Spicewood Stone LLC

We talked with a few contractors to extend an existing rear porch and landscape our rear yard.  We started with a pretty good idea of what we wanted, but still needed expert advice.  Spicewood wasn't the least expensive, but they seemed to have the best understanding of what we wanted and offered a complete package.  We had a design in mind when we started and Spicewood seemed to have a good understanding of our desires.  The price was reasonable and we were able to get the plants and grass at wholesale cost.  We were extremely pleased with the flagstone porch.  It looks great and exactly what we wanted.  They did have to come back and re-caulk the area between the flagstone and the side of the house, but responsiveness on this issue was good.  The guy who did the sprinklers did a very good job and explained how the system worked better than the builder's explanation when we moved in.  He had to come back to adjust and replace one of the sprinkler heads, but he was also very responsive.  We thought we had a good deal on the landscaping and we did from a cost perspective, but we could have used better landscaping advice.  Their landscaper's suggestions didn't come close to our expectations and we could have used more advice on chosing plants and trees.  He pretty much left it up to us to decide.  It turns out we have a heavy clay ground that doesn't drain well and the flower beds and the area under the grass wasn't prepared correctly.  We've had to go back and redo a couple of the flower beds to save a tree and some plants.  Come spring, we'll have to see how the rest of the landscape survives.

Our job went so well that we could hardly believe it (this after dealing with so many contractors over the past few months to get our pool built).  Josh, who estimated the job, was so thorough that almost no details were left out of the initial estimate.  He was also able to advise us on the different possibilities for dealing with challenges that our yard and pool design presented to the stone work.  I was able to find out what sorts of items would increase cost and what (in his experience) would look best, then make decision ahead of time based on that information.  Then, and very importantly, these decisions were well communicated to Javier, the lead stone person on the job.  
Also important was that Spicewood insisted on doing the job in a way that was going to make us happy.  !  Crazy, right? The repeated at every communication, "call us if anything isn't quite how you want it, we can change what we are doing to suit what you want."  Wow.  Just awesome.  We had small tinkering with the design but nothing too big.  I was able to let Javier know and it was done right away.  There was never any hemming and hawing about whether they could do what i wanted.  And - all the work came in as estimated. If only all my dealings with contractors and companies went this well.  

Contacted Spicewood for estimate based on my (customer) driveway design. Josh came on site to discuss the design and was very knowledgeable and helpful in nailing down project scope. Estimate, provided by Ed, came three days later. Accepted estimate (middle of price range of several estimates from other providers) based on company reputation and confidence inspired by Josh and Ed. Started work, then had delays due to (customer) misunderstand of city permitting requirements.  Spicewood was very accommodating and understanding during this time. Restarted work with slightly scaled-back (due to city requirements) design.  This also did not appear to annoy them, thankfully. Project took a few days longer than expected but was completed within a very reasonable time frame. We are very likely to use Spicewood again because, while their price may not be the lowest, they do high quality work, are very professional, flexible, and a pleasure to work with.

Quick response to both estimate and repair. Looked like new.

Ed and his team showed up early and prompt daily.  The first day we went over the outline and they went to work.  These folks really take pride in their craft.  I came by several days and they were always busy, never did I see anyone standing around.  They were very courteous, allowed me to make minor changes (without upcharges!) and for one large change there was a very reasonable charge which was discussed upfront and agreed.  They made sure they talked to me about how my yard grades, waterflow, etc so I could understand and talk through best options.  They asked my approval on stone, drain shapes/colors, grout, etc. No surprises or additional charges at the end, only a willingness to review the job and make immediate adjustments.  The end result was a great ourdoor living area that flows nicely and ties everything together.  I highly recommend Spicewood Stone and would hire them again.

We highly recommend Spicewood Stone for masonary/concrete work.  Ed Patrick came and explained in detail how he was going to construct the patio area.  He was very professional and polite and prompt.  The work is excellent and was done in good time.  Spicewood Stone managed to construct an area in our backyard exactly how we wanted it -- it looks fabulous! 
Thanks Spicewood Stone.

The pool, landscaping, pergola, and fireplace design was provided by another company. Once the design was in-hand, we got several bids. Spicewood Stone gave the best priced bid and I was impressed with the owner Ed Patrick. Work started on time and proceeded on schedule. Ed was very accommodating to changes in the design. Minor changes were made at no extra cost. The one major change was done at a reasonable cost. Work was completed on schedule with high quality. They did a great job on our travertine tile deck installation. Five months later I had a few deck tiles cracked, and some other minor issues. They took care of these issues right away at no extra cost.

I had three Angie's list landscaping companies come out and give estimates, and Spicewood was the first to respond.  Josh came out and met with us to discuss what we were looking to do, and together we worked up a plan for a complete transformation of our front and back yards.  He made several visits to discuss and sketch up ideas together. In the end, Spicewood's estimate was the best, and I had a really good feeling about working with Josh.

Once work commenced, Josh was always available and engaged.  If I had any questions or issues, he was right on it.

