Apollo Pavers

If you have infinite patience these guys do a nice job. They do not communicate well – they do not answer telephones (calls always go to voicemail and they rarely call back) – they do not respond to emails except very sporadically. I had them do 3 walls last year, each 3 feet tall and about 60 feet long. It took quite a bit longer than they said it would – blamed weather. OK I can understand that but how hard would it have been to dash off an email or a text or even a phone call each day to tell me whether they'd be showing up or not? I needed to know whether to stay home and wait to let them into the yard or to close the gates and go about my life. It's now a year later and I noticed a loose stone on one wall and that there is a washout situation happening with another. I called to ask to have someone come look at the situation, thinking the 5 year warranty would at least take care of the loose stone. If the warranty did not cover whatever changes need to be made to correct the washout I wanted a quote to do make the changes. So I emailed the company and received a response from “Carmen” asking me to send pictures of the two problem areas. I sent pictures and she replied that “soon” someone would come make repairs, said the pictures were enough and no one needed to come over and inspect. That was February 21st. It is now April 5th. The only communication I've received since then was the one where Carmen stated that no one needed to come look, they would just show up and do the repairs. That was a response to an email I sent on March 10th, asking if any progress was being made. Since then I have received no response to emails or telephone calls. I did send the latest inquiry to Jose as well as to Carmen and have received no response from him either. I suppose the next step is to drive over to the office and see if anyone is still there. I find the situation rather sad – their workers did a really nice job for a very reasonable price and I would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone who needed this kind of work done except for the fact that they are terrible at communicating. The frustration of being unable to get any kind of response out of them makes the whole experience a negative one. I will not use them again and will not recommend them to anyone.

The work was good, but supervision was terrible. Everyone spoke Spanish. So, I wanted a supervisor to check on the work, but it had to be someone that spoke Spanish. Even though they had the plan they made a mistake. My husband looked up how to tell them to stop in Spanish. We finally got the supervisor out there and that got corrected. They had taken out more of the juniper than I had requested. He came back out, the supervisor, and said just ask and we will get it for you. We did and it's been a year and it has never happened. We have reddish cinders and juniper. The cinders had debris from the demo which covered up the cinders next to the walk. We thought it was just in the process but that was never dealt with. I didn't tell him that because I didn't want to spend all the time following up with this guy. Frankly, other people love our yard and it looks great now but I wouldn't recommend them. We got a call from the subcontractor regarding payment. That was eventually taken care of but it was a bit of a pain.

The work started on 9/3/2015. They would make appointments and not show up.  They would show up for a while and then I wouldn't see them for a week. That occurred throughout the job. They would only work on my job for a couple of days at a time. I had to keep calling them to get them to come out. On 9/28, I called them at around 11 as they were supposed to be here that morning with a full crew. They ended up sending out a skeleton crew. Their foreman quit in the middle of the job. The second foreman was unavailable 90% of time I would try to reach him. The owner eventually came out. They tied the drain on my deck into the drain in my front yard. This ended up overloading the drain in my front yard. Their trucks leaked oil on my driveway. After the job was done the project manager said that he would send someone out to clean up the oil. No one has ever shown up. They're overbooked. Be prepared to have an unnecessarily drawn out project. They finished on 10/21/2015. They're due to come back in January to put more joint sand around the pavers.

Our experience with Apollo Pavers was exceptional.  We contacted four different paver companies, and Apollo was the only company to create a professional design up front.  Paola, Apollo's design architect, even revised our design (complete with CAD drawing) at no charge before a contract was signed.  Her design was beautiful, and incorporated all of our original ideas plus some thoughts of her own.  The contract itself was very detailed and professional, and clearly spelled out every phase of the project. <br /> Everyone in the company was very pleasant to deal with, and patiently answered all of our questions, both up front and throughout the project.  The work proceeded without delay, and there were no surprises.  The workers were all friendly and courteous, and worked extremely hard.  Apollo promptly replaced the sod in the front yard which was damaged during the project, as was promised in the beginning. <br /> The final outcome of the project exceeded our expectations, and is beautiful.  Everyone who has seen our backyard has been very impressed.  We would recommend Apollo Pavers without hesitation. <br />

