We hired A Perfect Image, LLC (API, LLC) through Robert for a ground leveling, soil, and grass seed…read morejob quoted at $3,000. I gave the initial money directly to the company. After a $2,000 payment, we were charged an extra $3,500 for soil, bringing the total paid to $5,500. The owner brought in an associate to take over the project, claiming they miscalculated the needs by 100 cubic yards. We are now facing demands for an additional $2,200, bringing the total demand to $7,700 for a job originally locked in at $3,000. Once the money changed hands, the business completely checked out and refused to remain involved. The final results left behind are completely unacceptable and require a costly overhaul to fix. The grading is entirely wrong, causing water to pool directly toward the house foundation instead of draining safely. Furthermore, instead of the permanent lawn seed promised in our quote, cheap rye seed was planted. Throughout this process, there has been an absolute lack of accountability and highly unprofessional behavior on our property. Our agreement and initial payments were directly with this company, yet the owner refused to oversee the project or honor the quote, abandoning us to deal with his associate demanding more money.
Homeowners, protect yourselves before hiring: Never give a down payment up front. Get absolutely everything in writing, including the exact total price, specific soil amounts, drainage requirements, and precise seed types. Make sure the entity you pay is the one doing the actual work. Demand proof of insurance and call the provider directly to confirm the policy is active before work begins and what it covers. Don't pay anything unless the job is 100% complete and satisfactory. We do not recommend this business.