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Western Outdoor Designs

San Marcos,
CA
4.80
4.8/5
80 Reviews
Your Landscape Design & Build Expert - Awarded Best of Houzz 2015-2020

Business Details

Business Details

Western Outdoor Designs

Phone Number

(800) 789-7510

Website

Business Details

Address

1210 E. Barham Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078

License Number

Reviews for Western Outdoor Designs

Brad and Gloria
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

We did an extensive bidding process, looking at 6 vendors for our backyard project, and went with Western Pavers, as their quality and attention to detail seemed to be the best. They paid attention to little things, such as brass drain grates instead of plastic offered by other vendors, folding a drainage design into our existing drains, and hiding some of our existing cleanouts into the design – and this is what we were looking for in the finished project. Jesse, our salesman, was very attentive to every detail on our wish list. Once we found the right paver, color, and sealant, as well as two beautiful matching fire bowls, we were ready to go. The demolition crew was nothing short of amazing – an incredible amount of work done by just 2-3 guys in a couple of days. Then, Jesus, the project foreman came out for a walkthrough of our design, and he confirmed everything exactly as we wanted. Jesus ensured that everything was done correctly, and even when there we slight deviations, or an unexpected surprise, such as coming across a buried electrical line, Jesus made sure that everything was fixed quickly, fixed correctly, and the project continued. Nothing fazed Jesus, and he handled every problem we encountered with ease. The crew installing the pavers were extremely hard-working and meticulous craftsmen. Miguel was the onsite job chief and did a fantastic job directing his crew to make just the right cuts and placements. When the pavers were all down and placed, we were simply amazed at how beautiful they came out, but we were not done. Once the rains backed off, Miguel and his crew returned to apply the color-enhancing sealant we ordered – absolutely beautiful, and we were thrilled with the color and finish! And finally last week, our two gorgeous fire bowls arrived. Jesus, Miguel, Marco, and some other very strong men arrived the very next day to carry these 200-300 giants into the backyard, hooked them up to the gas lines, and fired them up. Jesse came by later that day to check in with us one last time. Everything was expertly done, the project oversight was excellent, and we simply could not be happier with our new backyard. We give Western Pavers the highest rating possible without reservation, and we will surely have them back if we decide to transform the front of the house. Thank you for your craftsmanship, professionalism, and the relationships we developed with each of you throughout the process!
Brad and Gloria

January 17, 2023
PH – User
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

We’re so pleased with the landscaping design and execution work from Western Pavers! Jerry and Vince worked with us 8 months in advance to discuss our vision for our back and front yards and created a beautiful design. Then when our home construction was complete, the team, who was lead by Matt, submitted permits for our pool in a timely manner and then diligently worked on the landscaping project from start to finish over the next 9 months. They showed up every day during the week and even came on some weekends. They adhered to deadlines for each part of the project and clearly communicated with us if there were any changes to the schedule. Matt was especially responsive to all of our questions and feedback, which we really appreciated. The entire team was fantastic to work with and we highly recommend them!

October 11, 2022
Braden Sheldon
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

Death, taxes, and good contractors are hard to find. After owning my first home and doing some substantial work on all parts of the house and property I’ve learned this third certainty in life. Or maybe it’s just me?? Western Pavers has been an absolute pleasure to work with so far. We have just completed our planning and design phase with Joe Garcia, our Design Consultant. Given the large scale of what we want to have done to the property we decided to split the project into multiple phases. Joe’s done a great job at giving my wife and I confidence we are making the right choices to do what we can now, and prepare well for the future. As the job progresses I will add further details to this post.

June 30, 2022
PH – User
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

My husband and I met Louis at Western Pavers showroom in San Marcos. We were looking for landscape ideas and what a great place to see possibilities for backyard project. We came in with a strict budget and an idea in mind. Louis was able to design our project and Ryan was able to show us the plan in 3D. In addition, the company management was able to give discount on paving materials. We loved the design!! We are excited about getting our project started.