<p>Our experience with Apollo Pavers was horrible. I'm not sure how they have gotten any positive reviews at all; maybe if the contract is for pavers only. If you're doing anything beyond pavers, avoid Apollo at all cost!! They may seem like the lower cost however that low cost comes with complete incompetence, unreliability and no project management/communication. Be prepared to dedicate the entire time spam of the project micromanaging them. Our ~"2 month" project started early Feb and we didn't get the BBQ installed until July 3rd. 5+ months later we're still struggling with them as 2 of the 5 trees they planted have died. They were supposed to come replace per the warranty but they didn't show up on the day they said they would and have not answered our multiple emails. </p> <p>They will tell you they can do whatever it is you want. Then I am told the DAY OF that one of the items we wanted they couldn't do so I had to scramble to find a different contractor, despite that we had provided many many pictures of what we wanted. They do not measure accurately or read measurements. The BBQ was built too close to the pool such that it was a liability that someone would fall in the pool. My eyeball could tell me that it was inaccurately placed let alone the true measurements, so also there was a lack of common sense. After tearing down and rebuilding the BBQ, all of the openings for the BBQ equipment were measured wrong. And we identified it because we double checked their measurements. A project manager should be double checking the work AT LEAST once a week. We provided the specs up front prior to purchasing the BBQ equipment before anything had even been started, we provided the instructions that came with the BBQ stuff in English and Spanish. We provided the boxes they came in that clearly spell out the cut out dimensions. Yet all were incorrectly cut and had to be redone but the concrete wasn't smoothed seamless so now we have a bunch of very visible seems highlighting where their mistakes were.</p> <p>Frequently they would not show up when they said they would. When we identified issues, we would try and contact the project manager Jesus but he would not respond. We were trying to save them money and the project time by identifying the issues early on but they wouldn't respond such that we had to lock our backyard until they finally got someone out. There was absolutely no communication during the entire project. We had done a lot of initial research initially and went over in detail and provided pictures with the project manager but clearly nothing was noted or remembered. Of course, to make the sale there was over the top assurance that they could do everything and it was not a problem. There was no attention to detail. They don't clean up, eg they tape something off but then don't remove the tape. There is always garbage in the backyard There were gaps in the fireplace façade so you could see the old chimney. They put one color of stucco on the BBQ and then dinged it all up doing other things, then patched it with a different color. It was always an argument about why they didn't make a mistake when it was so clear.</p> <p>I will say the owner Jose was very nice and once he realized how much his project manager and team had completely botched the project, he would only send his best guy over to work on our yard. But the damage had been done by then unfortunately.</p> <p>Nutshell, pay the extra $ to have your project done correctly. We ended up paying them ~$30K for such a disaster of a project so I would have gladly paid another $10K to avoid the constant hassle and to end up with a backyard done correctly.</p> <br />

They were an outstanding company to deal with.  We love our paved yard.  The job was done efficiently and the company was great to deal with.  They helped us with the design and willingly modified it when we requested.  The price was best we found after getting 5 different estimates. <br />

The whole crew from the workers to the owner were extremely helpful and provided a professional atmosphere resulting in a very happy customer. The workers showed up when expected, worked hard through the day and their workmanship was excellent, they took pride in the work they performed. Jesus was responsive to our needs and ensured things were done exactly as requested, provided recommendations and was patient when we made mid-stream changes. They started and finished the job on time as promised. Our backyard is absolutely beautiful and we couldn't be happier. I plan to hire them again for our front yard remodel. <br />

We felt we received a very fair price, particularly with the 25% discount that was available at the time we contacted Apollo. We visited Apollo's studio and were able to select from a wide variety of pavers and manufacturers.  We also appreciated the advice we received from the office staff there.  Apollo Owner Jose Cuellar and Jesus (the project manager) personally reviewed the daily work to assure it was done properly.  They also were very informative when we asked them for advice on certain issues, for instance, which sealer to use.  The work was done by very conscientious demolition and paver installation crews.  Demolition can be noisy and dusty, but the crew told us what to expect each day and carefully cleaned up the work site at the end of the day.  The paver installation crew was very professional and very attentive to detail - we ended up with a beautiful job. <br />

