Concrete Pouring and Repair, Decorative Concrete, Masonry
About us
DCS is a concrete construction sub-contractor that offers the widest range of decorative concrete finishes in our area. DCS is one of only two decorative companies in our area that maintains an ACI certification (American Concrete Institute) and we are members of ASCC, ABC, CFGBA and Wilmington Cape Fear Home Builders Association.
I think he is the best around and I dare anybody to find anybody better. It was an excellent job. The full cost was $9500. It was a very good price. The impressive part of this is, the guy that runs the business is very strong on putting concrete in and using the correct ratios of water to concrete mix and going by the stated concrete requirements. He is working with the state government to get requirements for pads when you build a house. Apparently there is no regulation that governs concrete which is crazy because a house is built on a concrete. There is a house close to us, apparently there is a lot of problems there with the inner walls that are cracking and sagging because the concrete based underneath is breaking up and going to powder and it is not supporting the house. He did a very good job of putting the concrete in. I had a sketch for him on how I wanted for him to design it and he did exactly what I wanted. In fact I was going to replace the driveway, I thought it probably needed it because our house was built in '72, he looked at it and suggested that I power wash it and put this sealer on which is good for about 3 years. It did a good job for 3 years, no mold. That is why I called him back a month ago to reseal all the concrete again.
Description of Work: I used them a month ago and they did a big job for me 3 years ago. That is where first I noticed them and they put in a patio, a walkway and stairs going to my front door. They put in stamped concrete.They did that and in addition to that, they pressure washed all of my existing driveway and they sealed it with a very good sealer.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$9,500
Donald C.
04/2016
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
.
Description of Work: .
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
Geraldine H.
07/2015
5.0
concrete repair, stamped concrete
+ 0 more
unknown
Description of Work: DCS removed our existing 10 x 10 boring concrete slab and installed a beautiful stamped concrete patio approximately 30 x 30. We initially met with Kate, who was very professional and helpful, she brought her tablet and showed me options of colors, designs and shapes. Kate gave us a time-line for the project and they were right on the money. Each person on the staff were professional, wore company shirts, and was even cooperative when I wanted to take pictures of the process. When the project was complete we noticed an area by the steps (in a corner) that wasn't quite right. We contacted Kate about the issue, the staff was booked on a large job and Kate was very upfront that it might take a while to get back to fix it but they would definitely come back to correct the issue. And they did! They came in and fixed the area and it looks beautiful. We absolutely love our patio and our new backyard. I have recommended them to our neighbors and would encourage anyone to use their service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,500
Response from Decorative Concrete Solutions
Thanks [removed member name]! It was such a pleasure working with you. We appreciate the compliments and are thrilled to hear you are enjoying your new patio! Thanks, Kate B.
Cortlandt B.
06/2015
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Paved my front porch (8' x 10') and colored, flaked and double sealed the finished product. Very Happy!
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$400
Linda J.
02/2015
1.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
The work went quickly, and my walk and porch looked good, but the appearance was short-lived. It began to look bad, white/milky spots all over it, within the first year. I wish I had never had it done - have done everything that they said to do to keep it looking good. It is a big expense and time-consuming, buying the xylene and special selant. And nothing my husband and I have done has improved its appearance for more than a couple of months. We contacted Decorative Concrete Solutions with the problem, but was told that we did not use the right sealant, but this was not true, had the receipt showing purchase from the store in Dutch Square (store they purchase from). I have done some research on this white/milky problem, and it says that the contractor failed to put down a moisture barrier between the concrete and the decorative product that is put down. Needless to say, Decorative Concrete Solutions washed their hands of my on-going problem - gave me a high price (more than what I had paid for the original work), to try and correct, but no guarantee that it would correct the problem. My son is experiencing the same thing that I am, lives in Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation - had his front porch, walk, section of drive, porch and patio on back of home done in a cobblestone design a couple of months before we hired them. I think that his work ran around $4,000.00. He says the same as I, wish he had never had it done. Mine looks worse than his due to the black/charcoal color, his is the brown/sand color. I wish I could write a wonderful review here, but I can't. Decorative Concrete Solutions may be installing this product differently than they were when my son's and my were done - customers may be more satisfied with the long-term appearance.
