We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer.
"Scott did a great job. The lions share of the work was a new poor in a garage that was dirt and pea gravel. It wasn't easy working in the smaller garage with a low roof. Other work was an alleyway between that garage and my main garage along with a landing from my main garage and having to match up to the ramp up to house along with driveway pavement. So three different levels to match up to and Scott did a great job."
Jerry B on May 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer.
"Scott did a great job. The lions share of the work was a new poor in a garage that was dirt and pea gravel. It wasn't easy working in the smaller garage with a low roof. Other work was an alleyway between that garage and my main garage along with a landing from my main garage and having to match up to the ramp up to house along with driveway pavement. So three different levels to match up to and Scott did a great job."
Jerry B on May 2025
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Well done. Great communication. Done on time. Very professional."
Kennedy C on April 2025
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"Well done. Great communication. Done on time. Very professional."
Kennedy C on April 2025
Basement waterproofing and foundation repair company. Family owned since 1957 with over 300,000 dry basements. Free consultations. Lifetime warranties available. Award winning company.
"Good work in general; our basement no longer sees water for over 3 years now, which is the most important thing. But there were some real issues: The biggest issue is that USW did not adhere to local electrical codes, and did not arrange for a final inspection of the project. So we didn't find out that it wasn't to code until years later, and now it's a big hassle and minor cost to fix and get the permits. Ask your local gov yourself what you need to do for permits and inspections; don't rely on USW! USW said they would seal any foundation cracks found along the way; they didn't do this until I bugged the warranty dept about it (but they did do it eventually). USW sent someone out for the "annual checkup"... over 2 years after the install. It's a good thing they (eventually) did, because they discovered the backup battery wasn't charging. Now I know to check this stuff better myself. Prices also vary wildly and are kind of negotiable (I'd give more detail but I'm out of space)"
Andrew D on October 2023
Basement waterproofing and foundation repair company. Family owned since 1957 with over 300,000 dry basements. Free consultations. Lifetime warranties available. Award winning company.
"Good work in general; our basement no longer sees water for over 3 years now, which is the most important thing. But there were some real issues: The biggest issue is that USW did not adhere to local electrical codes, and did not arrange for a final inspection of the project. So we didn't find out that it wasn't to code until years later, and now it's a big hassle and minor cost to fix and get the permits. Ask your local gov yourself what you need to do for permits and inspections; don't rely on USW! USW said they would seal any foundation cracks found along the way; they didn't do this until I bugged the warranty dept about it (but they did do it eventually). USW sent someone out for the "annual checkup"... over 2 years after the install. It's a good thing they (eventually) did, because they discovered the backup battery wasn't charging. Now I know to check this stuff better myself. Prices also vary wildly and are kind of negotiable (I'd give more detail but I'm out of space)"
Andrew D on October 2023
Specializing in the following services: Landscaping and Hardscaping Lawn maintenance Snow removal Seal coating and epoxy flooring Pavers and much more Call or click for your quote today!
"Work started good for the first week, although I was told the job would be completed within 3-4 days. I was told that they had to complete other jobs and would return to my job. But they never returned. Initially they started avoiding my phone calls until I did hear from them any more."
C S on February 2025
Specializing in the following services: Landscaping and Hardscaping Lawn maintenance Snow removal Seal coating and epoxy flooring Pavers and much more Call or click for your quote today!
"Work started good for the first week, although I was told the job would be completed within 3-4 days. I was told that they had to complete other jobs and would return to my job. But they never returned. Initially they started avoiding my phone calls until I did hear from them any more."
C S on February 2025
We are a family owned company that have been in service for three years. We can accommodate any job you would need done, from a fleet of commercial vehicles all the way down to you commercial or residential property. We use environmental friendly soaps that are safe for humans and your fur babies. No job to big or small, give me a call today for a free quote.
We are a family owned company that have been in service for three years. We can accommodate any job you would need done, from a fleet of commercial vehicles all the way down to you commercial or residential property. We use environmental friendly soaps that are safe for humans and your fur babies. No job to big or small, give me a call today for a free quote.
For 18 years I was an Outside Sales Representative for nearly all aspects for the building industry. Part of my success was the understanding of how these products worked, were installed and repaired. I have been servicing, repairing and installing every aspect of a home and yard for as long as I can remember. I will work with every customer to meet their needs for their project. Pricing is always fair and negotiable. Since I have sold most everything we would need for your project, I can also help you get the materials at a great price.
