Garden Structures & More

Hal is a bit of a character and drives an old truck, but he is very pleasant and takes great pride in his workmanship. One of the few times in our history of several home projects where a project has exceeded our expectations.

I found him hard to work with (e.g. doesn't listen, pushy about doing it his way.) I was really hesitant after the estimate but he just kept pushing about it and I didn't have any other options - but I was sorry afterwards. I don't really like it, the quality doesn't seem great - but most important, it's not level. Drives me crazy and looks bad - just three panels and it's not level! Makes me nuts looking at it - feels like I threw my money away.

It's true: working with Hal is not like working with other contractors. With Hal, you are developing a relationship, not fulfilling the terms of a contract. For some that might be more than they want out of a contractor. For me, it was exactly what I needed. Example: I was talking with Hal about another matter when we both happened to notice some rotting boards on our deck. I thought it was unsightly, but nothing serious. Hal persuaded me that, without immediate attention, the rot would spread to the joists underneath, and what was a small problem now would be a big problem later. He replaced the deck boards on time and for the price he quoted. I can now rest assured I won't be plunging through the deck this summer. Along the way, Hal fixed some off-kilter gates in our yard, and also consulted with me about some stains on our stucco (thus managing to solve a problem that had stumped several other contractors). He's always on the end of the line when I have a home repair question. He's been there for me for some five years now. There's plenty of quality workers out there, but not many who will listen as well, contribute as much, and return as often as Hal Morris.

We had Garden Structures & More add onto the beautiful privacy fence they had previously built for us, and we couldn't be happier with the final result. Our new and improved fence is even better than we had envisioned due to owner/designer/craftsman Hal's excellent ideas. All work was completed in a timely and professional manner. We truly enjoyed working with Hal and wouldn't hesitate to have him do our next home project. 

Hal's work is top-notch but I grew increasingly frustrated with the timing and inconsistency of his work habits. His was one of several estimates I received and basically he said he would beat any estimate I received. The difference is that everyone else was going to use cedar and he only works with pressure-treated Southern yellow pine, which is less than half the cost of cedar. I was unsure of the durability and longevity of that product so I did extensive research online. Still unsure, I drive around the Twin Cities to see other jobs Hal did that gave stood the test of time and I decided to move forward. Clearly, the way he builds his fences require considerably more manual labor than those built with cedar posts and pickets so essentially instead of paying for the higher cost of cedar, you pay for increased labor costs. Unfortunately, Hal isn't as going as predicting when he will get jobs complete as he is completing them well. He was over a month late in getting started and I repeatedly had to call him to inquire about the delay. It was quite frustrating but since I didn't absolutely need the fence done by a certain date, I decided to practice patience. Once he finally started, most days he and his helper only worked 4 hours so the project dragged on far longer than I thought it would. Admittedly, there were a couple of weather-related days but other times when it was a perfect day, they wouldn't show up and I would give no idea when they were coming again. After I told him I really needed to have him be more communicative, he was and within a short time after that conversation, he completed the fence. The fence is beautiful and appears very sturdy. We'll see how it withstands time and weather but for now I am very happy with it. Hal does beautiful work but if you are on a strict timeline I would not recommend working with him. If you are flexible and don't mind putting more effort into communication, he is a great person to work with. <br />

Our experience with Hal was wonderful.  He has fantastic design vision, attention to detail and produces high quality products for an amazing value.  We were so impressed with the work that he did. that we are already thinking of additional projects.  In addition to the larger projects, he also worked with us to complete some small maintenance projects around the yard - refurbishing some Adirondack chairs, light fixtures, etc.  Other reviewers have captured the considerations on how to best work with Hal: have a point of view, but your project will come out even more amazing if you take his design feedback into account, communicate clearly and often, but be flexible on your timeline, to account for weather and unforeseen delays.  Wonderful experience, highly recommended!

The work was good. Had it notated on work estimate to have gate low enough so my little dog couldn't escape. It was a little higher than I wanted, but so far my dog has not been able to get out. <br />

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<strong>One structure in the form of a arbor with a gate completed our fence.<br />      The other structure a small deck outside of the lower sliding glass doors, with a pergola added,<br />      gives a quiet shady respite to the yard.<br />       We also had Hal design and build a fountain feature added to the garden area itself.  Which gives a soft <br />       and flowing water sound near the small deck.<br />       The work overall is outstanding with a very finished look.  It was also accomplished as per estimate of<br />        time and cost.  They were very considerate to make the work space neat and clean each day at finish<br />        time.<br />      <br />        We would "highly" recommend these contractors to anyone wanting this type of excellent yard work done.</strong> <br />