Description of Work: Did a decorative flagstone design on my walk, small front porch, and small pad at sunroom entrance.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
3.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
$1,500
Response from Decorative Concrete Solutions
The fact that this job is 5 years out of warranty it is disheartening to receive this type of review. After completing her relatives residence, she pleaded we do something for her at an affordable price. At that time we worked on a $1500 minimum, the copy of our invoice below shows we provided her our services for $737.65 unfortunately it appears they were unable to pay for the proper maintenance, and made some severe sealer mistakes as noted in the in depth response below. You do not place a vapor barrier when applying toppings to concrete. Coatings chemically bond to the surface of the existing concrete therefore this would be ludicrous. A vapor barrier is placed underneath new concrete. Not for the process of installing a micro topping on top of existing concrete as we provided. So that information is incorrect. Our toppings are susceptible to issues of the existing concrete including excessive moisture transmission. At the time of installation we took moisture readings and found no irregularities. This can change as rain fall amount increase and the ground becomes saturated. If the surrounding area does not drain well the concrete absorbs the moisture then attempts to push it out the surface trapping CO2 and causing whitening. Also the chemical make up of the existing concrete can cause long term issues with discoloration. It was deemed that both these issues as well as improper resealing created her issues. Our sealers are warranted for a period of 3 years. At that time we recommend having us reseal the surface, but do offer guidance if the client would like to undertake this task. We were never contacted prior to their purchase of sealer to attempt self maintenance. Out of the thousands of customers we have less then a dozen under take their own maintenance. Also there is no guarantee they purchased the proper high quality sealer as the supply house often mentioned the availability of a lower, less expensive non UV resistant sealer. We stopped doing business with that supplier in 2008 and have always recommended the customer verify with us prior to resealing themselves. The only service call we responded to for this client was to repair damage from furniture that had stuck to the surface. We repaired the damaged cause by the client not following care instructions at NO CHARGE. We provide every customer with a care sheet and offer free maintenance guidance including the proper feet to install on furniture to prevent damage. However over the 17 years we have been in business unfortunately we have seen several customers under take the maintenance improperly. Often not properly cleaning the surface and sealing dirt under the new coat of sealer. This is detrimental and very difficult to repair. In fact this customers relatives live adjacent to 3 other clients of ours that attempted to undertake the resealing themselves. Unfortunately 2 of the 3 made a few terrible simple mistakes and ruined the sealer. They contracted us to do a full sealer restoration. As we have never been contacted by her relatives I cannot attest to what issues they are experiencing. I would guess they are similar as they probably at least corresponded as to what they were doing in attempt to do their maintenance themselves. Regarding the cost of our work this individual has grossly misrepresented the amount invoiced. The following information was copied and pasted directly from our accounting system. Front Walk and Landing Grinding Surface Reclamation through use of high speed grinders. Per square foot to 1/4' thickness $ 100.00 Stardek II II- Acid Etch, Pressure wash. Repair surface defects. Application of Tungsten Grout color, Flagstone Texture Pattern & Midnight Gray Color, and Promande Highlight color, finished with 2 coats of a solvent based 30% solids acrylic sealer. 92square feet $5.45 Line total $501.40 Back Pad off Sliding Glass Doors Stardek II II- Acid Etch, Pressure wash. Repair surface defects. Application of Tungsten Grout color, Flagstone Texture Pattern & Midnight Gray Color, and Promande Highlight color, finished with 2 coats of a solvent based 30% solids acrylic sealer. 25 square Feet $5.45 Line Total $136.25 Total Amount Charged $737.65 NOT $1500 Her relatives job she stated was $4000 was $3132.63 AGAIN another gross MISrepresentation of facts. We work harder and more professionally than any other provider in our industry to assure our clients satisfaction. However there are circumstances with existing surfaces beyond our control. Without open communication, or in this instance any communication, it is impossible for us to provide the necessary information in correcting these types of issues.
Deborah M.
12/2014
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: We decided to use another company.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Response from Decorative Concrete Solutions
It was a pleasure meeting you. I'm sorry to hear you have chosen another contractor, but I wish you the best of luck with your drive + walk extensions.
DONNA M.
09/2014
4.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
First, Kudos for the quick response to come out and look at the job. There was quite a delay in receiving the estimate--I had to email and request it. The bid wasn't broken out the way we requested, and the overall price was very high. We will look for another contractor for this job or maybe do it ourselves.