For 18 years I was an Outside Sales Representative for nearly all aspects for the building industry. Part of my success was the understanding of how these products worked, were installed and repaired. I have been servicing, repairing and installing every aspect of a home and yard for as long as I can remember. I will work with every customer to meet their needs for their project. Pricing is always fair and negotiable. Since I have sold most everything we would need for your project, I can also help you get the materials at a great price.
We have been in business for 26 years.
We have been in business for 26 years.
Excavating, skid loader work, driveways, sidewalks, patios,, and pads, gravel, asphalt(blacktop), concrete, fencing, and land clearing. I have been in business for 30 years and now my dad has finally retired, so I have extra help and need to keep him busy. I love what I do and have low overhead, so I can keep my prices extremely competitive.
Excavating, skid loader work, driveways, sidewalks, patios,, and pads, gravel, asphalt(blacktop), concrete, fencing, and land clearing. I have been in business for 30 years and now my dad has finally retired, so I have extra help and need to keep him busy. I love what I do and have low overhead, so I can keep my prices extremely competitive.
All around handyman
All around handyman
With 50 years’ experience, Pearson is the company to call for your plumbing, heating, water softeners, sewer, drains and pest control needs. Pearson was founded on quality service at competitive prices and we continue that tradition to this day. Whether you require a minor repair or a major installation, you can be sure that it’s done right by one of our highly qualified technicians. The value of our services, plus our dedication to 100% customer satisfaction has made Pearson one of northern Illinois’ leading contractors in plumbing, heating and pest control. We are committed to keeping your home safe and comfortable all day, everyday. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency service, senior discounts, and financing options. Additional email: christie@rstenstrom.com. Additional DBA - Pearson Plumbing Heating & Pest Control.
"Supposed to be a union shop. Funny they hire non union workers when they get busy so they don't have to hire trained more expensive tradesman. Then when itcslows down the lay off there good employees. Be careful who you hire. You might be getting a non educated servicemen instead of a trained union employee but pay full price. One of the most crooked companies out there. Beware of pearson they will screw you."
Donald S on April 2025
With 50 years’ experience, Pearson is the company to call for your plumbing, heating, water softeners, sewer, drains and pest control needs. Pearson was founded on quality service at competitive prices and we continue that tradition to this day. Whether you require a minor repair or a major installation, you can be sure that it’s done right by one of our highly qualified technicians. The value of our services, plus our dedication to 100% customer satisfaction has made Pearson one of northern Illinois’ leading contractors in plumbing, heating and pest control. We are committed to keeping your home safe and comfortable all day, everyday. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency service, senior discounts, and financing options. Additional email: christie@rstenstrom.com. Additional DBA - Pearson Plumbing Heating & Pest Control.
"Supposed to be a union shop. Funny they hire non union workers when they get busy so they don't have to hire trained more expensive tradesman. Then when itcslows down the lay off there good employees. Be careful who you hire. You might be getting a non educated servicemen instead of a trained union employee but pay full price. One of the most crooked companies out there. Beware of pearson they will screw you."
Donald S on April 2025
Most railroad tie retaining walls have a life span of 20 to 30 years, though you may need to replace your wall sooner if it's repeatedly exposed to heavy rain, runoff, and excess moisture. The creosote treatment in traditional railroad ties helps resist rot and insects, but proper drainage is essential for maximizing longevity. Regular inspections and prompt repairs of minor issues can help extend your wall's useful life.
Creosote-treated railroad ties can pose health risks if used near edible plants or children's play areas. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that creosote may be harmful to humans and wildlife. Many localities restrict or prohibit creosote-treated wood in residential settings. For garden applications, consider alternative materials like recycled plastic composite ties or lumber treated with more garden-friendly preservatives.
The ideal drainage solution depends on your specific site conditions and wall height. For most residential applications, a combination of gravel backfill and perforated drain pipe works effectively.
A complete drainage system costs between $2,100 and $6,500, though basic solutions start at $500. Proper drainage prevents water pressure buildup behind your wall, significantly reducing the risk of failure and extending its useful life.
For walls under four feet tall on relatively flat terrain, you can proceed without engineering services. However, walls exceeding four feet, those on steep slopes, or projects with unusual soil conditions require professional engineering input.
A structural engineer can design appropriate footings and reinforcement to ensure your wall safely handles the lateral soil pressure it will face.
Railroad tie retaining walls start at $15 to $25 per square foot, with most projects averaging $25 to $30 per square foot, depending on complexity and site prep. This makes them more affordable than natural stone or concrete block walls initially.
While vinyl options may cost less upfront ($10 to $15 per square foot), railroad ties offer superior aesthetics and strength. Though they require more maintenance than masonry options, their lower initial cost makes them attractive for many homeowners.