Garden Makeover

What was involved?
It was quite an extensive garden landscaping job. Eugene laid an Indian sandstone patio, built a stone wall, built a concrete dog run, created flower beds, and laid a foundation for a new shed. He also cut down a tree in the front and planted a new one, trimmed trees and hedges, plumbed in a new retractable hose and installed a sunken granite water feature into the ground. Eugene did a fantastic job I have to say.

How did you choose Eugene?
I made some inquiries locally from companies I had used before. And that led me to Eugene. I had two others in to quote for the job as well. Eugene was able to articulate very well other jobs he'd worked on. He also listened to exactly what I needed. There was so many different elements that I needed to be sure I had someone who could do it right.

Also, because I couldn't picture how it would look, I needed someone who wouldn't mind me coaching them through each step of the way or wouldn't mind if something needed to change. Eugene came across as being very flexible.

Eugene came in within my budget too. Any little bits and pieces I asked him to do, he was fine with that as well. I had a fixed budget so that was important with me as well.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Eugene Iarmurati?
Not really. I knew what I needed but I was open to design ideas.

Did Eugene introduce new ideas?
When I brought Eugene in, I was going to do the dog run on one side of the garden but after talking to Eugene we changed that around. Eugene suggested different things like the shapes of the bed and ways to get more privacy in the garden.

The ideas I had were very functional. Eugene has a creative side as well, and brought more design to it. It's absolutely fantastic. They did a brilliant job.

How did the project run?
The workmanship was absolutely excellent. One thing I like about Eugene is that he took his time. He was very competent, very professional. The job he did on the patio is just amazing.

For example, one of the other people quoted to put a grate in the middle of the patio for water collection. Eugene managed to run both the dog run and patio on a slight angle. There's no pooling or anything on the patio. He has an engineering background and it really comes out in his work.

What was the biggest benefit to you of using Eugene?
I'd have to say his flexibility. Nothing was a hassle with him. When I needed Eugene to do extra things, he was very flexible.

For example, we got very little notice when the shed was coming, Eugene got here early to prepare the foundation. He also came out on a Saturday morning when we wanted to get the hose connected.

It was overall flexibilty in everyway, both in the design and in doing the extra little bits and pieces.

What's your favourite part now?
I would have to say the patio - the finish on the patio is absolutely fantastic.

Would you recommend Eugene to others?
Oh yes, absolutely. I would highly recommend them, there's more work now that I need done in the house. I need to get plastering and painting done, and I'll get Eugene to do that.

Eugene's very personable, he's a very smart guy. All that makes a big difference. Eugene's very, very easy to deal with. He's a lovely man.

Any tips for other people?
Begin with the budget in mind, that's how I approached it. I had a fixed amount of money. So for me, it was important that I was going to get the best job but within budget. For example, I could have bought a water feature for €400 but Eugene said he could build me one for €150, so I still managed to get my water feature and stay on budget.