MasterPLAN Outdoor Living

Wow! Just...WOW! The MasterPlan team transformed our backyard from “meh” to, well, WOW!! Led by their fearless leader Josh, we could not be more pleased with the finished product. Josh is a talented designer with a gift for taking your vision and making it a beautiful reality. Truly professional work you typically see on TV shows on HGTV. A clean and courteous crew who displayed strong work ethics. Josh personally overseeing the project and checking in with us to keep us informed every step of the way. We were especially impressed with their customer service and prompt response to issues that arose. A special shout-out to Becky, the unsung office heroine of MasterPlan! If you’re considering any landscape/hardscape projects, plan on MasterPlan!

We would categorize our experience with Josh and his crew as second to none. Josh’s vision of how to get the most out of our backyard was spot on. He helped us realize the full potential of the space, and brought that vision to reality. Throughout the process, Josh and his team were a pleasure to work with. They communicated with us regularly so we were informed and aware of each stage before it occurred. Everyone involved in our project was professional, reliable and credible. The finished transformation looks like it should have always been this way, and brings out the very best of our backyard space. We could not be happier with the end result.

The installation went very well. The quality of workmanship is second to none. There was regular communication regarding status of the project and schedules. Josh is extremely detail oriented and will not rest until the project is done to perfection. He puts a significant amount of thought and care to each project.

Hiring MasterPLAN to transform our backyard was the greatest decision we could have made. The project design was so much better than we ever imagined, and Josh made it all come to life in an incredibly professional, timely, stress-free and fun way. He listened to us and heard what we wanted, then created a functional and beautiful deck & patio space that we will be able to enjoy now and for years to come. Josh has a keen eye for detail and is incredibly knowledgeable, with an answer to every question and an excitement to partner with his clients to ensure their 100% satisfaction. He checked in with us on a weekly basis and made sure we were up to speed on the project timeline. The fact that MasterPLAN takes care of obtaining all permits and hiring all contractors made watching our backyard transformation easy and enjoyable. The quality of the workmanship is top notch, and the endless compliments we have received from our neighbors is a testament to this. We would hire MasterPLAN again....and we plan on it when we are ready for the next phase in our incredible backyard transformation!

osh and his crew from MasterPLAN are incredible to work with. They are professional in every sense of the word. I was aware of what was going on each and every day. There were never any questions as to the schedule or timeline. Bust most importantly was Josh's sincerity and love of what he does. He spends time getting to know you and understand what it is that your family wants and creates an outdoor oasis that is far beyond your expectations. His vision and ideas are astounding and we hope to continue to have his help for many more projects in the future.

This is our second project with MasterPlan. We had high expectations from a great first project and they were certainly exceeded in the second. From the initial plan to the final walk through, Josh was professional, insightful, and determined to meet our vision. We were able to see our project through a 3D computer visual that showed every detail in a customized way. Throughout the project he and his staff took extra care to make sure we were happy each step of the way through phone calls, emails, and constant visits to the project site. We particularly loved the weekly schedules we received on who would be coming and what work was to be done each day. All those he brought onto the project were skillful, respectful, friendly, and fulfilled their part to the exact plan. We were impressed with the day to day progress, clean work site, and manner in which the project came together. The end result was the patio and outdoor space we have been longing for. MasterPlan has given us our perfect place to relax, entertain, and enjoy our yard in an effortless way. We are truly pleased and would recommend MasterPlan to anyone who wants a quality, professional, and personal experience!

Working with MasterPlan was a simple, straight forward process supported by dazzling designs and great communication every step of the way.  Everything was handled in a first class fashion.  We now have an outdoor living space which is a great place to relax watching the sunset with a glass of wine at the end of a hard day; or starting the morning with a hot coffee watching the birds at the feeder.

So, 20 yrs. ago we build our house, in-ground pool, 2nd story deck, a concrete 10x12 patio. ;The only item used was the pool!
Everything else was useless, too sunny and too small! ;About 5 yrs. ago we decided to update the backyard, as the family was expanding with the grandchildren, etc.;So, with the task at hand, various appointments were made, some never showed, some never called back, and some were downright rude at the home shows we attended, so just put on the back burner.  Fast forward 5 yrs, and in November, 2015 while trolling the internet yet again, we happened upon Master Plan.  Read the reviews, looked at the website in greater detail and decided this is what we needed!  A comprehensive plan!  Landscaping, lightening, irrigation, decking with roofing, etc.!  The whole enchilada!!  Perfect!  Well, our project was just completed and we couldn't be happier, from construction, electrician, landscapers, concrete installers, very detailed work, very GOOD work!   We never had to micro manage anything!  Just come home from work (have to pay for it right?) and see what was accomplished!  The workers were neat through the project, cleaned up everyday!  Josh and Becky were delightful to worth with, communication was outstanding, no drama when
we decided to add things while the construction was taken place.  Hopefully, we have many more years to enjoy this eventual "retirement resort" with our family and friends to come.

