R&D MASONRY

The overall outcome of this project was satisfactory, but far from excellent. The company is one of Maryland Pools' recommended builders of pool decks and associated masonry. In general, the craftsmen are capable, however attention to detail and careful oversight were lacking. The office manager responded promptly to email and phone messages. The pool, which already had been filled when the deck was begun, was inadequately protected (the plastic cover they provided was too small), and as a result, a great deal of construction debris and dirt collected in the deep end. This was left to the owner (me) to clean up on numerous diving expeditions. Symmetry of flagstone dividers in the concrete deck was incorrect, which required re-do work, and details of the surrounding rim of flagstone led to an incomplete appearance in one area. Cleanup was fairly good, but work schedules were erratic and clearly related more to expediency of crew management than owner need. Some finish flashing and minor repair to the house's siding were not completed at the time of the job, but they did send some men out later to address this when I emailed to remind them. There was one very unprofessional altercation between the owner of the company and the driver of the cement truck (a separate, cement supply company) pouring the deck. No job this large is going to go perfectly, however I felt that better supervision and attention to detail would have led to a higher final quality. Might use them again, but more likely would try a different firm next time.