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The Sharper Cut Inc

Outdoor Lighting - Plan and Install, Outdoor Lighting Repair, Concrete Driveways & Floors - Install,

About us

*Formerly The Sharper Cut Landscapes || At LiveWell Outdoors, we believe your experience should be as extraordinary as the results. We deliver 20 plus years of expertise, providing a broad range of disciplines that include landscape architecture, landscape design, and construction. We offer single-source landscape design to help you through every stage of your outdoor project – from initial brainstorming to design and material selection, and of course, final build and installation.

Business highlights

27 years of experience

Services we offer

Landscape design, and pools., decks, firepits, fireplaces, fountains, gardens, hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, patios, paver driveways, pergolas, pools, porches, retaining walls, walkways, water features

Accepted Payment Methods

  • CreditCard
Reviews
4.873 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
85%
4
14%
3
1%
2
0%
1
0%
Showing 1-25 of 73 reviews
Lynn G.
Jul 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$250,000
Our home is now like a resort thanks to Bill and his crew. They installed the pool in the spring of 2018. We loved the company so much we signed up for the yearly plant and turf maintenance plan. They pay attention to detail and the keep up with the latest technology. I highly recommend this company.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We're so glad that you're happy with how your projectt turned out! Resort-style living is one of the best ways to enjoy summer! Thanks so much for leaving a review. Much appreciated!"

Kathleen S.
Jul 2019
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
This was the second project we have had completed by The Sharper Cut. This project, as well as the first job, exceeded our expectations. The work began on the start date as promised, the staff were all extremely professional and the quality of work was exceptional. We were extremely pleased with all aspects of the scope of work and will be reaching out again for further projects.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thanks for taking the time to leave a reveiw. We're so glad that we were able to help. Most importantly, we're thrilled that you're happy!"

Aaron W.
May 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
We had a patio installed in our backyard. We met Bill from Sharper Cut at a home improvement show in Upper Marlboro. He was very professional from the beginning and scheduled a follow up meeting for us to come out and meet with him on that day. Before we had the meeting, he came out to the property to take pictures and see the layout. We had previously had a drawing which we sent him ahead of time. When we met with him, he had prepared several different options for a patio, including landscape. He listened intently to what we wanted and implemented it, including the seating wall, pillars and lights. He was very patient, showed the designs, modified them based on our questions and requests, and explained things very clearly. When there was a delay with a stone that we originally chose for the patio, he had us choose another stone to our liking, without making any adjustments to the price. The crew that did the work, showed up timely and were extremely professional. They would have been completed on time but got delayed because of rain storms that soaked the yard. However, as soon as it dried up they came out and finished the project. We are extremely pleased with the patio and all of our neighbors that come and see it, absolutely love it. I have recommended him to several of my neighbors and would encourage anyone looking for quality work to be done for them to consider Sharper Cut. They are awesome!!!!
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thanks so much for the kind review! We hope you've been enjoying your patio!"

Karen G.
Apr 2018
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Fabulous work! Staff and students at our school are amazed at the difference in our courtyard. We all feel uplifted with this delightful and well designed outdoor space for peace, growing plants, etc.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"That's music to our ears, [Member Name Removed]! Thank you for trusting us with this project. We are so happy that we could help enhance the space for staff and students to enjoy."

Curtis B.
Dec 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
I've used Sharper Cut to develop the gardens in front of the house, terrace the front garden for a level field for the trees, bushes, plants and water fountain, and build out the back garden to include and expanded patio and fishpond with waterfall. Their work is superior...and helps give the house a more inviting exterior view to family and guests. I'd recommend them for any project great or small...and they can tailor the project for future growth based on your budget! The winter refresh and clean up went exceptionally well...as their work always provides!
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We appreciate your kind comments about the scope of our work. We try hard to accommodate our clients every step of the way, and make every effort to provide exactly what they want. So much is taken into consideration when we work with our customers. Details are important to us as is customer service and workmanship. We look forward to working with you in the future as you expand your projects."