Josh was wonderful to work with.  In our first meeting he created an overall design plan for hardscape and landscape.  He absolutely took what we were wanting and turned it into reality, better than we could have imagined.  Throughout the projects his attention to detail was evident.  We have several more projects to go, and I will not use anyone else but Josh.  

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From the time Josh and I first met to discuss the project through the end of the construction, Josh was nothing but professional, knowledgeable and accessible. Josh provided a state of the art 3D digital proposal for my patio, deck and pool area and the final product exceeded my expectations.  He oversaw all aspects of the project including obtaining the architectural drawings, filing for permits, attending a variance hearing and supervising the multiple subcontractors on the project.  Josh was available for any questions or concerns that arose and checked in with me frequently for my feedback and to keep me up to date with scheduling.  Josh has a welcome attention to detail and pointed out small changes that made a big difference. The final product is an impressive and welcoming backyard oasis that my family and friends will enjoy for many years. 
I have used designers and subcontractors on multiple occasions and this has been , by far, my best experience.  I highly recommend Josh and MasterPlan to anyone considering an outdoor project.  I'm looking forward to our next landscape project this spring.

     ONE WORD -- AMAZING!!  We contacted Josh at MasterPlan after an extensive search for a landscape architect to design and refurbish the outside space at our new weekend home.  Of the many companies that we met with, MasterPlan was the only one that had the enthusiasm and vision for the project.  Josh really listed to us during our walk-about, asking a lot of questions to gain an understanding of what we were looking for.  The virtual landscaping plan Josh developed was awesome, incorporating everything on our wish list in creative ways we had not considered.  The digital program that Josh uses gave us a real world representation of what our property would like in both day and night.  It also allowed us to take a virtual tour of the property to fine tune some of the details. 
     The plan was very ambitious so Josh prepared a phased approach over two years that kept our goals and budget at the forefront.  Phase one began last spring and was a big project which took about eight weeks.  Josh was always available to answer questions and made plans to meet regularly on our schedule.  Emails and voicemails were responded to quickly with answers and resolution.  Even now that the job is done, we continue to get a quick response to questions about maintenance.  At the time of this project, we were also doing a number of other renovations both inside and outside our home and Josh worked seamlessly with our other contractor. 
     The teams that Josh assembled to do the deck, the masonry work, and the landscaping, were all amazing in their work ethic and understanding of the project.  They worked as one team and performed seamlessly with Josh keeping an eye on everything.  Their attention to detail was impressive.  Each day, they arrived early and went right to work.  Josh was there to review what needed to be done and a couple of days he stayed and worked with the crew.  The deck they built, and the stone planter at its center, is beyond anything we had imagined!  And the only thing better than the deck is the lighting -- our house looks amazing at night!
     Josh runs a tight ship.  The job site was left neat and clean each day.  Once demolition was complete, coming back each weekend, we found a pristine yard, no matter what the stage of construction -- equipment and tools neatly parked and stacked.  All week we excitedly anticipated the progress and we were never disappointed.  The end result is breathtaking!
     Once the project was complete, Josh walked the property with us, explaining what needed to be done to maintain the new plantings, the timers for the lighting, the irrigation system, etc., and he has stopped by numerous times over the summer to see if anything needed tweaking.  Best of all, the work completed matches exactly the virtual plan we reviewed with Josh early in the process.  MasterPlan is a professional landscape company that excels at both creativity and customer service!  We can't wait to get started on Phase 2 next spring.

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They pay attention to detail. We went with them because we liked what we saw when the plan was presented and we got what we thought exactly we will get. We were very happy with them but did not do a lot of research to get comparable prices.

From my first meeting with Joshua Gillow, I was nothing but impressed by his professionalism, knowledge and artistry. After our initial meeting Josh returned with a plan and computer graphics depicting the end result. Wow! I was very impressed. Throughout the project Josh was never more than a phone call away and showed up frequently while the work was in process. He took care of permits, inspections, etc. The sub-contractors, both for the deck and the paving/landscaping, were conscientious, polite and hardworking. If it were possible, this project would receive all A+ grades. My home has a new look and I know that my money has been well spent. Master Plan and Joshua Gillow are second to none!

Very well! The finished product matched the 3D renderings that were provided to us to see the vision of the project. We are very happy with the investment and with MasterPlans work.

