First Impression Hardscapes

This is the third time I've used First Impression, and the third good experience I've had with them. They installed a new flagstone walkway between my driveway and trash can enclosure. Dustin did the design when there was still snow/ice on the ground, and I didn't expect that they would be able to do the work until April. But they came out in mid-March and finished in a day and half. Then, several days later, they came out and put down some grass seed and hay over areas where the grass had been torn up... a nice gesture and hallmark of good service. The walkway looks great and the stone matches the sidewalk they installed last summer on the other side of the driveway. In addition, they filled a number of cracks on our front porch where we were concerned there would be water leakage or settling. First Impression is a good company and provides great service.

Timing went well. Rain delayed the start of the project a couple of times, but still finished on time. The team showed up on time daily and worked like crazy all day long. Finished product looks great. My yard was pretty torn up from the extensive use of small heavy equipment and for the most part it looks good now. Just a few minor touches could have made this a perfect experience. All in all I would use them again though.

We were extremely happy with the job. Mike came out MANY times to help us pick exactly what we wanted and was extremely patient and helpful while we took our time planning. The crew was also great, extremely professional, and fast. While a little more expensive than we had planned to spend, it was well worth it for the quality of the completed project. We highly recommend First Impression Hardscapes!

Provided a quote that was very competitive with another firm for some concrete and fence work we needed to keep rats out of our backyard. We ended up going with the other firm who was able to start sooner. I was very impressed with the estimator and his knowledge and professionalism, and the quote was very thorough. Would definitely contact them again for future work.

Unfortunately we could not go with this company because of our HOA, and outside our budget we set aside for this project. However if it was approved by HOA and within our budget I would definitely use First Impression Hardscapes. Thank you Dustin GO NAVY BEAT ARMY!!!

Excellent experience from start to finish. Dustin was the initial point person and he was very easy to work with. The foreman came out in advance of the project to talk us through the details, to answer questions and to be sure he understood the scope of work directly rather than relying on engineering drawings. The crew was punctual and professional. They worked well beyond a regular work day in order to complete each stage of the project to meet the deadlines. The final product was exactly as advertized. We would highly recommend them to anyone.

I have used this company before, for a patio at our old house, so when I moved and so I would need a new sidewalk I knew who to call. Derek, the sales person and estimator,arrived right on time and was very professional in suggesting a design for the new sidewalk. He also suggested that we could use some of the existing flagstone to build a pad for our trash cans around the side of the house. they told me they estimated the work would be done at the end of August, but they actually came out two weeks early to do the work. on a hot day, the team worked hard and was very efficient and precise. Mr. Morgado the supervisor was there at the beginning and we discussed and confirmed the work to be done...then he gave clear instructions to the crew. They did a super job, and it looks terrific...attractive and professional. Santos the crew leader confirmed things with me before doing them, like how to handle a tricky step up from the driveway. We are very pleased with the sidewalk and have gotten several compliments on it.

Turned out even better than expected, Mike suggested removal of a cement pad we had not considered and it gave us a lot of extra space in a small courtyard backyard where every inch counted. I cannot think of any single issue, it went faster than estimated (2 days) and everything was as requested. Very highly recommended.

Bottom line up front: This is how working with contractors should be! Hands down, this is the absolute best contractor we have ever, ever dealt with! Our project was the removal of an existing dilapidated deck to be replaced with a new patio constructed of Nicolock pavers, surrounded by a two-foot high sitting wall. The project required than an existing window from the basement be sealed and stairs constructed to sliding glass doors. The design also called for four exits from the patio, all with steps (either up or down). Because of the location of the sump pump drain, it was necessary to reroute the outflow into a dry well, which they also constructed. Some minor regrading was involved, too. The salesman, Mike Walters, was knowledgeable and easy to work with. We had drawn out the shape of the patio we wanted and based on some research, had some specific requirements as to how we wanted the patio constructed. Mike worked with us to make appropriate modifications to the contract to meet our needs. Notably, he also pointed out one thing we wanted that they wouldn't be willing to do because it could cause problems later. It was a minor issue and my wife (who is an engineer) said his reasoning made sense. We appreciated a salesman who was willing to say No and give a good reason instead of just agreeing to everything just to get the sale. The bid he gave was not the lowest we got, but we were much more comfortable with this company than the low bidder. We had scheduled the job well in advance and everything began on time. The job took about 2 weeks to complete. The workmen were extremely competent and hardworking. They cleaned up after themselves well every day (the only complaint we have in this regard is that their truck leaked oil and nothing was done to clean it up). There were several times when adjustments had to be made to the original plan due to unforeseen circumstances. The owner explained the situation and made recommendations and let us decide how we wanted to proceed. No pressure, just information. Even better: at least twice that I recall, they redid work they'd already done without us having to say anything to them because they knew it wasn't quite right rather than letting it slide and hoping we wouldn't notice (as other contractors have done). The quality of work was first rate. They made sure to slope the patio appropriately to ensure water flows away from the house, which was a serious concern. The only hiccup we had was that they didn't install geotextile, as we'd requested (and included in the contract). When we pointed it out, they were going to remove all the fill and put it down (without argument or making excuses), but we decided that if they'd extend the warranty to from 5 to 10 years, we'd be okay with not having the geotex. They agreed and work proceeded. Throughout the process, the owner, John Morgando, visited the site regularly and made sure we were satisfied with everything. After the project was done, he stopped by and we mentioned wishing the grade outside the patio was a little higher, and he offered to take care of it (no charge). He also said that if there was still any efflorescence on the pavers in a few months they'd come back and give it another scrub. The end result is simply phenomenal looking (check out the photos)!