Dawne W.
Dec 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,700
I was late in finding a company to do holiday lighting for us. Sharper Cut responded promptly to my request and we're able to get my lights up in time for a holiday party we were hosting. They did a fantastic job, the crew they sent were very professional, payed attention to details like where the electric wires and extension cords went, made sure they wouldn't be in a place where people could trip over the cords....it came out more beautiful than we expected! Will definitely use them again next year!
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thanks, [Member Name Removed], and we are so thrilled you chose us to work with you. You were a delight every step of the way, and it was our pleasure helping to make the outdoor part of your home more festive and beautiful."

Dick M.
Dec 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
The design was well conceived. The installation was careful to not disturb grass lawn. The light fixtures seem to be excellent quality. The installation was overseen by a manager.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you for your kind words about the work we did at your home. We are so glad you like every facet of the lighting."

Terrie N.
Sep 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000
Outstanding design and construction.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We appreciate the kind words, and we are happy you are pleased with the end result. Thanks!"

Michael H.
Jun 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$15,000
Fantastic, they did and excellent job. Started on time and finished on time.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We appreciate the feedback, and am thrilled that you are happy with the work!"

Lawrence G.
Jun 2017
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$75,000
While we initially went in for their free consultation to have a pavilion with fire place and stone work, they pitched a landscape plan for our entire property. We loved their design plan and they worked with us very well. Bill is a great guy and pleasure to work with. While we had a few quotes from other contractors, we chose Sharper Cuts. Overall work performed was very good. We had some concerns with grouting not filling pavers completely, but they came back to take care of this issue. Still, areas were still not done. Some of the flagstone tops used were not high quality with rust prevalent. Perhaps their supplier was the issue. They replaced inferior slabs. Plantings were good, but not great with some plants dying and needed replacing. Mulching was scantily done and we ended up spending close to $800 purchasing bulk mulch and laying more down ourselves. THE MAJOR problem we had was the damage done to our lawn along the path they used to drive the heavy machinery (like a Bobcat). They reseeded the area, but the ground was so compacted it didn't take. They came back and loosened the soil and re-seeded again. Much better but we still have a wide and long area where the ground is lower than the surrounding area due to the compaction. Kind of got tired asking for more work to be done. So, overall they are a very good contractor that strived to make things right. The reason for a "B" grade is the fact that issues should be addressed the right way the first time and not in a manner that patches the issue resulting in the customer having to call them back again. Still, they did respond promptly and did not avoid the issues. That is a BIG plus with any contractor. Perhaps they are trying to grow to big too fast and simply did not put the effort in to resolve the issues correctly the first time. Still, I think they are honestly trying their best and this may be a learning curve. We are thankful for their willingness to try to resolve issues despite still having issues outstanding.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with you on this project and of course welcome our your feedback. With any outdoor construction, there is always a bit of repair work that needs to happen to the existing yard, and as most landscape companies out there, we price for efficiency to be as cost-effective as possible, which involves machinery and turf damage. We are continually looking at ways to improve our client experience, and one thing we learned from this project moving forward is to manage our client expectations up front by showing them photos of what to expect. Particularly with regard to the turf damage. Furthermore, we are, for the most part, factoring in sod for the repair as we have much more success with it taking off. We know we are not perfect, but aim to please all of our clients and do what is right by them."

Denise M.
Mar 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$45,000
.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you so much! We truly am grateful for the opportunity to design and install your living space!"

Michelynn C.
Nov 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$41,000
Sharper Cut was one of the best contractors that we've had to do work over the past 30 years. They met every challenge and exceeded our expectations. They were very personable, flexible, accommodating, and provided exceptional quality products. They are a company with great people and solid values. Because of their popularity, scheduling may not be as quick as you would like, but the wait will be well worth it.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you so much for the kind words! We strive to make our client experiences something they will remember!"

Marlene M.
Oct 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,500
Arrived on time, very professional, very friendly start & finish on time as well. I would definitely recommend The Sharper Cut to family & friends.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We appreciate the opportunity to work with you, and love the [Member Information Removed] your front yard turned out! Thanks!"