Read many reviews on Apollo Pavers and decided to contract with them.  Jesus came out first and listened to what we wanted our back yard to look like.  He carefully measured everything and said he would put together a design for us.  About a week later, we met with Jesus and Paula at their sales office.  They had put together a great 3-D design and went over it with us on a large tv screen in the office.  We made a couple of changes and returned a few days later to review the plan. Originally, because of limited finances, we had intended to do our rear yard in two phases with a quote for each phase, but Apollo has a finance company that they work with that offers12 month no interest financing on approved credit.  With this option available, we decided to do both phases.  After meeting with Jesus and fine tuning our paver design, we met with Jaime who is their landscape designer.  Jaime listened to what we wanted and incorporated a beautiful landscape.  They said 3 weeks to complete the pavers and 1 week more for the landscape.  Their workers had minimal supervision, but were hardworking, polite and did exactly what was on the design plan.  They finished the job on time and it looks beautiful.  Everything was done correctly and professionally.  They didn't try to cut any corners and they did everything exactly that they said they would.  Brie, the owner's daughter, is the office manager and was always available to assist in any concerns or questions we had.  Since many of their workers speak limited english, Jaime the landscape designer, became our "go to guy" whenever we needed something and he was always very helpful.  Apollo Pavers and Landscape prices are better than any other reputable company in the San Diego area and their work is great. <br />

Over all the job was good.  I did not think the pavers were properly cleaned before sealing was done.  There were several spots of gray residue and one rust stain that we do not know how they got on the patio, but were not removed before the seal was sprayed. I do not think they were there prior to the pavers being washed. No supervisor came to the sight after the initial bid, until time to collect payment, which was too late to have the spots removed. <br />

After a free design for the back yard, I selected Apollo for their reasonable price compared to another company. They did the job very quickly in spite of rain delays. They had different crews for different jobs. One crew took out the turf, front and back yards and filled in the base. Another crew installed the pavers in the back yard after adding sand and compacting the area, A third crew installed the artificial grass. Another person was assigned to finish cleaning up the area. it looks great.

It is supposed to be a one month job but ended up dragging on to three months.   In the beginning,  there was delay of ordering materials but mostly because of my out of town trips.   Anyway,  it finally is finished and it is beautiful.   I am so proud of my new pavers circular driveway,  pool deck, driveway in front of the garage and a walkway to the private lake in the backyard.   <br />          Jose,  the owner, and the supervisors,  Jesus,  are very responsive and the workers are excellent.  They came back today to fix the ponding from three of the drainages from the first rain after the installation of pavers.     <br />          I am glad to hear that they got a job from my neighbors down the street.   Happy for them! <br /> This is an update to a review that was submitted about work done in 2014: After a $53,000+ job finished in early 2014 by Apollo Pavers, the tiny drainage installed on our driveway could not handle the first El Nino rain in 2016. My garage was flooded. I sent them photos and asked them to come back to fix it. The workers raised a small portion of pavers in front of the garage where the worst flooding occurred. The following raining stopped in front of the garage. I am afraid it won't be able to handle the next El Nino and offered them to come back to install a bigger drainage or more drainages and am willing to pay them a fair amount of expenses even it should have been designed and done properly in the beginning. They have ignored my repeated emails and phone calls and have not resolved our drainage issue as of today. If they decide to respond and resolve it, I will update this review then.

