First Impression Hardscapes

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I was referred to First Impressions Hardscape by the D.C. Riversmart Program after a stormwater audit recommended replacing my existing concrete driveway with pervious pavers. Riversmart provides up to $1,200 toward projects that involve replacing impervious surfaces with pervious pavers, so the cost listed above, is what I paid out-of-pocket for the project. I received a list of qualified contractors from Riversmart in early April and emailed all of the contractors on the same day. Although, First Impressions Hardscape was the third contractor to respond to my inquiry, it was the second contractor to schedule an appointment for an estimate. Mike Walters, the sales manager arrived early for the estimate and spent an extended amount of time answering my questions and developing the specs for my project. He was very patient and responsive to all of my questions about the estimate, when I was trying to compare the estimates that I received and select a contractor. Although First Impressions didn't have the lowest estimate, it was at the lower range of estimates and based on a combination of word of mouth (through my neighborhood listserv, Angie's List and my positive impression of Mike), I selected First Impressions as the contractor. My project was scheduled to begin on Monday, July 11th. On Wednesday, July 6th, I received a voicemail message from John Morgado, asking if they could start the project earlier -- on Friday, July 8th. I wasn't able to return the call until last on Wednesday evening and John, very apologetically, told me that he has already given the Friday slot to another customer, so they would start my project on Tuesday, July 12th. I said that Tuesday was fine. On Saturday, July 9th, John called and said that he was in the backyard, marking out the project and that the crew would be able to start the project on Monday, July 11th, because they were finishing the project that started on Friday a little earlier than anticipated. John also told me that the crew would be at my house at 7:30 am on Monday. During our meeting, he said that he would have the crew re-route the back downspout under the driveway so that the run-off from the gutter would go into the soil. At 7:32 on Monday, the first crew member pulled some equipment into my backyard. He also apologized because it took longer than anticipated to park the truck with the equipment (my home is located on a narrow side street and the driveway is off the alley in the back of the house). I told him that I would probably be home late that evening, sometime after 7pm and he said that they would probably still be working. When I arrived home on Monday night at about 7:15 pm, the crew was cleaning up and most of the driveway was laid out. On Tuesday, the crew arrived shortly before 8:00 am. Again, I left for work. When I returned at 7:30 pm that evening, the work was complete. The step from the driveway to the alley had been built slightly larger than originally drawn on the plans, but looked even better than I anticipated. The crew had even placed sod around the new driveway and watered it. (which I had not anticipated) The grass was still soaked when I got home (it was well over 90 degrees on July 12th) and according to my neighbor, the crew had just left. John told me the the sod had been removed as part of another project and would have been discarded, so they used it to replace the sod (mostly weeds) that had been removed during the installation of my project. This was an unexpected bonus. I've already received several compliments from neighbors about the driveway and am very pleased with the work and the project.

First Impression Hardscapes was a fantastic company to work with. I was referred to First Impressions Hardscapes as a part of the DC River Smart Program. They not only came worked with me on the backyard but served as the interface with the DC program. They were very understanding when I ran into an issue with DC regarding an electric pole that needed to be moved. The delay was several months. First Impressions did a great job of keeping in touch without seeming as though they were overly pushy to get started. Very professional from beginning. The work that they did was absolutely terrific. They spent a lot of time talking to me about what would be done and asked detailed questions. The job only took a couple of days but they were very considerate each day about cleaning up at the end of the day. The team was very open to answering my questions and taking care of any concerns that I had for various little tweaks to the plan. Above all, I was so impressed with the care and consideration that the team showed on the last day. They worked from 8 am until about 8 pm. They weren't rushed and wanted to make sure that they were leaving the job complete and done well before they left. I would hire them again anytime. My neighbors appreciated the work that was done as well and have been asking for contact info!

Definitely would recommend First Impressions. Mike Waters submitted computer drawing, and photos of other pool deck with pavers. Coordinated with pool renovator, who installed coping stones. Work was on time, clean, and professional. John Morgado offered great recommendations during the job, and patiently explained options and answered our questions. They were careful to not damage any landscaping around the deck, and during delivery. We added an additional job to replace the front walk while they were on site. John correctly recommended flagstone instead of pavers, to complement our home exterior. Our neighbor was impressed and had John Morgado replace their walk also.

Verry well. They finished in two days

It went very well in all regards.

Absolutely wonderful! Never have I been so impressed with the professionalism, courtesy, and efficiency of any contractor that I have dealt with. From start to finish, this company stood directly behind their product and the work. The team was great, and let me know every part of the process and what to expect. There was no problem, no hurdle that they could not overcome. Needless to say, at the end of the process, I was one of their greatest cheerleaders, and that takes a lot. Not only am I a homeowner, but I also am a Realtor and I constantly look for good contractors for myself and my clients. Fast forward to July and I notice that some of the sand under the pavers are being compromised by ants, and indication that perhaps the bonding agent did not take or enough was not laid down. I called the company today to report this. Now, this is the truth, 30 minutes after I called, Jessie Sulima was back ringing my doorbell with the necessary equipment to redo the bonding agent again! YES! I am so impressed with him as a representative of this company. He has proven to be a top-notch professional, while being a friendly person to the homeowner. They have far exceeded any and all of my expectations. I have never done this before; written about a company and the job they do, but I would be wrong to allow this opportunity to pass me by. I truly thank First Impressions Hardscapes, and most of all my Construction Field Supervisor, Jessie Sulima for his dedication, caring and professionalism, and look forward to getting the work done on the front of my home next spring with him at the helm. Sincerely and gratefully, Sheila M. Gale

This is a really great company. Mike Walters came out and walked through what we needed to get done, which was quite extensive. He made a few suggestions on how to improve on what we were doing and make things look a bit nicer without adding any additional cost. He gave us an estimate for all of the work required, which was not the lowest we received but certainly no where near the highest. He said he was able to meet a drop dead completion date which required some very quick turnarounds on their behalf. After agreeing to the fees we met with Mike's business partner, John Morgatto, who walked us through what they were going to do and added a few more suggestions and ideas based not only on looks but effectiveness and functionality as well. John was extremely patient with my wife who was undecided between a few different options. We finally made a few decisions and the work could get started. The crew they sent out were hardworking and pleasant. They appeared to care about what they were doing and worked hard to get things done. Meanwhile John and Mike were in constant communication throughout the installation process to make sure everything was still the way we wanted. As I said they were not the lowest bid (but were very competitive and not even close to the highest) we received but sometime going for the lowest is not the best course of action. I would gladly pay a bit of a premium to get this type of service and results and would recommend Mike, John and First Impression Hardscapes.