This is a great company. Dustin was very helpful and insightful as he came up with a design that we really liked. Unfortunately we were unable to move forward with the project as our HOA rejected the design. First Impression Hardscapes refunded our full deposit without any issues. We really like this company and we will definitely have them build our patio once we work out a solution with our HOA.

We had a flagstone patio done by First Impression and are very happy with the quality of their work and their professionalism. The person we worked with mainly, Dustin, was extremely helpful. He explained the pros and cons of different materials and drew up a design for the patio based on our conversation about what I wanted. Dustin was also very responsive by email when we had questions. Our work was scheduled for 6-8 weeks after we had confirmed we wanted to contract with First Impressions since they had several jobs booked before us, but once they started, they completed it in 3 days as promised. The workmanship is truly excellent, we're very happy with the final product. A couple of the stones had tool marks on them and when I mentioned it they had someone come out a couple days later to replace the defective stones. One of the stones that they replaced was not quite flush and they fixed that too. They also put in some steppers leading to our fence and a concrete pad for a shed, both of which turned out perfectly. We ended up paying exactly the estimate and were very happy that there weren't any hidden costs. Overall, we had a very good experience and I highly recommend them.

The foreman and crew were very professional, responsive and courteous. They came up with additional ideas beyond the original plan onsite to improve water drainage, offered to move and replant small plantings that would have been sacrificed to the patio extension at no additional charge and at the end, threw down grass seed on the areas that were trampled during installation and wiped the basketball backboard clean.

The cost was reasonable and the final quality was satisfactory. Ran into some bumps on the way: The patio was intended to channel rainwater away from house. Initially, the way it was installed, it pooled right near the house. Upon my request, the part of the patio that pooled was picked up, extra material was added and it seems to be draining correctly now. The other problem was that the terraced garden beds were filled with the material removed from the back yard despite the fact that they were going to be gardened in. I had to request that the material be removed so I could get topsoil in. First Impressions quoted doing that for 250$. I found a local place that would deliver for 92$. When First Impressions heard that, they dropped the price to 120$. Overall, the job ended up being satisfactory, but I wasn't impressed with communication and I'm not sure it would have been done correctly had I not been checking on everything daily and requesting that things be done according to the contract.

The crew arrived as expected early in the morning, and completed the work in mid-afternoon, so the job was done in one day. The work was beautiful, and the cleanup was very thorough. The crew was also very helpful, answered all of my questions and minimized inconvenience to me and my neighbors. I am completely satisfied with this company!

It took me 3 months to research and interview total of 8 hardscape companies and I decided to go with First Impression Hardscapes. I was very happy that I made that decision. My first appointment with them, the designer Dustin came and drew a detailed drawing of the project with exact measurement of everything I wanted to do. He provided me with detailed pricing breakdown and explained how they would perform the work in detailed steps. I am especially amazed at the speed of the quality of their work. They were able to build a 1000SF flagstone patio on concrete, with retaining walls, fire pit and lights all within 2 weeks!! They also went above and beyond what was agreed on the contract to make my overall project look better. They will do whatever they think is right to make sure the project is perfect and stand by their work. They are also the only company that offered 5 year warranty on everything they install. John Morgado is fair, honest and very easy to work with and he will make sure his customers are happy. Overall I couldn't be happier with First Impression Hardscapes and I will definitely use them for any of my future project.

The team did a great job. Very prompt, started and finished on time and did the job exactly the way I wanted. I would definitely use them for work again and was very impressed with the entire process.

I didn't use them because I got another estimate, and I just haven't acted on any of the estimate. They were responsive and professional. The guy came out, explained whatever they would be doing, he gave me a drawing of what it was, and he gave me an estimate for both concrete, and flat stone, and explained the difference between the two and the advantages of each of them. Their price was higher than the other one.

After touring our backyard he seemed to be in rush to leave. He excused and took a phone call which it took about 5minutes,but never stepped out of my house to talk. I taught that was rude. I knew that once he stepped out of the house I would never hear from him. It has been weeks, and I am still awaiting to hear from the company.

The installers were very professional, they worked from early morning until dark. The job was complete timely. I would use them in the future.

