DINSDALE LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS INC

Service Provider Response

In reading this review, I am very saddened. We came to this job at the request of the design team, who had prepared only a rough conceptual design. As such, we were estimating without actual specifications or final drawings. Additionally, as this was an existing garden there were many areas that required work and were not included in the conceptual design. Of significant concern is the fact that the client waited over four years to make this Angie’s List report. Much of the cost overrun was due to the ever expanding nature of the job. As to supervision, I was personally on site at least every other day to perform and direct work. Our crew leader is very experienced and although accustomed to working from complete plans, he is competent to oversee and coordinate the work. Additionally, during landscape installation, the house was under construction and we were required to work around the builder making our scheduling and logistics difficult. It is of note that the client has never contacted our company about the perceived deficiencies of our work. At the time of the project they were in the middle of building their house and quite frustrated with the builder due to cost overruns and what they saw as deficiencies in their performance. This contributed to the clients ever tightening budget, which we felt the brunt of as the last one on the site. It was the client’s choice to contract on a time and materials basis due to the lack of a complete design and recognizing that they wanted a custom garden to showcase their uniquely architectured house. Due to the non-existent specifications for the hardscape at the time of estimating the price was very rough and the client was aware of this. Many of the materials and finishes subsequently selected were of the most expensive type. Estimating cost is only as good as the information provided. As a contractor for twenty-three years installing custom gardens, many of which we have maintained through the years, we have always endeavored to treat the client’s property as though it were our own and install gardens for the long run. I very much enjoyed working with the client and had a personal connection with the garden and wanted to see it completed properly. As such, we contributed $30,000 in uncharged labor and materials to get the garden to a finished state, without going over what the client wanted to pay. During the landscape installation the client was advised in a timely fashion of what items were costing. Often in retrospect we remember what frustrates us and forget the mitigating circumstances. Whether installing a $15000 or a $500000 garden, we strive to give the best possible result within the constraints of the site and the budget. As mentioned in the opening I am very saddened by this review and feel it is unfortunate that the client felt this way without talking to me about the issues. We always strive to repair and correct any reasonable issues and are always open to communication. We stand behind our work. Again I regret that the client feels this way and believe that we made every possible effort to meet their needs and do the best possible work. Alfred Dinsdale, President Dinsdale Landscape Contractors, Inc.