ISIDORO PHIPPS

He didn't do the work. I don't remember what the estimate was, but I think off the top of my head it may have been $7000.00. I just don't remember exactly. When he came out and said he was going to get me an estimate, he never got back to me. While he was here he did quote me a figure and he told me it would be in that ballpark, but he never got back. I felt his price was high compared to some of the other estimates that I got. More than likely he does great work, but the price was high so I didn't get an opportunity to work with him. I don't think I would have had a problem using the company at all. I wouldn't use them again for an estimate in the future.

I did not use this contractor as he was not licensed and bonded. He as very pleasant, knowledgeable, and professional, however, and his price was very competitive.

Prior to this job, a need for below-grade basement waterproofing required demolishing my concrete back sidewalk, side-yard steps, and a slice of my driveway. My front porch and hillside retaining wall, while not demolished for the waterproofing, had the wrong slope and were deteriorating. Hence, I had an intricate concrete job to be done - all of it critically related to site drainage. I knew that this job would be complex, costly, and difficult to do "right". Looking for a local contractor, I found Mr. Phipps here on Angie's List. The previous glowing review motivated me to seek a quote from him. I am very glad I did! I sought and received multiple quotes for this job, but from the first "look-see" visit, Mr. Phipps distinguished himself from the rest. The typical quoter showed up, spent about 15m speaking with me and taking a few measurements, then left and later provided a single-page bullet-list quote with a price. In constrast, Mr. Phipps spent over an hour with me, discussed every element of the job in detail (both as to my needs/requirements and the technical aspects of doing it), and demonstrated by his discussion that his knowledge of concrete construction was extensive and founded in experience. When he delivered his hand-written quote 48 hours later (he doesn't use computers or email) he had written out every single point of our discussion as to what he was proposing to do, and quoted me a price that was favorably competitive, but not a low-ball (and this is exactly what I was looking for). To complete my due diligence, I was invited to view his work by stopping by his home. This I did, and there I found a veritable showplace of concrete construction! Mr. Phipps then took additional time to give me a detailed walking tour of all the different elements of work he'd performed there over the last 20 years. To say I was impressed would be an understatement. From this point, I knew for sure that I'd found the man I needed to do my job. After we signed a contract, work began in short order with careful measurements and the building of the complex form for the steps, followed by the other forms. Mr. Phipps was on-site all day, every day - either solo, or with one or more helpers at appropriate points. The forms were built with great attention to detail. It was clear from the beginning that the job was being done with knowledge, skill, and pride and so minute-by-minute attention was not required on my part. I note that my overall "keeping tabs" was not unwelcome, but expected, and discussion/interaction on all points was always cordial. Points of personal preferences about the work were always accommodated. Mr. Phipps was always happy to answer my questions and explain what was happening, in what order, and why. I not only got a job done, but got an education in the deal! On the day of the big pour, Mr. Phipps brought along several very skilled workmen and between them all it was amazing how they placed and finished a truckfull of fresh concrete into a complex configuration in about 5 hours. My job is lovely, strong, well-designed, and well-made, and I'm very pleased with it. The work was done with knowledge, efficiency, care, and pride - and the experience was pleasant throughout. I give an overall A+ highest recommendation to Mr. Phipps. I marked a B in Professionalism ONLY because not being able to communicate with email and digital photos is pretty retro for 2010. However, this is MORE than made up for in "old-fashioned" values and craftsmanship. I don't doubt that anyone who is fortunate enough to engage Mr. Phipps for their concrete work will be very pleased indeed.

I had looked high and low for someone to fix my concrete patio which had cracked allowing water to flow back toward the house. I had considered mudjacking/concrete leveling (ie, repair the cracks) but decided to just replace it because the estimated cost was about the same. Because of the referral I got a great price. Mr. Phipps had done work for several friends who were very happy with his work. The work was done over a couple of days and included breaking up the concrete and hauling it away. Mr. Phipps was very helpful in explaining the process to me. Very professional. Knows concrete. The patio looks really good. I noticed an immediate decrease in humidity in the walk out basement after the work was done.