Description of Work: We need an extension to our pool deck and hoped this company could complete it.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
3.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
Response from Decorative Concrete Solutions
[member name removed], It was a pleasure meeting you and I am sorry the estimate did not work out for you. As we spoke in person, your extremely limited access to the project area is what increased the cost due to hand excavation + wheelbarrow removal as well as a concrete pump. We discussed pricing it as two options - one with equipment and one without. I informed you I would discuss your project and determine what we could do. Unfortunately, your retaining wall would not support the weight of a Tractor for excavation or a Georgia Buggy for placement. Your new fence would also not allow access for any equipment. Therefore we were down to only one option, All hand work and a Concrete Pump, which is what I provided in writing. I do wish you the best of luck with completing your project. Sincerely, Kate Bencker
Robert T.
07/2014
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
Although they were delayed quite a while, due to bad weather, and loss of employees, the wait was well worth it. Bill Bencker and his crew did an outstanding job. They installed 280 sq. ft. of freshly poured concrete. They then stamped it and applied the colors of our choice, and applied hardeners and sealers for protection. They also did a stamped overlay on our existing 100 sq ft patio, which gave us a large 20 ft x 19 ft patio that looks like one solid slab. The workmanship, and care with which they performed was exemplary. They were professional in every aspect and I would not hesitate to use DCS again.
Description of Work: Installed a large patio
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,500
Scarlett F.
05/2014
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
From start to finish I could not have asked for a more professional, prompt, and skilled company. I was given a detailed and prompt estimate and any questions I had were immediately addressed. Once my deposit was received I was given as estimated time for when the work could begin. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out work could begin almost immediately due to personal medical circumstances. They went out of their way to make a short amount of time I had to work with work for them. The workers arrived on time and were courteous and professional. They would double check all forms with me, and if I wasn't 100% satisfied they insisted on making it work. The new part of the driveway was even matched to make it seem as if there had never been 2 separate parts. The work site was left exactly how they found it, and the last wooden forms were taken down as scheduled 2 days later. If I ever have any cement work needing to be done in the future, they will be the first I call.
Description of Work: Extended current driveway to make wider and easier to navigate
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,200
Elizabeth V.
04/2014
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: They showed up when they said they would and did a fantastic job! We had a patio, fireplace and goldfish pond installed. Very helpful and are a great company to work with.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Tom R.
02/2014
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
Arrived with a four man crew and removed old slab -formed up for a new pour--discovered a "void" in house part of slab and decided the right thing to do was to remove the broken pieces(not part of the original estimate ! ) and fill with new concrete--a day or so later the pour for the new patio occurred and they smoothed and stamped and sealed it--turned out beautiful !
Description of Work: Removed old broken patio and replace with new stamped surface style of concrete...
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,900
Donald C.
06/2013
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
During 40 years of home ownership I have never experienced a more enjoyable and satisfying contractor result as this one. Decorative Concrete solutions (DCS) "hit the bullseye" from start to finish. They started by providing an accurate, detailed quote based on my documented project requirement. Nothing was left to the imagination. They also explained their adherence to concrete standards and specifications for long term beauty and durability. Everything they did during construction emphasized their pride of workmanship and desire to satisfy customer requirements. The completed project looks beautiful and actually exceeds our expectations. We have a beautiful front walkway and landing that has definitely improved curb appeal. Our backyard patio is everything we wanted, looks gorgeous. The 40 year old driveway has been cleaned and sealed in a way that makes it look almost new. DCS completed our project on time and for the very reasonable price they quoted at the start. This company should be considered for any concrete project anyone in this area is considering. They will not disappoint.
Description of Work: 1. Replaced front concrete walkway and landing with stamped concrete. Changed layout of landing and walkway per customer conceptual sketch. 2. Replaced rear concrete patio area with stamped concrete. Changed layout per customer conceptual sketch. 3. Cleaned and sealed existing driveway.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$9,500
Terry B.
