What a great experience! First was the estimate - which consisted of a methodical walk-through of the areas to be paved. Albert has a great eye and asked very thoughtful, insightful questions. We had old pavers that needed replacing, and new areas that were challenging. The old pavers actually directed water towards the foundation of the house, and the new ones were in an area where drainage is a challenge. Prior to paving, we'd had a sump pump installed in the backyard to help mitigate some of those issues, and there is an entire line of drains that run the length of the back patio that needed pavers around them, but done so with an eye for making sure everything drains where it needs to go. Albert 'got it' - all of it. He looked around and noticed every area of concern without prompting. This was the only company we received a bid from that wasn't trying to do the fastest, cheapest job. We didn't just want to slap new pavers over some dirt, we were looking for considerable re-grading, and a new installation that wouldn't quickly grow to look like the old one. That said, the estimate was only slightly more than the competition. The estimate itself was the most professional one I've ever seen, and we've remodeled 3 houses. I sincerely appreciate how detailed and thorough it was.
Albert also quickly grasped the aesthetic we were looking for and had some nice suggestions for which pavers we might like, as well as alternatives when our first choice was out of stock. Scheduling worked out great. The crew showed up promptly, and before anything started, Albert walked through the site with me and confirmed everything that was happening. No surprises for anyone - I think that might be a first. After the walk-through work started, and lasted the exact amount of time we were told. The whole crew worked together like a well-oiled machine. Delivery of materials was smooth, removal of materials was smooth, and these guys are really organized in their approach. The crew removed a lot of extra dirt, dug out some gnarly old tree roots, and dug a bunch of old gravel out from around our pool area without getting the pool full of rocks or dirt. There was some irrigation line added, and some unexpected mysteries solved with some old irrigation line. All discoveries were taken in stride, and the end configuration is a massive improvement. They are impressive on every level. The pavers that they cut around the drains and the sump basin are a bona fide work of art. That took a lot of craftsmanship.
The results were everything I could have hoped for. The place looks amazing! However, even better - we've just had days of rain, and all the water is not settled by the foundation or pooled in the backyard. Everything is draining where it's supposed to go, and it looks great in addition to functioning perfectly!
I cannot recommend this company highly enough. When we are ready to do the front, I know exactly who we will be calling.