Summary: I highly recommend working with Fobras Landscaping Company, and believe that you should too. Fobras provided a great mix of affordability, integrity, know-how, speed, and flexibility.
Context: I had been planning to renovate my concrete slab patio (approx 500 sqft.) and front walkway for the past 2 years as a result of having our primary shade tree die. Once the tree was removed the patio was unsightly and very hot due to its western facing orientation.
I went online and researched several layout ideas to put together a "mood board" that would guide the overall direction. After I was satisfied with the overall direction I began to reach out to hardscape contractors for quotes.
I contacted no less than 6 different companies to come and take a look at my project. I wanted multiple quotes and for a project this size because due diligence is critical to getting the results you want. I had 2 contractors come to do the evaluation but then ghosted afterward. 1 contractor was upset that I was fielding multiple quotes. 1 contractor gave a quote that was a full 40% more than any other quote I received (I call that a F.U. quote).
As tedious and time-consuming as multi quoting was, it was probably the best thing I could have done. In the process of vetting multiple contractors, I learned a lot about the methods of construction, materials used, and potential areas of concern.
Enter Fobras. I worked with Jose Hernandez who was my project manager/salesperson. He came to the house and did an evaluation with my wife and me. He showed us examples of previous work and outlined materials and procedures. Based on my research he was addressing all of the critical points of the project. Jose was responsive and friendly and seemed genuinely interested in the project. We negotiated a total project cost that seemed fair and reasonable to both sides. After a small deposit ($300), the crew was at my home 2 weeks later to begin the construction.
Construction took about 4 days, and it was a loud, dusty affair. The Banda music started promptly at 9am and the gas-powered cut-off saws started shortly thereafter. That's just the nature of modern construction, but the crew was always on time and diligently working throughout the day.
One complication was that I wanted a cedar pergola built to make up for the lost shade tree. This is not a core capability for Forbras, but Mr. Forbras himself oversaw that portion of the project and pulled in a special carpentry contractor to complete the task. He really went above and beyond on this stage of the project. He personally went with me to Menards to help with material acquisition after I initially gave the wrong dimensions. He didn't fuss and groan, just reassured me that everything would be ok. He's a professional that actually understands the service part of customer service.
When construction was complete they power washed everything down, re-seeded and topsoil over damaged areas of grass, and reminded me of the 5-year warranty I have on the patio.
I am pleased with Fobras Landscaping and would certainly recommend them for your hardscape needs.
Special thanks to everyone involved. I could not have done it without you.
-Glen read more