05/2013
3.0
concrete repair, stamped concrete
+ 0 more
Nearly a month late from scheduled start date. Was to begin on 5/1/13. actual start date was 5/27/13 . I rearranged my work schedule two weeks in a row to be available only to get an e-mail or phone call the evening before that there was another delay. Delay was supposedly weather related. National Weather Service reports 4 days of measurable rainfall in new Hanover County within the past 30 days. The staining results of the front porch are hideous.We will most likely have another company grind this off and look to another type surfacing. Received e-mail invoice with an hour of project completion asking for payment.
Description of Work: repaired missing expansion joints and cracks in driveway. pressure washed and sealed sidewalks and patio. stained and cut grooves in front concrete porch.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
1.0
$2,000
Response from Decorative Concrete Solutions
Regarding the Scheduling Delays. We have been working through the wettest rain filled Spring and Summer in recent history. Due to our demand our schedule fills several weeks out by early Spring. Weeks of rain did delay the start of this project. However our office administrator kept in constant contact to notify the client of these delays. All products are sensitive to the effects of rain typically up to 24 hours after application. We do not jeopardize the quality of our installations. Regarding the issue finally revealed in this complaint of the front entry Note: Our estimates include the excessive review of color charts and sample photos.This estimate was conducted with [member name removed]. [member name removed]declined to come outside and take part. [member name removed] left the final color selection, between terracota and padre brown open to our estimators decision, They did not solidify their own color choice. They were also presented with the options of other products as we offer the broadest range of products. All work went well without any questions, except for the front entry. We proceeded with the installation of the selected color padre brown. Upon cleaning and rinsing the stain [member name removed] asked if that was the finished color, the rusty browns of the selected color. While it look exactly like dozens of our padre brown stain installations available to be viewed on our website. www.decorativeconcretesolutions.biz . She stated it looked like rust, and I replied yes the color selected and noted on the contract has rusty brown tones. She asked if it could be gray. I responded not with acid stains the product selected by her husband. This is when I asked if she was involved in the estimate and color selection, and she verified she was not. My experience led me to suspected this as her wants were so far off from the direction of her husbands selections. To remedy her discontent I offered to add darker browns/deep walnuts. She requested we do so. After Darkening the color she stated how much better it looked than the color her husband had selected. How the dark brown matched the the dark brown highlights found in their brick. We then scored the tile pattern, cleaned and sealed the entry. In my last conversation with [member name removed] she stated it was "beautiful and looked like real tile", that is was "amazing". And thanked me for making the changes at no additional cost to appease her. So I left the job being praise for making her happy and how beautiful it looks. Regarding the strange complaint of timely billing. In our contract it states that payment for services are due at time of completion. Upon notifying our office administrator that we were leaving the job, a final invoice was generated and emailed. Efficient, concise billing. Should we appologize for that? Several days later upon recieving their payment in the mail, a letter was attached stating that even though they were unsatisfied (NOTHING SPECIFIED) they were making payment in full. We IMMEDIATELY began to contact the [member name removed] via phone and email, asking what their dissatifaction was.. exactly. That we would like to address their dissatifaction and make them another of our thousands of completely satisfied customers. Until this day, upon which we recieved notification of this poor review from Angies List, we have not been made aware of WHAT the issue was with our work? The complaint of the front entry being unsightly is so very different from the words last spoken directly to me, the owner of DCS, that it is baffling. We work hard to provide the very best for our customers, and demonstrated that by communicating with [member name removed] and making the color changes she requested. We have been doing so for 16 years. And if a product fails our customers expectations we work hard to remedy the situation. But that can only be done with honest, open communication. In this case any communication from the client may have helped. Here is a description found on our estimate forms of the acid stain Padre Brown - Colored Acid Stain for Exterior concrete surfaces. Multiple color selection. Antiques existing concrete. Includes pressure washing and clear sealing. * Your actual color will vary due to job conditions, texture techniques, finishing, mix design, and application techniques. Then in our Acid Stain Contract 5. Variables: We are Artisans who install each project by hand. Each individual job will have variances in texture, pattern, and color. No two jobs are alike, and your actual color tone will vary due to job conditions, texture techniques, finishing, mix design, and application techniques. Each installation is unique; variations in color are normal and is to be expected. A sealer or wax must be maintained to protect the concrete. Acid Based Staining does not cover or hide anything; therefore, any existing flaws or texture differences will be noticeable after staining. Our Contract Statement regarding Job Scheduling 4. All start dates will be scheduled tentatively and are dependent upon weather, the completion of previously scheduled jobs, and various other circumstances. DCS will notify you of your exact start date as the time approaches. All proposed work surfaces must be cleared of all furniture and/or appliances prior to estimated start date. The “Independent Contractor” and its employees will not be held responsible for removal of any items. All work surfaces must remain clear of, but not limited to, any furniture, sprinklers, food or car traffic, during installation and at least (48) hours or more after final completion. Thank You for taking the time to learn more about my company. Sincerely, Bill Bencker
Crystal S.
