Get matched with top retaining wall installation pros in Glen Echo, MD

"We spent dozens and dozens of hours researching contractors. Save yourself a lot of time, meet with Cleber and CJ, and hire XtraCare. We have done a few renovations - interior and exterior - and this was by far our easiest, most hands-off project with the most stunning results. We worked with a landscape designer to design our backyard. She recommended XtraCare because the work, which required leveling a very steep and large backyard, was complex and because she had experience working with them in the past. I met with three contractors; the proposal from Cleber/XtraCare and my other top tier contractor were nearly the same which said to me that the proposal was the market rate. (My third proposal came from what I called my “cowboy” who was a one-man shop, working out of his truck and often hard to track down. His proposal was lower but I would have to manage everything if I went with him.). Based on my conversations with Cleber, I realized XtraCare would take care of everything, with little oversight and a priority on communication. This is exactly what we got. The excellent service started even before we signed the contract. The proposal was itemized and easy to follow and Cleber made himself available to speak about the proposal and my questions on a number of occasions. He also came to my home three times to ensure he got everything right in the proposal because again, this was a complicated projects with multiple retaining walls, over 50+ tons (yes, tons) of boulder, multiple walkways, and lots and lots of block and soil. Looking back, everything that Cleber anticipated was right. For example, he anticipated that our deck posts would need replacing so he was able to quote us that replacement on the proposal, with no charge until we know exactly what we were working with. Likewise, if he gets the poundage of boulders wrong, your account will be created which eased my mind (I thought 50 tons of boulders was crazy; I was wrong. We used 52). That sort of experience with drafting proposals is mutually beneficial as there were no surprises and I could anticipate how much this would cost at the end. After we signed, Mari was such a pleasure to work with. She handled our DC RiverSmart permeable paver application and refund, in addition to finalizing colors of the patio and walkways. When I was on the fence about colors, she worked with Angela to create a three color design between patio, borders and walls that added texture and interest to the landscape. Our project started in August 2020 which was easily one of the rainiest months I can remember. Like these things go, surprises always happen but we were prepared. Upon excavation under the deck, we uncovered 9 rotting deck posts (installed incorrectly by a previous owner and national deck building company!) but Cleber already anticipated this. The rain slowed the project down but the guys worked as much as they could with the weather, and even when they couldn’t work “on” the project, they were thinking about how to move it forward by bringing material on rainy days. Overall, XtraCare built about 7 retaining walls of different sizes including a beautiful curved one that requires DCRA inspection, five different walkways, two patio areas, five stair cases connecting various areas, and a permeable paver driveway. They laid out 52 tons of boulders to create two organic-looking retaining walls, laid out five pallets of sod, and cut and mulched a number of flower beds in this space. Our foreman Markus was really great, experienced, attentive to detail, and unafraid to ask me questions. CJ the project manager texted, called or stopped by nearly every day to manage the project and my expectations. Everyday, the crew left the place neat and tidy and every day, they worked their tails off and made progress on the project. Lastly, I didn’t feel nickeled and dimes the entire time like I have with previous renovations. XtraCare is focused on getting things right and making things look good, instead of opportunities for constant change orders like other contractors seem to do. In the end, the project took nearly three full months and was well worth the wait. It is stunning! We would recommend XtraCare in a heartbeat to anyone."

"The contractor and crew did a fabulous job of installing a permeable paved driveway and retaining wall. They were respectful of me, my time and property. They kept me updated and explained each phase of the project. I’m very very pleased with the company and the completed project. I highly recommend this company and would definitely use them again."

"Great drawings and very professional. I’m putting this project on hold until the fall. It appears there’s other items on the foundation wall that needs to be taken care of before the landscaping company can do their job"

"Talk about a wonderful job! This company built 2 sitting walls in on my patio! They are perfect! Such a great company. Will definitely hire again and again!!! Thank you Thank you!"

"We hired Diversified Contractors to install a new patio, walkway and retaining wall at our home during the summer of 2017. The job consisted of removing an existing concrete patio and then installing a new patio and a 60-foot walkway using Westchester pavers. In addition, a 25-foot retaining wall incorporating a new PVC drainage system was installed under an existing deck. The job required a significant amount of landscaping and regrading of our backyard. Diversified Contractors completed the work on schedule and the men who performed the installation were courteous, professional and excellent craftsmen. The manager/owner came by each day to review the progress of the work. He was always accessible to address our questions. We are extremely pleased with the service and could not have asked for a better contractor to perform the work. The quality and design of the resulting patio, walkway and retaining wall have exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Diversified Contractors to anyone who is considering having masonry work done at their home."

"The project went very well. It was completed on time and within budget as designed. Our new retaining wall is beautiful and will keep our landscaping maintained for many years to come!"

"Very thorough preparation--removal of prior driveway, substantial excavation to permit required base of crushed stone and sand, concrete footings around perimeter of driveway to stabilize edges of paver driveway. Very nice work setting pavers, setting trim pavers on edges, trimming pavers to fit where driveway wasn't square, and applying polymeric sand to seal joints."

"Eddie Lovius & Fortune Stoneworks proved skilled, responsive, and prompt in doing several masonry jobs for us. Over the course of the past year Eddie has built a stone retaining wall for us, two stone stair cases, and a walk. Several of these we thought through while they were in progress. Eddie had no problem accommodating our requests beautifully. And his advice along the way was invaluable. We’d definitely hire him again - and we plan to."

"Dave of HL Design was very professional and a true EXPERT in his field. His quote was the best in terms of cost out of 7 quotes that I received. He quoted and used Nicolock oceanic blue PREMIUM pavers, cobble stone edges, full-nose raven coping, 2-8ft sitting stone wall with 4 LED lights and a transformer. He installed a River Stones in the existing planting bed. The quality of work was great and the patio turned out beautifully! His workers cleaned after themselves each time. I absolutely love my patio and the flower bed. Dave and his crew did a GREAT job. I highly recommend them!!!"

"The team arrived promptly when they said they would, cleaned up the yard afterwards and put back trellises, lawn ornaments and drain pipes from downspouts. Beds were cleaned up, weeded, shrubs I wanted trimmed were trimmed and new mulch applied. Nothing was damaged as has been my experience with other landscaping services I used in the past (broken gate, ripped out healthy crape myrtle, shrubs trimmed that shouldn't have been trimmed). Kuhlman did an amazing job --my garden has never looked so good--and I will be using them again next year.
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