This is a family business with no subcontractors. Really, really nice people. During the job not one worker or manager ever turned down a request or was anything but pleasant to me--and I'm pretty fussy. One of the crew offered me part of his lunch--I'm not kidding--when I mentioned that his tacos looked good. That's the kind of people they are. (BTW I didn't take that taco). <br /> The job looks great and the neighbors agree. I thought the price was fair, but truthfully I didn't  get an apples to apples comparison. We did have another estimator from System Pavers come out, but he was so bad we immediately terminated contact with them. They would never have given us a straight answer so we could compare them to Apollo. Apollo was fair and straight forward about pricing and schedules and they lived up to all promises. The pavers were $9/sq ft and the wall about $70 per linear foot (a premium wall and cap.) At the end of the job I asked about sealer. That added about $500 (seemed high, but I don't know.) <br /> Remember that this is really dirty, noisy, disruptive work, and my only complaint is that they didn't prepare me for the dust. Looking back I would have tightly covered everything in the garage with plastic. Dust outdoors can't be contained no matter who does the work, so if you are having this done, warn the neighbors to keep windows and doors shut tight. <br />

We initially met with Account Rep, Jesus Herrera, to discuss the work.  At the time, we were considering two projects (front and rear) and Jesus happily provided separate estimates for each. Pricing was competitive compared to other bids, including one from a company we had used to install our patio a year and a half ago. We decided to proceed with the larger, rear project and delay the front project for a future date. <br /> Once we accepted the bid, a start date was set that met our needs. On day one, Jesus arrived with the crew and personally laid out the job (serpentine walk) During the two days it took to complete the job the foreman and crew were very courteous and professional, keeping the areas adjacent to the work site neat and clean. They were able to blend the new construction with the existing patio and the finished product far exceeded our expectations. <br /> We would recommend Apollo to anyone considering a paver project. <br />

The whole project went beautifully from start to finish! They started every morning at 8:00 and worked every day until the job was done. ALL of the employees (the owner, designer, receptionist, Construction Manager, & craftsmen) were so nice, competent, and pleasant to work with.  <br /> We have hired many contractors (landscapers, painters, roofers, irrigation workers, plumbers etc.) to work on various projects at our house over the years and <strong>Apollo Pavers is the best!</strong>  They were on time, organized, competitively priced and installed a beautiful patio with Belgard Pavers!  I would highly recommend them and if we do any walkways or the driveway in the future, we will use them!  We are so happy and everyone that has seen our patio loves it! <br />

Apollo produced a product that far exceeded our expectations.  From day one, the crew was at the property at 8 am and worked through until 4:30 or 5:00.  Had anywhere from 1 to 5 workers at any one time.  During the three week demo and reconstruction, the crew also worked two of the Saturdays.  This was all during record heat and humidity conditions in Santee.  Worksite was kept organized and surprisingly clean during the entire project. <br /> Project was expertly designed by Jesus (construction supervisor) and Patrick (landscape architect).  Only changes we made to the original plan were those recommended by the company's owner, changes that really enhanced the end result.  Clearly, the guys doing the work were experts in their parts of the business.  Ended up with a new paved walkway, a small wall, and five planting zones.  Opted for low water landscape and ground cover. <br /> Appreciated that the owner made several visits to the property, and that he helped with some of the supervision and work.  Only glitch we had was some minor communication issues that delayed the final installations of some boulders.  In no way did that detract from the experience, but it could have been a point of frustration.  The delay was caused by one of their trucks breaking down and could have easily been resolved with a phone call. <br /> I highly recommend Apollo. Did an excellent job; we are extremely happy with the result! <br />

I wanted pavers installed for my walkway.  I contacted several contractors and and found that the prices were all over the board.  I decided to go with Apollo Pavers due to the people there.  Although they are a small company you would think that they have all been through extensive customer training courses.  Everyone there from the receptionists, to the designer, to the owner were incredible.  As I saw how well the project was going I made changes and increased the scope of work to include the retaining wall, mow strip, and sprinklers.  They reacted quickly, and not only made the changes, but gave me great suggestions as to what would, and wouldn't look good.  I was thrilled with the experience from start to finish.  The quality of their workmanship, the product, and the responsiveness of everyone in the company made me a big fan.  I would never use anyone else.

Extremely well! A major raged removal of asphalt and installation of pavers in a long large area. Outstanding experience from start to finish.