Marjorie A.
Oct 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Everything was wonderful. They put in a patio, plants, and some walls for me. I had my whole yard dug up and replaced. This was my first time using them. They are very personable, and know what they are doing. They work within your budget, and very responsible. They are very easy to get a hold of.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We are truly happy you have enjoyed your space! It was a pleasure designing the backyard, and seeing it come to fruition!"

Robin W.
May 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$30,000
They were fantastic. The designs, install work and equipment is very high quality. Our interactions will all staff (designers, installers, managers, owners) were very professional, demonstrating a high caliber of expertise and customer focus. Our initial design was higher than our budget and they worked with us to reduce costs and phase the installation over multiple years to manage annual costs. The first phase of installation also stands on its own - so if we do not opt for further work, we still have a beautiful yard, and you'd never notice that there were other things planned. 

The Sharper Cut approach is design-build, which results in higher up-front costs, including ~$2500 for a full design that we now  independently own. It also means we spent a good deal of time working with their staff to make sure they designed and installed what we wanted. Overall costs were higher than other company's quotes, but I believe without a doubt that Sharper Cut was straight forward with up-front material/labor costs vs long term maintenance expenses. Going with Sharper Cut was a bigger investment than other vendors, but it was also the 'best buy' over the long term.  
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you - this review explains exactly how we approach all projects. Creating a master plan addresses all of the client's wants and needs for the property, not just now but for future projects as well. The design process helps clients save money and prevents them from undoing or redoing a part of a project to get to next phase. The costs ensure quality work. We tell potential clients that we are not the cheapest and we do not want to be the cheapest. To lower prices, we would have to lower the quality of our work and that is not something we are willing to do."

Chris H.
Apr 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$10,000
Let's start out with Bill is a very patient guy. Once we got our amazing design from them, I had a series of medical issues which delayed us getting started by years.  Once we were able to start, getting the HOA to approve the new arbor was a chore and a half. First we had to change the original design because the distance from the easement for it had changed. We had to redesign it to fit. Then it took forever for the building guy at the HOA to see the changes because he either lost the plans or was out of town/ country. This took months (about 5). Once we could get rolling Sharper Cut got the building permit and we were almost off. Right after miss utility came out to mark things, we got the snow storm. That added another 2 weeks. After that it went very smoothly. We were contacted by the foreman and verified everything. Sharper Cut took out the old arbor(which was about to fall down) and moved any of the bushes that needed to be moved because of the footers. At that point they moved the stones for the path to their new resting place. The actual builders of the arbor came out and installed the arbor. Sharper Cut did warn me that with the transplants, there was a good chance of those bushes dying but I wanted to move them anyway. The shrubs died, but at least they got a chance.  There was never any clean up on our part required. They were here for about a half day each time and the ones putting in the arbor were here for approximately 3 hours. 
We still have the rest of the plan to do- like replacing the wood on the deck and and building the patio; not to mention all the plantings needed and the front yard redesign. We plan to use them for all of what we need to do. My husband and I were extremely happy with their work and recommend them to anyone.

Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you for the review. With all projects, we work with the client to make sure it is everything that they want and can do. We are ready when you want to do the next phase."

Jackie D.
Apr 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$75,000
We wanted patio with a pizza oven.  We interviewed with several contractors and felt Justin and his team wore very professional and knowledgable.  Our space was oddly shaped and they created a design that was beautiful.  They guided us in selecting the products.  They kept us informed through the process.  Our patio with the pizza oven looks awesome.  I would highly recommend them, the team does high quality work. 
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you for the review. It is important to us that the design and project suits the needs and wants of the client. We loved creating your plan and installing the outdoor project - pizza ovens are a fantastic addition o any outdoor living space. From idea through construction and after project completion, we keep communication open to keep client informed."

Shalini C.
Mar 2016
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,400
It turned out fine. Initially they had quoted us to do the sides as well. And then when they came out, they didn't do the sides and then they had to come back out. They didn't charge us extra for it, which was good. Christmas lighting was painless other than that initial hassle. They took a deposit in the beginning and then they took the rest of it after. The total was $2400. They kept delaying it. They had promised us an earlier date and then it didn't get done until later. And then when they did do it, they didn't do the side of the house initially. So we had some back and forth with them and then ultimately they gave us 10% off the second payment.
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you for the review. We have made some adjustments to our holiday light program so as not to have this type of situation happen again, including a new sign up by date for new and existing clients and a set install period of time with weather factored in. We look forward to next year's holiday light installation."

