TOWER PERENNIAL GARDENS

I had worked with Alan before and had appreciated his vision, but recognized a disconnect between what he says and what he does. Because I had paid for his design services (which was frustrating because he does not do drawings), I had him continue the work we had discussed. Shortly after the job was finished, I noticed the following problems. It is a standard practice to place geo-fabric underneath rock covered areas in order to reduce the growth of weeds and grass. He did not do so. When I asked him about it after the fact but before his crew left, he stated it did need it. Within a week grass was growing. When I expressed my dissatisfaction with the work, he stated that I had not requested geo-fabric. Furthermore, he stated that he was just continuing our previous work, a small rocked area without geo-fabric. But, we did have geo-fabric underneath the previously laid rock. After he completed the flagstone patio, he told us we would need to put in gutters and downspouts, because our rain chains would not work. The rains came and the small area underneath the rain chains did indeed wash away. There was no need for flagstone to have even been placed in that area as it was at the edge of the patio. If he had left the area alone and just slightly altered the shape, there would have been no problem. When I asked for him to fix this area, he refused, stating that it was our fault and he would not repair unless we put in gutters. Knowing we would have to fix this ourselves I did some research on flagstone patios. I learned that it is standard practice to lay down gravel under the sand to help with drainage. He did not do that either. During our discussions about the work he did it was clear he was more interested in justifying the shoddy workmanship that he was in having a satisfied customer. I have from time to time been unhappy with the work done by contractors, but have always had cordial relationships that resulted in mutually satisfying resolutions. Not with Alan. Instead of entering into a dialogue with me to review and correct the problems, he simply justified his shoddy workmanship and laid blame on me. Friends had told me that he was a difficult person tot work with. I wish I had listened more closely. Submitted by Miriam Berkman regarding the work done on her property.