's only ELAC and one other contractor have tried to provide us ideas. Others failed to do so. Since we only have a very rough picture and our thought might be impractical, we really need valuable input instead of "yes yes that's a good idea and I can surely do that, and your quote is...". ELAC crew provided us 3 options to start from and they are not pushing us to take any option (usually the most expensive). With 3 feasible solutions in front of us, we were able to make up our minds easily. The other contractor tried to push us hard for his own idea but didn't mention why this idea is better than the others, which turned us off a bit.
3. Attitude: We respect people who are professional and we expect people with true professionalism should respect their customers too. ELAC staffs always show up on time, and the communication with them is always pleasant, even during some negotiation. Some contractors didn't even show up and they just messaged me after an hour without a phone call which made me feel like dealing with a child. Some contractors treated us as we will never know while neglecting the fact that people will GOOGLE using their cell phone and they will know in front of you. ELAC has been very honest to us, before and after.
4. Time of business: That is why we didn't even consider those gave us very bargained quote, because they could take the money and run away since they don't give it a damn about their reputations. ELAC seems to have built up their fame.
We choose ELAC for the above reasoning. Their quote is probably the highest, but they gave us a feeling that this project will be a worry-free and it will worth every penny we pay - therefore we have selected them.
The outcome:
We love it, period. To be honest, the quality of work was way beyond my expectation. Simply look at the paving stones, you know they are really detailed, and they really want to impress their customers. The porch has successfully amazed us and we didn't expect they cut paving stones in that way to build that for us. After path light installation, our yard is glowing day and night now, we love our home better than ever now and we start to regret why didn't we ask ELAC to continue on our phase II project.
It will worth every penny you spend. read more