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My house needs some masonry and stonework redone on the top part of the foundation in one corner, and new stairs into the basement at that same corner, and a new deck and back stairs on top of that (since the existing deck and back stairs all rest on that portion of the foundation and would have to be torn out). I've never had this kind of work done and don't know much about it. Got any recommendations for general contractors in the vicinity of Cambridge, MA who you like? Any tips on things I might want to read or learn about before I call them, so I can have informed conversations and understand what work they're going to do and how to pick the right one?
Separately, an inspector suggested grading the earth around our house to make it slope outward, since, he said, it's currently directing water towards the foundation (not obviously enough that I would've noticed, but probably true). Nobody's been taking much care of the plants along the side of the house and in the backyard, which has gotten overgrown, so maybe this is a good excuse to get a landscaper?
Separately, an inspector suggested grading the earth around our house to make it slope outward, since, he said, it's currently directing water towards the foundation (not obviously enough that I would've noticed, but probably true). Nobody's been taking much care of the plants along the side of the house and in the backyard, which has gotten overgrown, so maybe this is a good excuse to get a landscaper?
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The contractor who's working on my bathroom is...okay. She needs close supervision and has kinda poor communication skills, but on the other hand, she works like hell for $30/hour.
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On a project with a scope like yours, I also would recommend the contractor who did most of my renovations, Colling Construction.
Both are great and conscious of detail-oriented work. I would recommend in any case getting a fixed quote rather than time & materials.
Landscaping, in my experience, is actually a bit more difficult, and is surprisingly expensive. I have a number for a guy who did some work for me before that was ok, but I can't strongly recommend. My latest round of landscaping was done by a friend -- I can ask if he's looking for new projects.
If you're just looking to fix the grading, the GC can likely do that while addressing your foundation work. If you're looking to have someone come in and make things pretty with plants, I don't have any recommendations.
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Any references on his past work?
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I have never heard of a french drain system, but perhaps Google will tell me all about it.
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