One piece of the work we had added with the swap of the pergola for the deck was adding new doors and windows to provide access from two rooms.  When we had issues with the carpenter they brought in and I wanted him removed from the job, they were very reasonable in first wanting to hear and understand the issues, and were supportive of my decision.  What could have been a trigger point for argument and disagreement, we worked out in a very professional and sensible way even though it required some adjustments to our scope of work.  

We had a couple of issues with the irrigation system, and their partner (Tropical Irrigation) was very responsive.

It's a pleasure to do business with someone that puts the customer's satisfaction as such a high priority, and chooses to work with partners that will maintain that same level of satisfaction.

This was a very good experience, the owner Patrick came out and we went over the project, he is very knowledgeable about his work and made several good suggestions. He also said that he knew his bid would be higher then most, but he guarenteed his work and definitely gave me the impression that he knew this type of work well. On the first day of the project he came out with his crew, introduced me to the crew boss and we again went over the work to be done. The work progressed well, the crew worked steadily, I did not need to check on them or supervise at all. Patrick came out and checked on the work several times and he was always available by cell phone. The work was completed in one week, which amazed me because the area the the work was done in was very hilly and rocky hill country ground. The work areas were completely cleared and cleaned when the project was completed.

I was extremely pleased with my experience with Spicewood Stone. They were 100% punctual, did everything they said they would do, when they said they would do it. The quality of the work is first class. We found it necessary to made a few changes as the work progressed and they were quick to respond, offer suggestion on the best way to move forward and then incorporate the changes without issues. From the Owner to the foreman and workers, everyone was professional, and courteous. I will not hesitate to use Spicewood Stone on my next outdoor job.

After last summer's drought, my 36' X 8' strip of grass ("backyard") was reduced to weeds and large patches of dead grass. I wanted to make this area into a useable space for outdoor entertaining. Ed Patrick came by to give me an estimate (I got 3 in all from various folks), and he was extremely knowlegable about how paving would work in my situation, and recommended a particular type and color of sandstone that would match the color of my house. He recommended and explained how he would install a "french drain" and a permeable weed barrier that would comply with Austin area requirements. He provided CAD drawings and description for my HOA to approve, and offered more information and help with getting the approval if needed. After approval, he and his workers came out and did all the work admirably. They were professional and polite. They checked the stone colors with me, and Shelley in the office regularly checked in with me on how the project was proceeding and if all was OK. There was some delay in completing the project because of unexpected downpours of rain, but as soon as the weather cooperated, Ed and his workmen finished the job and again checked to make sure I was satisfied. They left me with additional finishing stones for the edge, should some be washed away by weather, and also a container of pulverized granite to replenish the material between the stones as it weathers away over time. When it turned out that I only needed one step from the patio instead of two, he credited me with the cost difference. They cleaned up afterwards, and even added some soil where there was a low spot at the gate entrance. Ed also offered to take me to a landscape nursery when I am ready to purchase pots and containers and plants. As a registered landscaper, he can help me design my container/plant lay-outs, and use his truck to transport them to my place. Ed and Shelley could not have been nicer or more helpful. I highly recommend these folks.

We heard about Spicewood Stone through Angie's List and based on their reviews we requested an estimate which we received from Josh within a day. We were pleased to see that their estimate was very competitive based on other quotes that we had received. We spent some time developing our contract, and based on some initial misunderstandings that occured when construction began we feel that this process was well worth it. The misunderstanding occured on what they interpreted as our explanation for what we wanted to do with the concrete patio. We wanted a concrete foundation that was built to a depth that would hit bedrock or at least to the depth of the pre-existing house foundation and tied in with rebar to provide additional strength. This became a bit of a sticky point when we saw that they were building a foundation that would support your typical patio but would not meet the specifications that we asked them for. Therefore, we asked them to start again and build it to our specifications. To his credit, Ed (owner) came out to the house to personally provide oversight of the re-work and was more than accomodating and extremely thorough and polite despite their having to basically start all over again. He didn't try to pass the expense on to us as would probably be the case with other contractors. This experience proved to us that it is essential to get exactly what you want written into the contract (which we did) and to ensure that any questions regarding construction should be addressed before starting. After the concrete was poured the work seemed to progress at a rapid pace. The concrete was allowed to harden for two days and their carpenter, Mike, came out to the house to install the pergola (in the rain). He did an outstanding job and we couldn't be happier. Next, the masonry guys came out to the house and worked tirelessly to lay the oklahoma stone and build up the pergola beams and BBQ pit with Texas Sandstone and capped with oklahoma stone. Overall, while there were some bumps in the road Ed and crew were very gracious, absolute professionals and often times went above and beyond to ensure that this consumer was absolutely satisfied. To which I send a very big THANK YOU!

I was very pleased with the whole process. Josh came out for a consultation. I was impressed with his knowledge of different types of stone, and different methods of installation. I received the estimate promptly, and decided to go with Spicewood. Next, Josh and his crew came to mark out the plan I had in mind. I can be picky, but they were patient with all of my adjustments and input. The next day, the crew came out and started work. These men worked incredibly h****** my yard; I never saw them slacking off. I also had adjustments made to the sprinkler system by another company, and they worked around each other very well. The weather in February was nasty and slowed the process a bit just because of the mud, but the entire project took about a week and a half. Ed came out nearly every day to check on progress and make sure I was satisfied. He was very responsive to any request I had. I really felt like these guys went above and beyond. My yard is absolutely beautiful now; I couldn't be happier with it. I also know that Ed guarantees his work, and I can call if there is ever a problem with cracking, etc.

