Interlocking stone driveway, front entrance steps, walkways and garden wall
We recently had an interlocking stone driveway, front entrance steps, walkways and garden wall installed by Daimon and Terry, co-owners of Forest Hills Design Group. From the detailed written estimate (complete with photos and references from previous jobs) through a design incorporating both our ideas and theirs, to hands-on construction by the owners themselves (with 2 assistants), Daimon and Terry proved to be knowledgeable, competent and professional in all aspects of interlocking stone installation. They communicated clearly, listened closely to our ideas and answered all questions gladly. They are authorized Unilock contractors, and explained the importance of using proper base materials (which several contractors doing similar work at other homes on our street did not use) and quality stone. The finished result was beautiful! As part of their service, they filled the gardens with topsoil and seeded the lawn where it had been trampled during construction. They even kindly planted a large Japanese maple for us that we would have struggled with. When it came time to settle accounts, there were no surprises. Daimon and Terry honoured their estimate, and quoted reasonable prices as we went along for an additional walkway and 3 pillars that we asked for. Their work is guaranteed for 3 years. Forest Hills Design Group is not a large company; your project won't be done in one day by legions of workers swarming everywhere and making a big mess. But Daimon and Terry do a careful, meticulous job in a most professional, friendly way. We highly recommend them and their exceptional work!
- Approximate cost of services:
- $35,000.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- The Forest Hills Design Group web site is "barebones". Daimon and Terry might consider adding details and photos to attract customers who are searching online for interlocking stone contractors.
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Do your homework before hiring a contractor. Several neighbours gave big deposits to a competitor last fall and never saw him again. Other homeowners on our street went for the cheapest price and got contractors who cut corners, with inferior base materials and stone. Forest Hills Design did not take a deposit when we hired them; once work began, we paid in weekly installments, with a final installment when the work was completely done to everyone's satisfaction. Daimon explained the advantages of using "A" gravel in the base materials, instead of limestone screenings (which hold water instead of allowing it to drain). Many contractors use the screenings, as they're much cheaper.