Accent Landscapes

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Roger has a GREAT independent consulting landscape designer (Aimee) who does some of his designs. She did a great job. Quality of design: EXCELLENT. <br /> <br /> Sadly, the remainder of our experience was so challenging that we pulled out without signing the install contract ($41,000 worth of work.) My hope is that this review will enable others to take advantage of Roger's team without encountering the "bumps in the road" that led us to call a halt. <br /> <br /> The key to working well with Roger at this point in time** is to ensure, much more than with other contractors, you have great clarity of expectations and minimized assumptions. We went into the process assuming his team worked like others we've engaged over the years... and the result was quite painful. <br /> <br /> A few things we did not know, and were not communicated to us up front.** <br /> <br /> 1) Accent works best and most easily with clients for whom Quality and Timeframe is far more important than Cost. Not that anyone wants to waste money of course, but some are more on the end of "Here's the keys, please take care of it" while others are more "We have a dream; how can we make it fit our budget." <br /> <br /> Accent's perspective: they help you create your dream design, then help you fulfill it during installation. To do so they do their work and select their materials in a certain way with a certain cost. At this point** they have very little flexibility to vary from their "normal" choices. We did not know this up front, to our detriment. <br /> <br /> 2) Accent can prioritize a client in their schedule, if a 100% solid commitment for the install is made even before knowing the cost. Be sure you're clear with them on what YOU need before you can finalize your commitment to go ahead with the install. In our case, for example, we feel compelled to get at least two estimates for any major work. Due to the lack of prior mutual agreement on these things, there was quite a lot of pain. We felt great pressure to simply accept everything without question, in order to get even the design completed. <br /> <br /> 3) Accent is currently** unable to provide any cost breakdowns of an install estimate. Nor can they provide tradeoffs allowing you to come close to your dream design without breaking the bank. We didn't know this up front, and they weren't particularly forthcoming about it (after all, I've never seen a contractor that has this limitation!) The result: we received a single cost estimate for the install, with no ability to adjust it in any way. <br /> <br /> Ultimately, in our case the $41,000 estimate was beyond our budget. We had to make a hard decision: take it or leave it. No other option available. GREATLY saddened, because we like Roger, and really really wanted to be able to work with him to finish what he had started... We left it. <br /> <br /> For ourselves, we quickly found another contractor who worked with us to fulfill the design concept at a price we could afford. <br /> <br /> As for Accent, this was a very sad experience. I offered to work with Roger to get past their lack of good communication and rigid stance toward clients. Several months later, I did hear back... we've spent time working it through. <br /> <br /> **I believe he has heard my concerns now and is working through what it will take to change their practices, both in terms of personal interaction, up-front communication, as well as modifying their back-end systems so they have at least some understanding of their own cost breakdowns and tradeoffs, let alone providing a bit of project cost breakdown and potential alternatives to clients. <br /> <br /> My recommendation: DO use this company if (a) you are confident you will like their design; (b) cost is a lower priority than quality; (c) you want to have a high end, high quality landscape designed and installed with little or no decisionmaking on your part. <br /> <br /> And by all means, take the time up front to ensure there's solid mutual understanding of expectations and processes.

They had to remove an enormous large fish pond that was leaking. They did the work within the time frame they said they would. It took less than 2 weeks. We still use the fire pit all the time.

The end product was better than we expected. The crew did not shortcut anything. They took their time and did everything perfectly. Roger and his crew were all professional and from the point of calling Accent Landscapes to ask for a quote to the completion of the project, we had a great customer service experience. To be fair about the price, we didn't really compare Accent to many other landscapers. We had such a good experience from the attentiveness to detail and professionalism of Roger at the very first meeting that we were more than happy to give them our business. They had also originally installed the landscaping for this house (we weren't the original owners) and it looks great. We've heard horror stories of different landscaping projects from our neighbors so we were thrilled to have such great customer service from the start. And throughout the project, the crew took the time to do things to right. All the sprinkler heads were moved and tested to make sure no lines were broken. The two men working on the flagstone wall chiseled every single piece to fit perfectly instead of going quickly through it and filling the gaps with the mortar/cement. They even went an extra step to fill the mulch in around the new patio and walkway, which we didn't even have to ask for (but they checked first with us of course). <br /> <br /> The quality of the work, attentiveness to customer service, and professionalism is why we definitely will use them again.

Through much research and interviewing of landscape contractors found Accent Landscaping and Roger Haywood. I was delighted that he is an educated landscape contractor. His designs exceeded expectations. His crews were outstanding. The project was completed on time and on budget. <br /> <br /> His commitment to follow-up on his guarantee and plant warranty is commendable.

Accent was one of 5 companies I asked to bid the job. The bid was competitive but not the lowest. Their attention to detail in the design plans was extraordinary. When I selected them we worked out the coordination of the work and any changes to the original plan. All of his workers were industrious, hard working and knowledgeable of the job. Each worker had his own job to do and did it without much prompting. The job was finished on time and in budget even with a number of changes. I have never regretted a day that I picked Accent and would do it again. <br /> <br /> At the end of each day a complete clean up was done which I'm sure my neighbors appreciated.

Having known Accent Landscapes for several years on a personal and professional level, I would have to say they are the best landscaping company in Colorado Springs. They were timely, courteous and all work was done in a most professional manner. The quality of materials was outstanding and the crew was hardworking - they made sure my wife and I were completely satisfied with everything and we especially liked their warranty offered at no extra cost to us. We would highly recommend them and would rate them AAA+++

prompt courteous and helpful. When the watering system needed to be turned on in the spring we were out of town and Accent was extremely helpful. I would recommend them to anyone needing landscaping services.

Very Good.

Met with the owner to describe our wishes. He made a number of suggestions that supported what we had wanted. He produced a Computer Aided Drawing of his design. We made some changes to that design and authorized him to proceed. His crew were on time and worked very hard. He had a supervisor available on site most days and the job went incredibly smooth. There we a number of changes that we made as the job progressed and they handled on the spot with no delays or problems. The result is a beautiful yard, front and back, and a very happy and satisfied customer. I have recommended him to anyone who has listened and will continue to do so.