I sent email to Spicewood Stone describing my project and budget and asking for an estimate. I got a callback the next day, and Hector came over within 24 hours to see the area and get me an estimate. Over the next few days, we exchanged emails and phone calls, and agreed on a price and the work to be done. The work started the following Monday. Everyone I came in contact with at Spicewood Stone was very courteous and accommodating. I had an electrician out the same week to upgrade my panel and set up wiring to the spa, and the landscapers were very cooperative and even dug the electrician's trench for us. I was very pleased with their responsiveness -- I had contacted other landscapers for an estimate, and they didn't even call me back! -- and I couldn't be happier with how the project came out, it was exactly what I asked for. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like the stone for the walkway, but owner Ed told me he felt sure I would when I saw it installed and offered to replace it if I didn't. He was right, once I saw it installed, I was very happy with it. I will definitely hire them again for other projects, and I feel I got a great value for the cost.

Wished this grading system had A+++ category simply because that is where this folks should be. The professionalism is beyond A++++. Spicewood Stone posses rare knowledge and skill for what they do. We are extremely please with the out come. During the process, they were very informative and explained exactly how and why. The workmanship is second to none. They were on time and did more than what they were hired to do. They helped us to move 2 very heavy lion statues w/o hesitation. They helped us w/ out a/c unit coverage and more... They truly care not only their projects but also their customers' happiness and satisfactions. Hire them, satisfaction, ease of mind, and happiness are what you'll have in the end. Thanks so much Spicewood Stone!

They were very nice when I called and they sent someone out right away to give me a bid. He got me the bid very quickly but it was higher than I was expecting so I?m going to get a couple more bids. He was very professional and very knowledgeable.

I am so pleased with how this project turned out. Edward and his team (lead by Javier) were responsive, prompt, friendly and professional in all their dealings. They installed terrific looking limestone flower beds that have already garnered many compliments and we are sure have added to the value of our house. When we were originally unsure about one area, they came back out to change it so that we were more than happy with the outcome. I can't say enough about them. I am also impressed by the extra details that they included (proper weeping holes for drainage, powerwashing the stone when they were finished to make it shine, etc.) that I am not sure a less reputable place would've bothered with.

I found Spicewood Stone on Angie's List and was impressed by the pictures on his website. About six months ago I'd done the leg work to get several bids on this job. The bids ranged from $4500 to $16000, but we didn't feel confident in any of the contractors. We really wanted to be able to enjoy our backyard so I called Ed for a bid. He came out the same day I called him, took measurements, and gave us a bid on the spot. He had extensive knowledge of stonework and we could tell he knew what he was doing. We called him the next day and booked the job. Ed didn't waste any time and got to work the next day. I was home for some of the work and the crew was english speaking and always very professional. It was so hot outside and these guys worked non-stop-- I was so impressed. They arrived every day on time and cleaned up after themselves. They even hauled away our old patio furniture for no charge. They were careful to preserve our existing pergola and replaced the weight bearing wood beams. In all it took about 5 days for them to complete the work. As for the patio itself-- we couldn't have asked for more. It is absolutely beautiful. It definitely has a wow factor and all of our guests have loved it. Ed said himself that he isn't the cheapest in town, and he isn't (then again, he isn't the most expensive either!). But I do believe that he is worth every penny. He responds promptly to calls and emails and addressed any concerns we had immediately. The product delivered surpassed our expectations.

There were some problems with it, but he came right back and fixed it. I was very pleased.

I wanted to complete this project in a week for a party we were having on Saturday and all I can say is...WOW!!! Spicewood Stone really impressed me. They started the project on Tuesday and finished on Friday morning. Ed and Josh were very professional and friendly. They worked with us on the price and their crew left our yard clean as if they were never there. I will definitely use them again!!

Ed's crew arrived on time each day and worked hard to finish the project within a few days. The retaining wall was a huge project, but they were able to complete the entire wall in 2 days. It looks beautiful, structurally solid, and matches the house exactly. They also picked up all stone that I'd ordered through a local stone supply company. Ed took the time to let me completely explain what I was looking for, including materials (cement, color, etc.). My wife and I are completely satisfied with the incredible work that Spicewood Stone did around our entire home.

We recently built a new home on a steeply sloped lot in far Southwest Austin. I wanted to avoid formal mortared rock walls and wanted a more natural dry stack look which would blend in with the surrounding hill country terrain and landscape. I stopped by Spicewood Stone because it happened to be right down the road from our new home and I am very glad that I did. I had received outrageous bids from several landscape companies and had almost decided to chuck the whole project but Ed did a wonderful job at a very reasonable cost and I couldn't be happier. They used native "Spicewood Stone" and it dramatically improved the look and value of our new home. They did have to come make a couple of corrections but they did so quickly so it was no problem.