May 10, 2022
John Snyder
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

We selected Western Outdoor Designs for extensive improvements to our patio area and are extremely happy with that decision! We love our beautiful new pavers, retaining walls, hardscape, landscape plants and lighting system, as well as the great new drainage and irrigation systems. For the design, Joseph and Tony enabled us to define our project’s scope through the amazingly realistic computer model they created of our existing yard/patio. This model could be quickly changed during our meeting so we could actually see various improvement (and cost) alternatives. Chilo then superbly managed the construction process – he got the job done very efficiently with highly skilled and professional workers, assured exceptional quality throughout, and very important to us, Chilo kept us informed and was always reachable. Chilo, Joseph, Tony and the whole Western Outdoor Designs team clearly were always focused on delivering great results while keeping us on our budget.

December 9, 2021
Rob Lapp
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

We wanted to replace our cracked concrete driveway and sidewalks with paving stones and were walking in our neighborhood and saw a very nice driveway. We talked to the guys working on the project, got a number and gave Western Outdoors a call. Dustin came out and we discussed what we wanted to do and after some time we met back at the showroom and saw the plan. It was all that we expected, and more, with detailing that we had not considered. We signed up, and then met Chilo, the project manager. He and his crew were great, the level of workmanship is excellent, and they were easy to work with when we made some small changes. Luis and Celso kept us informed about what was being done each day and made sure sure we were happy as they went along. Western Outdoor Design is not the least expensive option, but if you want a great looking driveway that is built to last, you can’t beat them.

October 20, 2021
Jonathan Aballi
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

We hired Western Outdoor to design and build our custom backyard, including a pool and outdoor living area. Our design team was Michelle, Vince and Tony and from the beginning, they were by far the most professional and easiest to communicate with. We vetted multiple companies, but you notice a clear difference with this team in their approach, experience and willingness to listen to your ideas as well. They spent time understanding our style and how we wanted to use the space; then came back with a plan for our property which blew us away and exceeded our expectations. We’ve recently started construction and are very excited to enjoy the finished product, but can’t recommend Michelle, Vince, Tony and the entire Western Outdoor team more highly.

We plan to add photos once complete!

October 13, 2021
PH – User
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

Western Outdoor Designs was recommended to us by my sister who had recently completed an amazing landscape project at her new home. We reached out to Greg Wysong and he quickly arranged a meeting at our home. He was both professional & personable and very attentive to our thoughts. Greg came up with a design that was beautiful, creative and operated within our budget. The workmanship was stellar. The finished project exceeded our expectations and our neighbors love it too. We get many compliments from people just walking by. We would highly recommend Western Outdoor Designs! Thank you for our beautiful yard, John and Cindy Yamate

April 3, 2022
Debra Conte
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

I hired Western Pavers upon the recommendation of my neighbor. We needed to update areas of our backyard including paver restoration, stone added to patio posts and repair work around the posts. Working with the sales person Joshua and designer Chilo has been such a pleasant experience. They are very reliable in their appointments with us and explain every phase of the job clearly and in a well organized manner.

They are very accommodating in giving us useful ideas and made it easy to make changes along the way.

We loved the workmanship of this project so much that we have already begun work on a new project that includes a new patio seating area and custom fire pit. We have no doubt that this project will be just as well done as the first. We are very pleased with the quality of work, communication and price with Western Pavers. I would recommend them to anyone who wants a professional home project with a great experience.

February 25, 2022
PH – User
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

When my wife and I first met Joseph, we new this was someone we wanted to work with and trust to design our backyard. He’s personable, authentic, and really took the time to understand us and our lifestyle to collaboratively create a vision for our backyard. When he presented us with his design at the Western Outdoor Design showroom, it far exceeded our expectations. It was thoughtful, comprehensive, simple… a truly elegant work of art. Ryan, Josephs colleague, who I refer to as the man behind the curtain… the Wizard of Oz, brought the design to life through a 3D rendering of what our back yard would look like. They walked us through several scenarios in where we could cut cost, modeling different looks, adding/ deleting certain elements, even adjusting the Sun throughout the year to demonstrate patterns of shade at varying times of the day. We went with the original design because why mess with the artist(s) and their work. If you’re looking for a backyard design, give Joseph and Ryan a shot… you won’t be disappointed. We’re looking forward to the vision becoming a reality and hope the execution/ construction is as enjoyable as working with Joseph and Ryan!