Working with Josh Gillow was probably the best experience we have had with a contractor.  Josh was professional,
responsive, reliable, creative and smart.  The resulting deck, patio and landscaping exceeded our high expectations
and will add significantly to the value and enjoyment of our home.
We have built two homes, so we have had significant experience working with builders and contractors.  We hired Josh to build a deck and patio and do some landscaping in our backyard after getting plans from him and one other well-regarded landscaping firm.  What impressed us about Josh?s plan was its creativity and the many ways it answered the needs we had communicated to him at our first meeting.  He had obviously listened, and found a way to include the shade and privacy we needed, the entertainment space we wanted, and some storage space for which we hadn?t even thought about asking.  Instead of the standard square deck and patio, he creatively incorporated curves and subtly defined spaces. As the work progressed, his attention to even the smallest details became apparent, from the careful placement of lights and electrical outlets, to disguising the cap on the gas conduit embedded in the patio, to the inclusion of decorative hinges on the doors to the storage space.
 Josh was also completely dependable and responsive.  We never had to call him to find out the status of the project.  He always
contacted us first with scheduling information, and he and his subcontractors always came on time (or earlier!)  We could
text him with questions at all hours and get a prompt and informative answer.  His subcontractors worked through all kinds of weather. It was so much fun to come home every day and see how far the work had progressed rather than lament that none had been done.  Whenever we wanted anything changed or fixed, it was done the next day without delay or excuse.  When the project was finished, it was everything Josh had promised it would be and more.
 Quality does not come cheap, but Josh?s prices were fair and he helped us invest wisely.  He let us know when we had an idea that would not work well, and gave us some cost-saving options that would not diminish the finished look of the project.  He was smart and flexible enough to make small changes as the project progressed in order to make it look and function
optimally, at no added expense (unless we added something). As a result, the plantings, the deck, the patio and the lighting are stunning.  Josh clearly loves his work and takes great pride in doing an outstanding job.

MasterPlan transformed a vision that we had for years into a reality.  The approach and process in designing our patio which we now call our outside living space was exceptional.  Josh is truly an outstanding designer that collected our thoughts bringing his proposal into a 3D design which was awesome in helping us to visually see what it could become.  Once the project began Josh manged the process with a close eye to detail in every phase accepting nothing less but perfection.  We were communicated every step of the way and always felt engaged.  MasterPlan's approach is not just a project but an experience that should be enjoyed.  With the many home projects that we have had in the past, we can say with confidence that this was our very best experince.  Josh not only does a great job for his clients but also establishes a great relationship.  I would recommend to anyone that MasterPlna would be the only way to go.

We had received estimates from a couple of contractors who gave us exactly what we asked for...an estimate on rebuilding our deck and enlarging it. But when we met Josh, he spent time getting to know us and what we liked to do outside. He helped us visualize what our new deck could look like that would integrate landscaping and storage (which we needed) and lighting and a fire pit (which was on our wish list). After developing a detailed design proposal for us, he went over each item and construction stage and the associated costs. We were extremely impressed and knew we wouldn't be happy if we settled for less than Josh's plan which took into account our lifestyle and our home and existing landscaping. Josh also managed each phase and team, from permits and inspections to the final landscaping. He was always very responsive to our questions and requests. We're confident that we could reach out to Josh with any questions we may have in the future, even though the work on our deck project is complete. He is very professional and personable, and it was a pleasure to work with him.

"I have been working with Josh and Masterplan since the summer of 2010. We began with a relatively blank slate. We have designed my backyard soft and hardscaping through many adjustments and considerations. It has turned out so very well. Josh is great with listening to my thoughts and ideas, adding his experienced comments and suggestions, redesigning and sending updated computerized pictures, as well as understanding budget constraints and timing. He is very responsive and returned many times to review and adjust. When people come into my yard, they comment that it is beautiful, a little spot of paradise, so well planned, etc. I would highly recommend Josh and MasterPLAN Landscape Design. Barb P., Easton, PA"

When we set out to replace our rickety old deck we found ourselves wanting lots of upgrades but having no idea how to fit them all into the space allotted for our new structure.  We literally spent 2 years debating and struggling to define exactly what we wanted.  We could never picture how the final product would look.  Then along came Josh and MasterPlan Landscaping!  Not only was Josh able to produce a lifelike rendering of how our finished product would look ? he was able to come up with a layout that incorporated every design feature we asked for.  He listened to what we wanted, but even more importantly, he asked thoughtful questions to gain insight into how we would use the space.  This enabled him to make suggestions we had never considered and come up with a design that was truly optimal for our needs.  It was a large project, and so we were of course concerned about cost.  MasterPlan Landscaping offers competitive pricing, and Josh really worked with us to decide how best to utilize our dollars. During the building process, Josh was easy to work with and attentive to details.  Even after the project was complete and the final payment was made, he went above and beyond to ensure our new outdoor space was perfect.  We already have several other landscaping projects in mind and we wouldn?t trust anyone else but Josh to get the job done right!

Josh was extremely professional throughout the entire process from the initial design consultation throughout the entire installation. He was able to accurately see our vision and get on the same page with us. His design presentation was second to none and the finished product was exactly as represented. The installation crew was also very professional and obviously skilled craftsmen. They did a fantastic job. Our landscaping and lighting stands out in our neighborhood. I can't wait to start phase II of our design next year.

The service provided by MasterPLAN was one of the best remodeling experiences we have ever had.  Josh came to our home and really listened to what we wanted to see happen in our backyard.  When he presented us with his 3D rendering of the project, we couldn't believe how beautiful it was.  It was like he was reading our minds.  The work done by the installers was top-notch.  They were very friendly and professional, and answered any questions I had along the way.  Josh stopped by frequently to check up on the work to make sure it was being done correctly.  When the work was completed, it looked exactly like project plan.  We now have a backyard that we can enjoy for many years to come.  We would certainly use MasterPLAN again for any future projects and would highly recommend them.