POND MAN HOME & GARDEN

We wanted a brick walkway with a sugar kettle fountain added to the front of our house. We had an antique hand pump from my wife's grandfather that we wanted to incorporate into the fountain as the source of the flowing water. We visited the Pondman business in Covington and inquired about their services. We met Ivan Milicevic, an owner and head of their landscaping business. He was pleasant and informative from the start and we laid out our needs and wants. We set up an appt for him to visit the site and give us an estimate (no charge for this). He visited the house, listened to our plan, added some advice and alternatives of his own ( which we needed). He recommended the French Drain to take care of a standing water issue we had in an area in front of the porch, he pointed out pros and cons for walkway widths, he discussed the differences in an original and expensive metal sugar kettle versus the fiberglass type, the pump needed, and how to place and hook up. He pointed out how the electrical line would be run for the pump and the underwater lighting. We wanted brick matching the house brick for the walkways . He was very agreeable with any requests we had and also confidently addressed all of our questions. He asked for a couple of days and called us back with and estimate which I thought was a little high.. After some discussion he came down about $1000. Because of his level of professionalism and knowledge and the ease of dealing with him, we approved what I still thought was a little high for our budget. But we wanted quality and were not disappointed. We met at his business for contract signing and the first third of payment. We requested more itemization on the invoice and he added everything we had discussed as line items. He estimated about 3 weeks work to complete the job, weather permitting. He delivered some supplies and equipment about a week later, returned the following day or so to begin the work. He personally drove the trencher to dig the lines for the electrical and the French drain. Subsequently, his crew of 2 workmen and 3 brickmen were in and out for the duration and he was present and working much of the time. The brickwork was laid over a concrete base and was very labor intensive. He brought used brick in various colors for my wife's approval to match the house. Payment 2 of 3 was made as work began. After moving the 2 large and out of control bushes from the front of the house, he decided to make beds with new soil all across the front porch area, one on each side of the walkway because our plan to replace the bush with something else would as he advised, not look good. He added the beds at no extra charges to us and it was a great addition to the landscape. Another item he provided without extra charge was the excess gravel left after the French drain was placed. I asked what was to become of the leftover gravel and he offered it to me. I said great. He came later and not only placed the gravel but spread it along half of my lengthy driveway. He had also offered the fiberglass 7' kettle to be installed on spec since my wife was not sure if she wanted to spring for a real sugar kettle or not. Real kettles are better metal than reproduction metal ones and fiberglass is the least expensive but look fine when installed. If she did not like the fiber, after 2 months he would replace with a real one if he could negotiate a good price but a good price is $4000 to $7000. If not we would pay for the fiber one. Ultimately we decided on the fiber to put the money to more cost effective use later. Only we know it ain't an original. After three rain delays, and one personnel delay, they completed the work. He added some people toward the latter part to make up the lost time. I had no problem with the delays. At the end, Ivan and his staff made sure we were happy with everything and also said that if at any time anything goes awry, to call him. We are very pleased with the work, thanks in great part to Ivan, his subs and the way the job was handled. Strangers are stopping by to compliment the new landscaping on a daily basis.

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