Our experience with Hal was excellent.  Before any of the work began we met with Hal a couple of times to describe our needs and discuss design options.  Hal is a good listener and after our meetings he proposed ideas that immediately reflected that.  During the job he kept in regular contact with us and solicited our preferences when situational design or construction decisions needed to be made.  Hal and his crew were always courteous, friendly and very pleasant to have working around the home.  They were also very trustworthy.  The main thing that drew us to Hal was that each job he does is a custom design and is piece-built, no pre-fab.  Hal is truly a craftsman which is very rare to find. Hal used high quality, sturdy materials. The fence is straight, solid, and very pleasing to the eye. We're immensely pleased with the outcome.  We heartily endorse Hal.  We felt so pleased and comfortable working with Hal that we have hired him to do some other projects on our home. <br />

It is a really beautiful fence and arbor.  After not having a fence facing the alley for many years, and finally deciding to have one, I wanted to have a quality fence to provide some privacy but done in a more open and creative style to complement my gardens.  Hal Morris and his workers exceeded my expectations for quality and style.  He was able to fulfill my requests for a built-in trellis on the fence.  The arbor is beautiful and very sturdy.  His craftsmanship is remarkable.   He did have a very busy schedule, and had to wait a bit to get it started, but it was well worth the wait.  If you are looking fencing ideas that for your property, he has an ability to see what will look good in a specific area.  Very happy with his services and would highly recommend him.

They're very professional and very good. Everything looks really well done. In other words, they really took their time and they did it properly.

I was expecting good work, given the previous reviews, but this blew me away!  Hal has an attention to detail that is truly not seen in this day and age.  He rounded the edges of every board used in the fence.  The spacing between boards were all customized so that every section looked perfect. He created a deck that captured the style of the house, and also created a seamless transition between the decks on either side.  The arbors are lovely.  He talked me out of a few things and came up with better solutions that I love. He also listened to my ideas and went with them when they made sense. <br /> The guy is a craftsman!  Little things matter:  perfect beveled corners on the deck.  A birdhouse needed to be re-located as part of the project.  Hal noticed that the birds were still nesting in it, so worked around it and came back to relocate it when it was safe.  Then, without my asking, he fixed the birdhouse so that it would be easier for me to clean it. <br /> I've had many, many glowing comments from friends, neighbors, and family.  People I know who do carpentry for a living were also very impressed by his work. <br /> Things you should know:  This is not a big operation.  It's Hal plus a helper or two.  You need to be flexible on starting dates, and it may take longer to finish than you think it will.  Hal cuts all the boards in his shop before assembly on site - he really does.  If it seems like the project should be starting and you don't know why he's not on site, that's why.  The finished product is totally worth the wait. <br />

Hal is quirky and sometimes hard to keep in contact with.  It took a while to arrange everything.  I say this because you may well encounter the same issue if you use him.  Despite that it was worth it, so I offer it as a warning but also encouragement to be persistent anyway. <br /> We used Hal before.  When we wanted to add another section of fence we had some designs I wanted to build myself, but I loathe putting in posts.  We contacted several fencing contractors, looking just for putting in posts.  Quite a few were completely uninterested in the job, either evidenced by never following through on an estimate, or giving us absurdly high quotes.  Everyone else was more expensive than Hal ? it's hard to say by exactly how much, since they were quoting slightly different jobs, but I think 50% more expensive or more. <br /> Talking to Hal we decided to have him build the entire outside of the fence; for sound insulation we would later add an inner layer, insulation between the layers, and a sort of built-in planter and bench.  I would have felt comfortable with Hal doing that part too, but actually explaining what I wanted (and deciding what I wanted) seemed too complex, so I had decided early on to do most of that myself. <br /> Since we knew we needed a bunch of extra lumber, that should match what Hal was using, we asked him about it, and he was happy to order extra wood and deliver it with the rest of the supplies.  I didn't expect him to plane the wood and use a router on the edges, but he did, which is great.  It makes the fence look far better than if it was using wood straight from the lumberyard.  He even softens the edges of the posts. <br />