February 9, 2022
Cara G
2.0
2/5
Western Outdoor Designs

Our process began well with our Western Pavers salesman, who was very informative and who worked to keep us within our budget. Our goal was to replace our flagstone patio with pavers, erect a new patio cover, install new grass, and refresh our hillside landscape.
The problems began early in the project planning process. The 3D rendering
we received didn’t reflect the vision we had discussed, and our project plans were
incomplete. We never received a new 3D rendering, nor did the salesman show up for our first meeting/project walk-through with our project manager to ensure that all details were properly conveyed. We did have a productive first meeting with our project manager, who was friendly and knowledgeable.
Although our communication with the project manager was positive during the first half of the project, we never received a project calendar or planning timeline. The project team was respectful and worked very hard to complete our project. The project manager accomplished our hardscape vision for our new patio and retaining wall quickly and with only a few minor issues which were quickly resolved. We felt then and still do that the quality of hardscape work was excellent – it is clear that Western’s core competency is paver installation!
As we moved into the softscape phase, the project started to go off the rails. Prior to
installing and planting grass and flowers, we received no planting or irrigation plans.
The plants and grass just showed up one day, and they proceeded to install them based upon phoned-in instructions from the Western Pavers main office. We had chosen the plants shortly after signing our contract, but were not consulted on the planting design or layout. They also proceeded to install sprinklers when we had specifically contracted for drip irrigation. Prior to planting, they did a poor job of grading and prepping the hill, leaving us with plants poorly situated in rough dirt with the wrong type of irrigation system, leading to a massive weed issue within a few weeks.
We met with the project manager and expressed our concerns. He was polite and
receptive to our feedback and acknowledged that they had not installed the irrigation type specified in the contract; however, he was not empowered to conduct further rework and left us unsatisfied as to a corrective plan. We felt forced to contact corporate for resolution. We spoke to the head of production, who arranged for an on-site meeting with the plant designer. She created a corrective plan for the irrigation, replacing the sprinklers with the contracted-for drip system and thoroughly mulching the hill to suppress weeds. However, they were not willing to relocate plants or fundamentally change the layout, which we never had input on. Despite the major rework required on our hillside, we never received a follow-up phone call from head of production.
Although we understand we were not one of their bigger projects, we expected a better process and overall outcome.

January 24, 2022
PH – User
1.0
1/5
Western Outdoor Designs

We are extremely disappointed by the work performed by Western. It’s clear to me that the company is solely focused on selling and once a contract is signed they have no intention of actually executing on what they promised. They are more than happy to complete shoddy work and sign off on it. I consider the way they handled our project to be fraudulent. There was absolutely no attention to detail and no oversight of the crew. I expressed multiple concerns to the project manager early on and nothing was done. I complained enough that I was put in contact with the company’s operations manager who promised they would send their best crew out to fix things. Unfortunately, every time they came to “fix” something it only got worse, so I eventually just stopped complaining. A few of the issues:
Several pavers were cracked or chipped. I asked for them to be replaced, and some were, but others were never fixed. They also didn’t clean the pavers before sealing and sealed on top of dirt and mud.
The crew they sent to build the fence did a horrible job. They installed the entire fence in the wrong style and later disassembled and reassembled it using the same wood, so it looks like it’s been made of scraps. It seemed like they had no idea what they were doing, and it turns out they didn’t. I was later told by the operations manager that this crew doesn’t normally do fences, and they were essentially learning on the job.
They installed irrigation for the new sod lawn but did not test it before installing the sod. The sprinkler didn’t work, so many sections failed to root. They came back to fix it and had to dig up about half the lawn to replace sprinklers, so now half the lawn is uneven and dead. Why wouldn’t they test the sprinklers before laying $10k worth of sod? Other sections of sod were laid over gravel and paver sand so they also failed to root.
They also had no idea what they were doing when they installed the gas fire pit and it took them weeks to get it to light properly. They repeatedly told me it was working but when it went to test it, it either wouldn’t light or the flames would be extremely small. They eventually got it working, but we are still concerned by the fact that there wasn’t a licensed gas plumber installed, and I’m not convinced it’s safe to use or up to code.
In summary we ended up with a fence that looks like it was made of scraps, a lawn that is dying, an irrigation system that doesn’t work, dead plants that they won’t replace, and sloppy paver work. Before the project was even complete, I was scheduling other contractors to come fix Western’s mistakes.
Horrible company that I can’t believe is still in business.