Patricia C.
Jan 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you for the review."

Steven W.
Jan 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,000
unknown
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We are glad that you are enjoying your new patio."

MARIA B.
Jan 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
unknown
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work with you on your project."

Michael H.
Jan 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$16,000
unknown
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you for the review. We are glad that the work was performed to your satisfaction and look forward to a continued relationship."

Chanda M.
Dec 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$9,000
From the beginning the service was excellent.  We met with Michael Boeck, the Senior Designer, back in 2013 to see about our front walkway. We decided not to go through with it at the time and waited until 2015 to get back in contact with Sharper Cut.  Michael remembered us and had all our information.  We decided that we would do the side walkway too, and maybe add some plants.  After some back and forth we decided to nix the plants (it was all a little pricey) and just do the walkways.  We finalized a price and work began about 2 months later before the Thanksgiving holiday.  The work took about 3 to 4 days to complete and the workers were very respectful and quiet.  They never ever asked to use our restroom or kitchen, which was appreciated.  We did not want any of the mess from outside being tracked into our home.  We did hit one snag regarding the side walkway and a tree that was a little in the way. Andrew Frizzell, the PM, helped us redesign the path the side walkway would take and it actually looks a lot better winding than if it had gone straight. I would also like to acknowledge one of the Foreman, I believe his name was Cruz, for being wonderful with our 4-year old son, who was extremely inquisitive about the work.  The Foreman took time and patience answering my sons questions.  Needless to say this was a great experience and we look forward to working with Sharper Cut in the future, as long as we have funds available to do so :)
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"We have enjoyed working with you throughout the project. We love hearing how our crews are performing as well. The foreman appreciated your kind words and we have thanked him for that extra step. This above and beyond attitude is what we look at with our employees. This employee has been with us for 11 years and I think we will keep him :)"

Patricia W.
Dec 2015
3.0
$10,000
unknown
Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"She has been a pleasure to work with. We were excited to work with her on a sizeable planting plan for her historic home. There were some challenges that arose during the process. We amend our planting beds to assure fast growth and longevity, and it often results in a higher soil level. This produced an undesirable drainage situation, which we take very seriously. As soon as the client notified us, we sent a crew out within 24 hours to fix the issue. We want our customers to be thrilled with their projects. For the most part the plants installed did very well, but it is inevitable that some tweaks need to be made (with the abundant deer population, even ‘deer resistant’ plants were negatively affected). We promised to replaced plants that weren’t working (including some perennials that weren’t warrantied). At the time of her review, we had sent the client a list of plants that we recommended as replacements. As sometimes happens, the email was not seen by our customer. When we saw her review, we were quick to bring her attention to the previously sent email. At this point, we are on good terms with the customer and we hope to surpass her expectations in the Spring with the completion of her garden."

Bernice B.
Sep 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro

We obtained Sharper Cut?s service eight years ago to update our landscape, build a walkway and retaining walls, and we were extremely pleased with the work performed. Sharper Cut is true to their word, they made sure that we were engaged from start to finish.  Very professional staff and the quality of the work was outstanding and timely.  We have been using Sharper Cut?s landscaping services (spring and fall) twice yearly since 2007.   Highly recommend Sharper Cut?s for your landscaping and build need.


Response from The Sharper Cut Inc
"Thank you for taking the time to review us. It has been a pleasure working with you for the past 8 years and we look forward to many more. These relationships with our clients is what has helped our company to become what it is today."
Showing 1-25 of 73

Licensing

State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.

FAQ

The Sharper Cut Inc is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.

The Sharper Cut Inc accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard

No, The Sharper Cut Inc does not offer free project estimates.

No, The Sharper Cut Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, The Sharper Cut Inc does not offer a senior discount.

No, The Sharper Cut Inc does not offer emergency services.

No, The Sharper Cut Inc does not offer warranties.