Earthly Imagination

Warning: Fence Work - Earthly Imaginations (Stanley) Pros: 1) Stanley makes a good first impression 2) Stanley provided a reasonable estimate in-line with other estimates we received 3) Stanley removed the fence blown over in the storm, including the posts Cons: 1) Stanley has NO IDEA how to build a fence 2) He put the removed fence debris at the street (rather than hauling it away). The city did NOT like that and it took over a month (and several calls) for them to pick it up…small bits at a time 3) The new posts were not set at 8-feet apart. Some were more – some were less. This means the cross-beams (Stringers) did not meet. Rather than cutting down 10-foot boards (as he said he would to correct the problem he created), he just left MASSIVE gaps 4) Stanley REFUSED to measure anything 5) Stringers were not straight and slats were not evenly space (see photos) 6) Stanley only put one screw in each Stringer board, rather than 2 for each connection point and they were too short…less than ¼ inch “grab” in the board 7) Stanley used OLD nails pulled from the 28-year-old damaged fence. This was mind blowing!!! The new nails that he did use were too short and they were smooth, rather than ring shank nails. This means they don’t hold in the wood as you can see from the slats that were blown down in the first storm Once we realized that Stanley had no idea how to build a fence, we and our neighbor (shared fence) explained IN DETAIL how to build it correctly. We explained how to measure and use a string-line across the top so the boards would be even. By the way, you can see numerous YouTube videos that give step-by-step instructions on how to build a fence. Stanley was combative when we questioned his work and he REFUSED to measure anything. When I asked why he would not measure, he stated, “I have a good eye”. I placed a string-line across the top to show him how jagged it was. Anyone needs to measure when doing a building project. You can see in the photos how the stringers are not even close to being straight across…and this was AFTER we explained how to measure for each post and actually marked each post for where the stringer should be attached. He just refused to do the work correctly!!! Stanley told us he had a medical issue and explained it would take him a little longer to finish the job. We had no problem with that. However, he NEVER worked a single full day – for over 6 weeks! He worked a few hours and then we would not see him for 3-4 days; then he would work a few more hours. Then Stanley abandoned the job! He left his wheelbarrow stacked with slats next to the fence and never showed up again. After one storm, 3 slats fell off. I used a rubber mallet and striking the top and bottom of each slat and stringer - took EVERYTHING down. This took me less than an hour. For anyone wondering – IF this was built correctly, a hit with a rubber mallet would NOT knock it down! We, with the neighbor, rebuilt the fence together. It is built correctly…and took us 2 days! To add insult - Stanley has not returned the money he owes us for the job he abandoned! We paid Stanley at Earthly Imaginations and then WE HAD TO BUILD THE FENCE!!!

Stanley Knowles is very eager to do what the customer wants and do it when he wants it done!! I have fired four lawn services in the past seven years for quality in lack of responsiveness.  When Stanley leaves our place it looks the way it should look.   He also does the little extras such as blowing the debris off the front and rear porches - he did not put any of it there but it makes the place look professional when he is finished.   He never gets grass in the pool -- that has been a sore spot with prior services.   He also does the job on the day I ask for it to be done.   The last guy said I do your area on this day and if you don't want it done then, too bad!!  I fired him too.  And his office was only 0.7 miles from my house!!  (That was JTL Lawncare.)  Earthly Imaginations appears to be a startup company eager to serve and professional in their work.  Highly recommended!!