Hal and I have been working together on several interior and exterior projects over the past three or four years.  The most recent project was the completion of the backyard fencing, including a gate.  As always, Hal expertly managed the project.  The quality of his work is always high.  The fence is gorgeous with Hal's sense of artistry clearly evident.  I find that Hal is extraordinarily conscientious and a very effective communicator.  He and his team are reliable, and Hal actively supervises the team to ensure that the work meets his high standards.  Hal and his team's work is completed quickly and timely, and the work site is always neat and clean.  Hal and his team are very careful to respect my neighbors' property during the tear down and construction phases and to keep my dogs' needs in mind (they always installed temporary fences over night so that the dogs could run during the evening).  It is hard for me to find words to describe the skill and artistry that Hal brings to fencing project.  I recommend referring to his website at www.gardenstructuresandmore.com. <br /> I highly recommend Hal and Garden Structures and More for backyard fencing projects.  Hal listens to me and designs structures that match my tastes.  He provides me with guidance and suggestions that are truly helpful.  I don't spend any time managing Hal's projects or checking his work as I know that Hal has such high standards for his work.  Hal is very good at communicating with me.  I always know the status of a project because Hal has always contacted me before I can even thing about calling him.  In the end, Hal makes it really easy for me to get projects completed, which is something that I value in a contractor.  As an aside, Hal's skills and reliability extend to interior projects.  Hal has built two stair cases, refinished bathroom walls and ceiling, and completed other projects for me.  Hal is very knowledgeable, reliable, and skilled about interior projects.  Again, I highly recommend Hal and Garden Structures and More. <br />

Once it began, construction was swift and precise.  The level of craftsmanship is exemplary!  When completed the fence was the final touch on years of gardening and landscaping.  It really ties all of the elements of our landscape together, not only physically but visually as well!  Great work!  We will readily hire Hal and his crew again for the next phase of our landscape improvements! <br />

We couldn't be happier with the project!!  The design and construction are first-class.  Hal and his crew arrived with a plan and got right to work.  At the end of each day, they left the work site clean and orderly.  Quality of materials used and craftsmanship were excellent. <br /> We will definitely contact Hall again with any future projects. <br />

We originally contacted Hal in the spring of 2012.  Our intentions at the time were to build a new deck using composite decking and metal railings.  After meeting with Hal, we scrapped our plans completely.   <br /> Hal discussed the pros and cons of composite materials, and compared them to a natural wood product (in this case...pressure treated southern yellow pine).  Further, he recommended we consider a pergola.  Ultimately, we ended up putting our plans on hold for 2012 based entirely on Hal's recommendations. <br /> Fast forward to the spring of 2013.  We again contacted Hal and let him know we were ready to move forward with our project.  He came out to our home to measure everything and prepare a quote for us.  One quick note of caution here:  Hal is a true craftsman and manages his business well.  That said, I would not expect "ballpark" quotes, itemized invoices, etc.  If you're going to work with him, you'll need to be prepared to work on Hal's schedule.  This includes when he'll have a quote prepared for you, and when he'll be able to start the work.  Rest assured however, he will vastly exceed your expectations if you're willing to be patient with the process. <br /> Hal began the work in mid-May.  Despite the challenging weather, the project was completed on time and, frankly, blew us away.  His work is extraordinary, and displays the true skill of a master carpenter.  His crew was polite, friendly, clean, and hard working.  It was  also abundantly evident that he cares about his team and is willing to take the time to teach them his craft.   <br /> On balance, we simply could not be happier.  The deck, the pergola, the trellises, and fence are all beautiful.  Our friends and neighbors can't say enough about Hal's work.  I can say with certainty...we'll be enjoying Hal's craftsmanship for years to come! <br /> Thank you for a job very well done. <br />

Let me say, there are fencing companies, and then, there is Garden Structures & More.  You really cannot even begin to compare the two.  Hal is a top-notch craftsman from start to finish.  This was not a typical fencing job, where sections are brought in, posts are set into the ground and the sections attached to the posts.  This was an entirely different experience.  The fence was built on site, board by board.  The vertical boards in the lattice actually go all the way down to the bottom of the fence. Of course, doing it that way requires a bit of a mathematical genius, when you are dealing with different width boards in between the lattice boards-- especially when you get into the corners where sections need to be a different width from the standard size. I also realized how much care was taken in dealing with the slight level differences in my yard. Hal was careful to make adjustments when possible, so that the top line of the fence remained level, even though the ground did not.  It is sturdier than any fence I've ever seen, and the attention to detail is wonderful.  Every side of each board is routered to give it a softer edge.  The posts don't need a cap.  The tops are routered the same as the rest of the fence, and they look simple and clean, a lovely complement to the clean lines of the fence as a whole.  The double gate with arbor is really beautiful.  I'm not a fan of black hardware, and Hal supplied some beautiful stainless that looks so much nicer.  Hal started right on schedule, and ended exactly when he said he would.  And, he is very thoughtful.  Not only did he build me a beautiful fence, but he put up a bird feeder that I hadn't gotten around to doing myself, and even brought my garbage cans into the garage on garbage day!  In the days since the fence was completed, I have received many compliments on the fence and arbors from people walking by.  And, they have also commented on what a nice crew installed my fence-- that it seemed like a great group of guys.  I would use Garden Structures and More again, in a heartbeat.  It was a great experience! <br />    <br />

