May 2013: We have contracted with Walter of Fine Patio Design for a fairly large project that will include stamped concrete patio, pergola, outdoor kitchen, and covered patio with conversion of an upstairs window to double French doors. Walter came to our home several times to discuss the project details and show us a 3D model of the project, which provided a good visual of what the end result will look like. Our project will begin very promptly as promised. We are looking forward to enjoying the outdoors in our own backyard, as well as having some shade before the heat of the summer.
I will continue to provide updates on our project.
June: Some of the sub-contractors were great, such as the older gentleman that took care of the stamped concrete patio and the older gentleman that handled the stucco work and the gentleman that handled the island kitchen installation; however, the crew that handled all else were your typical C players (Mota was the name of that company) whose quality of work was just not up to par. (Suggestion: ask them for their contact info in case you need any touch-ups in the future).
The project was completed a few weeks later than promised; however, most of the delay was due to the weather. No problem there.
July: The wrought iron enclosing the upstairs balcony has a nice overall look: however, it was a pain dealing with the leader of the subcontracting company who took shortcuts every chance he could. He wasn't going to sand the rust off and simply apply paint and without any base. It's a good thing my husband was home to catch that and point that out. We asked him how many paint coats he was going to use and he said 1 and that if we wanted more, we could arrange for that for a cost. When I asked Walter, he said 2 paint coats and then I told him what his guy was attempting to do. Walter said he'd take care of that issue. The guy was obviously upset about having to start over and still did a sloppy job. We noticed he used a paint brush only and there are rust areas that are coming through and one of the end caps was not welded on correctly and has popped off. Upsetting! There were other minor details that were not satisfactory: e.g. door hinges are gold when we had requested that all hardware match our existing hardware - still waiting on that to be corrected, the guy that came to complete the sheet rock and paint around the French doors was going to close the area without placing any insulation. My husband caught that too and had to say something and then reluctantly went to Lowes to purchase insulation but came back with a spray can that wasn't enough insulation. My husband went into the attic to get some insulation to give to the guy to use - ridiculous. We know that no project goes without minor issues and we would have had more issues had we not been there around the clock to watch what was going on and question them.
2014: Another company just shook their head at the poor job of the balcony railing and we were quoted $800 to repair it.
2016: Be sure to inquire about the actual material used for all of your projects to have a better idea of durability. Yes, all of their work initially looks beautiful but it doesn't all last. The columns used for our pergola are rusted from not being properly sealed and will now have to be removed and redone. read more