Get matched with top retaining wall installers in Downers Grove, IL

"RESEARCH AND PLANNING: My wife and I were looking to upgrade our backyard and were in the process of looking for the right contractor. We had multiple contractors over and ultimately found Daniel. He first came to the house in 2016. We never hired contractors before. The only knowledge we had was what we read online. Daniel arrived on time and he took measurements of the back property. He prepared a pdf sketch of his plan and estimate of the project. Other contractors quoted us at $30,000 for just the backyard patio with no firepit or electrical hookups. Daniel's quote included everything mentioned and also included the front patio for the same price. He offered to put together a computer model to illustrate the design if we decided to move forward with the project. We waited another year to save more money for the project but we made our choice. We contacted Daniel a year later. We asked for references on his work and he provided us four initially and offered to provide more should we request it. He also provided us pictures from the references. We went to the residences to inspect his work and were pleased with what we saw. He also offered to provide the 3D model to us which we declined. We began making revisions to the old plan which Daniel helped us with along the way. We communicated primarily through e-mail. We went back and forth on ideas in the form of sketches. He bounced his ideas off of us and gave us many options to work with. Daniel continued to assist us and we paid him a deposit to secure his services. He assisted me on selecting the proper pavers and instructed me on the difference between the many options out there. The final contract was prepared with the estimate. We requested that Daniel itemize the contract and provide his insurance information and license information. He completed and complied with everything that was requested. He also included a time frame and warranty for his work. Daniel informed us that he would subcontract out the gas and electrical work which we agreed to. He also offered to run and install low voltage accent lighting. We would pay for the lights, transformer, and wiring separately. We signed the contract and Daniel applied for the permits. I went to pay for the permits and the village approved all of the work. THE PROJECT: Daniel and his crew came they started work at approximately 8 AM. Daniel and his crew tore down the eyesore that was our old deck. During demolition, Daniel discovered a portion of the siding and house that was rotting. He offered to repair it as long as we provided the materials. We made our first payment which Daniel annotated and signed on the original signed contract. I made copies of the contract with the annotations and he sent us an e-mail confirming that the payment was good. Daniel and his crew worked till approximately 6 PM. This would continue during the entire process minus some days where the crew were rained out. Daniel would send us e-mails informing us if he could not work due to weather and would start later or end earlier due to weather. During construction of the patios, Daniel would update me on his plan for the day and answer whichever questions I had. Daniel and his crew concentrated on their work and were self-sufficient. I was slow on providing much of the materials to Daniel but he was patient with me. His crew laid down plywood wherever they were using heavy machinery to save as much of my grass as possible. There was a single paver that appeared broken and when I pointed it out to Daniel, he promptly removed and replaced it. Due to the weather, Daniel and his crew worked on Saturdays to catch up. During the project, Daniel attempted to schedule an inspector to do the final inspection but the village was unable to send an individual out until after the completion date. Daniel and his crew, completed the patio, installed the low voltage lighting, and fixed the rotted area under the siding. On completion, I made another payment to Daniel but withheld the rest pending the passing inspection. I observed a deficiency on one of the pillars which I informed Daniel of. He told me that he would correct the problem which he later did. We waited for the final inspection and passed it. After the final inspection, Daniel came to set the pavers, repair the lawn, and I informed him that I no longer wished for him to set the concrete footings that we originally agreed to. He had no problem with the change and only requested that I reimburse him for the concrete. I provided final payment to him and requested a signed lien waiver from him and his subcontractors which he provided to me. He annotated on the contract that the contract was paid in full. SUMMARY: If you decided to skip the details and go to the bottom here is the summary. Daniel was easy to work with during the entire process. He provided feedback and updates regarding the project. Daniel and his crew are workhorses and very friendly. Daniel will correct deficiencies that you point out but there were very few to correct. He communicated to us through e-mail and updated us on project status. He completed the project in the quoted time, even with the weather delays and inspector delays. His price quoted was less than all of the other companies and the quality was more than we imagined. We plan on using him again when we decide to redo our driveway and mailbox. You won't be disappointed in selecting him to do your work. DISCLAIMER: Daniel constructed the firepit and laid down river rock for the filler. I bought the firepit glass and the burner as well as a whistle-free flex hose due to the volume of gas going into the burner. Daniel's plumbing subcontractor provided a flex hose and set up the burner for me but the whistling was driving me nuts and I decided to correct it without requesting that they correct it. I also bought the pillar lanterns and accent lighting for the patio but Daniel and his crew set the wiring."

"In 2 days the crew from Mission Brick was able to install a 65 foot retaining wall with drainage system and weep holes, using beautiful techo bricks. Great job and it looks beautiful ."

"Welding was done on site... and in a timely and professional manner. My railings look brand new, and he installed new railings and gate for my neighbor. We both appreciated his attention to detail. I would recommend him for any construction job. I am presently using Crowbar for a new paver patio. Scott wonà  à  à  à ¢à  à  à  à  à  à  à  à  t disappoint !! He is very busy. If you find his voice mail full... just text him !"

"Leaks located and repairs done that have resolved the problem. Work was accomplished on time and in a professional manner. The two men were pleasant and kept me informed of progress."

"J&P was great to work with. Juan was very responsive to my emails and all my questions. He made good recommendations to improve our landscaping but wasn’t pushy. He got us on the schedule quickly, and the work was done promptly. In three days they had installed a new brick paver wall, completely reset and properly leveled our paver patio, trimmed/cleaned up all planting beds and put down new mulch. They even built a small pathway in our garden with our leftover brick. His team was professional and quick! Pricing was competitive. We have had several complements from the neighbors already - thanks J&P!"

"Dealing with everyone from BSC was a pleasure. Brandon responded quickly to our request and worked with us on a design for the paver area. They did a beautiful job with the paver area. They are truly artists when it comes to designing and installing pavers. We would gladly recommend them and hire them again if needed. Our yard went from dead grass and overgrown bushes to being the yard that neighbors now stop to look at."

"Philipe, the owner of this company was easy to deal with. He offered a less expensive option than others had offered and said I could probably patch the area instead of spending over $1000 to dig the whole thing up. He charged a reasonable price. His employee came and did a great job patching, and cleaning up afterwards. He made sure not a speck of cement was left on the driveway. I will definitely hire them again when I have a bigger job"

"Did amazing work. Quick and reliable"

"The team of four workers with the owner showed up right on time 8:30 am and started work. I had an errand at 7:00am ,so we communicated by text/email and mobile that the could start before I got back this morning. They were already done with the edging, weeding and removal of sod in the new bed along the fence. Since we have rows of Daffodils planted, they carefully removed sod and weeded around about 100 Tulips and daffodils. (It was amazing). They power raked, aerated and completely cleaned up my yard and put in very high quality Mulch that looks fantastic. It is a family business and the whole operation was very efficient and they cleaned up nicely before leaving. With the current shortage of labor, I had been trying for weeks to get a landscaper to return a call. Four Brothers are a great outfit and I plan to bring them out in the fall to remove a tree and install some more bushes. I strongly recommend them."

"Midwest landscaping crew was very friendly and knowledgeable, they worked fast and cleaned up after the work was done. I have a beautiful yard that I am happy to sit in and would definitely hire them again for my future landscaping needs"