PETERS LANDSCAPES

We were in need of a new stoop. We looked around my area and happened to see a walkway we were interested in. We were giving the information. We called Peters Landscapes and setup an appointment to look at his portfolio. Mr. Peters presented himself as a soft spoken, hardworking individual. We discussed the job. He stated he would put together a scaled drawing with the proposed cost. I was a bit surprised that he would not allow us time to discuss the matter in private eg. looking over the plan while viewing the area to be worked on. The only way we could get this plan was to pay him $500.00. (the plan consisted of a drawing on a 8-1/2x11 graph paper and penciled in on the side the cost. Since we were not entirely happy with the sketch he stated he would redo it. In the meantime we got quotes from 2 other landscapers. Hudson Valley Nursery made a nice presentation, but Peters was on Angie's list so we chose him. We signed a contract for $9000.00 giving him a check for $2500.00 to start the work. The brick pavers of existing walkway were removed and piled in an orderly manner (which I thought great ~ I'm impressed) Excavation was started 9/20/10. He cut the existing blacktop to lay the first tier of blocks. To the best of my recollection he left his workers on their own most of the time. This was in contrary to what I was told by about him. I was told he was a 100% hands on individual. I started to get concerned that they were left on their own more often than not. The first problem: Aroused when he ran into a rock (not a boulder) just a large rock. He became very upset and started to tell me it would cost me extra. He seemed to calm down after a witness appeared and I mentioned how flabbergasted I was that I would have to pay more for him moving a rock. No more mention was made of this rock. The second problem: We showed him the approximate area where the well water wiring to the house was. Needless to say he ripped the wiring. He stated he would fix it. My biggest problem with this is, it was fixed (I hope properly) and covered up with dirt before we saw the repair. We have no idea what kind of repair took place. Third problem: His crew started laying the bricks for the walk. I would just like to mentioned I had approximately 1000 bricks and these guys used bricks with paint all over them. Red paint splatters on them. He became annoyed that I bought this to his attention and asked him to replaced the bricks with good ones. He stated I could remove the paint with remover. Mind you, there are over 500 good bricks on hand. If his crew is laying the bricks and they chose to use damaged bricks and I'm paying for this work I don't feel I should have to go out and try to remove them. He had them removed. He stated he would be finished ~ stupidly I paid him. Big mistake. He didn't stick around for a walk through. He disappeared leaving his crew to clean up. The crew left behind these extremely large tree containers that I had to pay someone to remove because the garbage company will not pickup these large plastic containers. I tried to get the guys to take them but they flew out of here like their pants were on fire. The side brick entrance was not installed properly. There is a large gap between the threshold of the door and the layer of bricks. End result: The entrance has sunk causing a large puddle. If it's raining you cannot use this entrance without walking through water. We paid him an extra $500.00 for this walk. BIG PROBLEM: He OVERCUT the blacktop where he excavated for the wall. I bought it to his attention and he covered it up with some stones, giving the appearance that it was fixed. This has caused a very large sink hole right near the steps and is a very dangerous (accident waiting to happen) situation. The blacktop driveway has been compromised and the bottom of the driveway is washing out. The walkway and stoop is a mass of puddles. You need to skip and jump around. In the winter it creates ice patches. The brick has the equivalency of brick mold and other bricks are turning green from the water puddling. I've spoken with Mr. Peters, he know about the problem, he stated he would stop by. Never did. I've called him, left messages on his machine, left messages on his website (as per his instructions) and I've also written him. He still has not contacted me.

Could not be happier with the completed stone wall. Work was done neatly,on time and with quality craftsmanship. It exceeded my expectations and I will definitely be using Peters Landscaping again in the future. I highly recommend Jim Peters to anyone looking for an honest & hardworking contractor, with a wonderful work ethic, obvious pride in his craft and quite reasonable rates.

He removed our old walkway ,and associated bushes. He then created a new one with paver stones in flowing pattern as desired.He then add the new plants in his drawing. We asked him to modify the plan to include lights and drainage and he asked if he could outline the walkway with an additional course of bricks to make it easier to mow the adjacent lawn. We accepted these modifications and the work proceed smoothly despite the low temperature with rain & snow.