08/2012
5.0
concrete repair, stamped concrete
+ 0 more
Their service was outstanding. He came to our home and showed us what we had to choose from. You can do it in many different ways and stain it in many different ways and patterns. He took the time to go over it with us. He was kindly and his crew was professional. His crew did an outstanding job and left the work site in great condition. They offered competitive prices.
Description of Work: They put in our patio.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Charles M.
07/2012
5.0
concrete repair, stamped concrete
+ 0 more
They did a good job. They did an excellent job. They are great to work with. They came through for us and delivered what they said. Their price is comparative. They weren't the cheapest.
Description of Work: I used Decorative Concrete Solutions. They put in a patio and did tar specifications. He worked with us. They also sealed our front porch and a patio with a color.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
gene G.
05/2012
5.0
concrete repair
+ -1 more
They pour and also polish and finish concrete floors. I thought that they would start with bringing the concrete up to the polish level where they would like it to be. Sometimes the amount of labor can be very work intensive and I thought that when I addressed, after the first treatment, that the concrete wasn't to my goal and expectations they went back over it at their expense and really satisfied the customer. I got down on my hands and knees to look at the floor and there were some areas that I was not satisfied with that the technicians did not catch; they would have just walked off the job. But I consistently called them and told them this was not to my standards and the owner became involved and insured that it would be brought up to my satisfaction. That means whoever is in charge of the job still has the responsibility of being very kind of doubtful and needs to really check the level of work because the technicians would have walked off and just called it a day. There was a scheduled start date. After sending a check in the mail I received a call saying that my check was being held and the owner would be coming over to inspect the job after the estimator had come out twice and set a date for the start of the job; this was a major inconvenience. Then I was told that Wednesday the job would be started if they had completed another prior job. I called Monday and Tuesday and didn't get a call until they just showed up on Wednesday. They need to work on that.
Description of Work: I used Decorative Concrete Solutions to polish off paint spots from my concrete floor. They then brought up the polished level of the floors and put on a lithium coating to bring out the shine.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
3.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Stephen S.
05/2012
5.0
concrete repair, stamped concrete
+ 0 more
The owner came out to my house, which we are putting on the market. I wanted to know what options were available for improving the appearance of the concrete on the front porch and surrounding the swimming pool in the back. He took me through the options, explaining the costs and benefits of each option. Instead of "up-selling" me, he convinced me to go with a less expensive option that he though would be a better value. He was very honest and direct about what concrete re-finishing can accomplish and what it can't. He followed up his visit with a menu of options with cost estimates via email that same day. After I selected the work I wanted done, it was only one business day before the work began. All the work was complete within three days (had to work around weather conditions). The workman who did the work were punctual, friendly, and as neat as possible given the nature of the work. When all was said and done, my front porch and pool area were just as I wanted, providing the welcoming look of a well-cared for property. And the surface used around the pool was very comfortable on bare feet, too. I highly recommend DCS' services to anyone looking for attractive affordable concrete work.
Description of Work: DCS came out and looked at our cracked concrete porch and swimming pool surround, offered a variety of options, and then performed the requested work in a timely and professional manner. They power-washed all surfaces. They patched cracks, colored, and coated the front porch. They patched cracks, removed metal anchors from concrete, covered, colored, coated, and textured the concrete skirt around the swimming pool.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
Response from Decorative Concrete Solutions
Member, We can't thank you enough for such a well thought out and complimentary note. Best of luck with the sale of your house, and in your future endeavors as well. Sincerely, Bill (and crew)
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Concrete Pouring and Repair,
Decorative Concrete,
Masonry
FAQ
Decorative Concrete Solutions is currently rated 4.6 overall out of 5.
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Decorative Concrete Solutions accepts the following forms of payment: Check,PayPal