October 2, 2021
Robert
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

My wife and I were struggling with coming up with a plan for our backyard, that has a tricky terrain. We decided to contact Western Pavers to get ideas and a quote. We were very happy that we did. They sent a team of people to our house to survey the property. In a short time, they came back to us with a beautiful and well thought out plan to design our property. We were assigned Matt, to be our project manager. He was awesome! Matt was easy to work with and has a keen vision on making adjustments in the field that highlighted our property very well. They took our blank 2 acre slate of yard and added different levels, pool, paver walkways, bridge, lightning, play yard area, and beautiful landscape to finish. For us it was a no brainer to hire Western Pavers. We will hire them again in the future when other projects arise. Thank you Matt and the Western Paver team!

August 21, 2021
L. Allen
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

This review is for the DESIGN TEAM at Western Outdoor Design & Build.

If you are interested in updating your outdoor living space, Western Outdoor Design & Build is AMAZING!

A little background on us; My husband & I moved into our house in 2009 (the house was built in 1998)
Our pool has a plaster finish and given that it is 20+ years later it is showing signs of wear & the concrete decking is also cracking.
Our first thought was to just do a pool remodel, but then thought of the cracking decking & realized that we also needed to update our hardscape. We had always dreamed of putting in an outdoor Kitchen, so we figured now was the time for that too.

We started doing lots of research then came across Western Outdoor Design & Build. Their designs and project photos looked so professional, beautiful & upscale. The design team really knows what they are doing & the construction team followed thru on the designs yielding amazing outdoor spaces for each of these lucky customers. This was what we were looking for!

We contacted Western Outdoor Design & Build so that they could walk our outdoor spaces & get the ball rolling on finding out what the possibilities were for our property & to get a quote for what we were thinking. We met with Michelle Page & Vince Nigro on our property and were instantly impressed with their professional, friendly, knowledgeable demeanors.

They both had so many great ideas on how to include components that my husband & I wanted in creative & useful ways & came up with other great ideas we hadn’t thought of. We went over all of the wish list items and the rough layout where we wanted certain things to be in preparation for the Design Meeting we would have.

The Design Meeting was AMAZING! We had heard of the scenario where a company meets with the client & shows them a computer-generated rendition of what their project would look like in still photos & video format, but nothing prepared us for what we were about to see.

We met with Michelle, Vince & Tony in their viewing room & they showed us our design. We were like kids on Christmas morning gleefully soaking up the images we were seeing. As soon as the video had finished, we asked to see it again & again. There was so much detail and everything was so beautiful that we were mesmerized.

Tony was so adept at utilizing the computer to show us our project from every angle. What is the view of the outdoor space from our bedroom window, from the patio door, from a chaise on the Baja Shelf, Aerial view? He showed us everything.

Michelle & Vince listened to all of our wish list items & everything was reflected in the designs, but in fresh new ways that my husband & I never thought was possible. They really knocked it out of the park!

We signed the contracts to get the ball rolling & are now honing in our material selections in preparation for construction plans & permits so that we can get closer to starting construction. We are thrilled so far!

July 24, 2021
Robyn
5.0
5/5
Western Outdoor Designs

Western Outdoor is exceptional! The work they do is superior. Our Project Manager, Matt S., is one of a kind! His communication and follow through is the best we have ever seen. He is organized, exceptionally communicative, honest and he follows through on everything. We always knew whatever was discussed would happen. He works so hard and you can tell that his heart is in the project he is working on. Even during challenging times, he is kind and makes it all happen. Matt is approachable and so easy to work with. We would love to work with him again! We would recommend Western Outdoor without a doubt! We are so happy to have found them and to have had the luck of working with Matt.

April 29, 2021

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