After visiting several design and build companies for the construction of our patio, we decided to go with Mike and First Impressions. Our backyard sloped dramatically across the rear of the house. Other companies seemed to want to bring in fill material to raise lower sections. Mike suggested that we use the slope and dig in more than one terrace connected by paver stairs. Mike was very patient with us in choosing our pavers and tweaking the design. He worked with us to incorporate all of the features we wanted and maintain our sightlines of the US Capitol. When the crew arrived, I was amazed. They brought 12-15 guys that worked together through sweltering heat from 7AM to after 6PM everyday for six days to get it done. The work is beautiful and we'll be enjoying our patio all year (thanks to the fire pit) and for many years. As for the finished product, check out the pictures!! Thanks, Mike and First Impressions

I invited the provider to give me a quote on a design I wanted, but instead he ignored my comments and gave me a quote for a design he thought was best for me.

The salesman Mike seemed to really know what he was talking about. He recommended running two of my gutter down spouts under the driveway. It seemed like a great idea that no other contractor had mentioned. And with the Angie's List discount they beat the other estimates that I received. During the meeting to pay the down payment we discussed two things. We discussed the start date and agreed on June 30 barring they weren't help up at another job. We also discussed having the utilities marked because a fence company previously hit my gas line. He assured having them marked wasn't needed because they weren't going deep enough to hit any utilities. When the start date neared Mike said that he thought we agreed on a start date for the week of July 7. I'm not sure where he had this date. We had agreed on June 30th because that was when I returned from vacation. But nonetheless, they arrived on July 2 to start the project. On day 2 of the project while digging out the driveway they hit the gas line. I was extremely displeased with First Impression in that moment. Mainly because my partner and I had asked them three times if they were going to have the utilities marked. I asked at the down payment meeting, I asked again when Mike called to inform me of the start date, and my partner asked John (site supervisor) the first morning they arrived. John and Mike told us there was no worry because they weren't going deep enough. John assured me that it was their fault and they would handle any fines or penalties that would be levied. On July 8 they completed the driveway and walkway and it looks beautiful. Some parts of my grass had browned from their equipment sitting on it for six days and the edges of the driveway they had to put patches of grass back where they had torn it up. They also laid grass seen down where it looked like the grass had died. We are just so happy with the finished product.

My house was built in 1960 and the concrete driveway was way past due for a makeover. My walkway was made up of concrete slabs which, over time, became uneven. This was a potentially dangerous situation?.then I tripped... and I knew it was time to replace it. I received 6 estimates. All were from "A" rated companies on Angie's list. All 6 companies were very professional. First Impression Hardscapes benefitted by being the last of the 6 companies I met with. By then I felt confident that I knew what I wanted. I met with Mike Walters (sales manager) on May 1st, 2014. His estimate was not the lowest but was in line with the other estimates I received. I followed through on his references ...which were excellent. Mike was very exact graphing out the work as he felt it should be done. He was very clear, precise and very knowledgeable which gave me the push I needed to make my decision. I signed the contract and paid 1/3 of the total cost. Work was scheduled to begin on June 16th. Work was delayed a day and began on June 17th. I was a bit nervous of the timing because i was leaving for Europe on June 22nd and wanted the work completed before I left. I was assured that the work would be done before i left and it was. John Morgado was in charge of overseeing that everything was done as it should be. I went to work, as usual, and left everything in his capable hands. His team worked so hard?in the heat. By the end of the week it was completed. My driveway is concrete with a border of charcoal paver stones outlining the perimeter. My walkway and stoop are made up of gray paver stones outlined with the same charcoal paver stones as my driveway. Today, 7/1/2014 John Morgado sent someone over to do some finishing?lay grass seed and make a channel for water to run off. John inspected everything and assured me that I can call him if something turns up that I'm not happy with. I paid the 2/3 balance I owed today. From start to finish First Impression Hardscapes was a delight to work with. My driveway and walkway look just the way it was described to me. I feel confident in recommending this company.

Over the past 40+ years we have done two extensive house renovations and one kitchen renovation, and were not satisfied with any of them. First Impression Hardscapes, however, has restored our faith in finding great contractors. They did everything they promised and then some, did a superb and lovely job on our project, accomplished everything within the time period they said it would take (6 - 8 working days), and were accomodating when we asked for changes in the original plan (e.g., having mixed color stones as opposed to the all gray stones we originally thought we wanted on the patio). Of the three bids we got for the job, theirs was the high bid ($2K more than the second bidder, and $6 K more than the low bidder). We chose First Impression because of the quality of work we had seen done by all three bidders, the thoroughness of their planning and contract proposal, and their concern for limiting collateral damage to our house and garden during the project. There was some damage to grass and plants, but they did their best to restore what was damaged. We highly recommend this company to anyone in our area planning a stonework project, and already several of our neighbors have commented on how attractive the final product looks and noted their intention to do a project with First Impression.

Mike was punctual and courteous. He took time and answered all our questions. He created a design that was really lovely and fitting in regards to what I'd explained to him (I literally said, "I like curvy lines, not straight", and he came up with a really cool patio layout with a sitting wall outlining part of it). The price estimate was given to us on the spot. Unfortunately, it was cost prohibitive for us, even if we were to break it out into the smaller component estimates he mocked up for us (smaller area vs. larger area, wall vs. no wall, fancy wall vs. plain wall).