<br /> Hal and his crew were a pleasure to work with. Anytime there was a discretionary call to make, Hal would consult me to be sure he was following my wishes. His crew cleaned up after themselves daily and everyone was polite and friendly. Hal's quality of work is amazing. He cuts no corners, and he makes sure no one else does either! My husband screwed down into the deck a stabilizing bar for the steps that go down into the pool. When Hal saw the next day that my hubby had used a type of screw that would rust over time, Hal quietly replaced them with stainless steel. All the wood was nicely sanded smooth and its a pleasure to touch it. <br /> I was actually sorry to see Hal finish up the project and move on to another job. It was nice having him and his staff around the house. Now I just need to think up another project or two to have him come back!

While there was a wait to start the project, the team did a great job and followed up on a few minor issues. Hal has a great eye for detail and takes pride in his work. While it did cost more than most, it is by far a higher quality product that should last a lifetime. I would highly recommend Hal.

Hal and his crew did an excellent job on all of my projects.  Hal is skilled and reliable.  Finally, he is trustworthy with your projects.  He goes the extra mile for his clients!   <br /> Hal managed the projects for me.  All I needed to do was tell him what I wanted, and he took care of everything.  He recommended materials and gave me good information to make decisions.  Hal and his crew completed the projects and left my house very neat and clean.  I highly recommend Hal as a handyman. <br /> PS-He loves animals and pays special attention to mine when he is at my house working on a project.

For a number of years I had been trying to figure out how to get some privacy in our fish bowl back yard surrounded by a 4-foot chain link fence which I fond to be very unattractive. It has been difficult to plant for privacy along the fence because there is so much shade. I had thought about having a nice wood fence built but a six ft wood fence wouldn’t help that much because all our neighbors have decks plus fences seem kind of unfriendly and un-neighborly. That is when I started to observe trellises in other people’s yards and it finally dawned on me that trellises could help accomplish the privacy I was longing for and yet seem neighbor friendly. I started looking on Angie’s List and found GARDEN STRUCTURES & MORE listed. I went to their website a was very excited about the pictures he had posted of their other projects. I called Hal and he came out and we talked about my ideas. He seemed to fall right in with what I was thinking. He wasn’t able to get to my project immediately but he was able to work my job in among his other jobs so the weight was not very long. When Hal and his crew of 3 get going they work very hard and are amazingly productive. By the way digging some of the holes was a nightmare because of the tree roots. They do a lot of the prep work and construction in their shop ahead of time. I am wild about my trellises. They are accomplishing exactly what I envisioned. They are built strategically in the open areas along the fence line on all three sides if the back yard. They are handsome and substantial. Nothing like the trellises you find in the nurseries. I have already gotten compliments from the neighbors. They look nice from both sides of the fence. My friends think it is a brilliant solution. I am already thinking about other projects I want GARDEN STRUCTURES & MORE to do. Perhaps a nice garden shed and maybe some kind of shelter to hang a hammock. I couldn’t be happier with their work and my lovely private garden paradise I am in the process of accomplishing. My thanks go out to Hal and your crew.

Hal was very willing to try his hand at our chicken coop and met with us several times to understand the design that we wanted. Being that this was Hal's first coop he went above and beyond to educate himself on the basics of coop design and took into account all the aspects our girls would need to have a safe and comfortable home. He even designed an ingenious way for cleaning out the coop, by installing a trap door on the bottom on the coop that we could pull out for cleaning. Hal constructed our coop and delivered it to our property in only a few weeks. He even went to the trouble of installing it in our backyard so that my husband and I did not need to maneuver it over our fence. The coop also compliments our fence and was built with the same material so that both with age well together. The coop passed the inspection with the city of St. Paul and during stong storms this summer has kept our girls safe and dry.

The fence Hal built around my property in South Minneapolis is absolutely beautiful.  For the price listed, he removed my old, rusted chain link fence and installed a custom, hand-built fence around the entire back yard. Unlike other fence builders with whom I met, Hal makes the fence himself, piece-by-piece, and puts everything together on location.  <br /> Construction took a few weeks due to a thoroughly disappointing situation with the neighbors as well as very frequent rain, but Hal always returned my phone calls and kept me updated.  He also responded professionally and kindly to a last-minute change in design.  I simply love spending time in my new backyard!  I couldn?t be happier with the work Hal has done on my property.