I wanted to install a new sprinkler system and sod for my front lawn, and I took a chance on Takapu Concrete. BIG MISTAKE. Why did I use a concrete contractor to do my lawn and sprinkler installation? Well, I sent a request to a couple different landscapers for an estimate via Yelp, and Yelp sent it to Takapu also. At first I told Henry that I didn't want a quote from them because they're just concrete, but he said they can do it all and came over to give me an estimate. The quote was high though, so I didn't get back to him. Also, the three appointments that I set up with lawn and sprinkler contractors were no-shows for quotes, so when Henry came back to me with a better price -- along with a story on how he could save me some money by sharing resources with a nearby job - I decided to give him a chance. Well, it turns out he does NOT know how to install a lawn and sprinkler system. First the good: Henry and his team of 4 came out the next morning to demo and the old lawn and sprinklers were gone in a day. The 3 foot wood fence and gravel were started the next day, and the new sod was in by the 3rd day (I reduced the lawn to half, with the rest in gravel). The sprinklers were in by the 4th day (did that sound backwards? yes, it was). Henry suggested using railroad ties around my planter (for an additional $1200 though), which I ended up liking. VERY FAST work. So, if you're in need of a fast job for a flip, these are your guys. Now the BAD: With VERY FAST work comes very low quality. They worked so fast that they didn't check their work, level the ground, test for leaks, check the water pressure, or use the correct parts: 1. I discovered that they do not know anything about installing a sprinkler system. Initially they installed sprinkler heads that must have been for a golf course because they were spraying my front door and windows, along with my neighbor's yard... about a 40 foot spray. Then, they replaced those with sprinklers that barely have a 10 foot spray. And of those, they installed a 180 degree spray on two corners so I'm watering the gravel. Initially, the middle of the lawn was getting no water at all, so they had to install another one to make up for the lost coverage. SMH. I'm probably going to have to replace them with the proper ones (the kind that does a 15 foot spray over 90 degrees for the corners.. available at Home Depot). 2. They did not run the sprinklers with the timer because when I tried it, it didn't work. They must not have even tested it. I had to rewire it myself... 3. They did not install a rigid pipe system for my sprinklers; they installed a hose system that was joined by clamps which are buried under the lawn. I didn't see it go in, but I could see the hoses coming up in the planter. Yes, you can use polyethelyne flex tubing for sprinklers. However, the problem with these is that they tend to leak at the junctures if improper connectors are used or are improperly installed. When I run the sprinklers, two of them were leaking that I could see, and a big puddle formed just outside the planter. I suspect that the junctions under the sprinkler heads are leaking too, because most of them have sunken down into the lawn. 4. Along with the sunken sprinkler heads, the lawn itself is uneven, probably because they didn't level it well before they laid down the sod (again, the result of a rush job). I watched my gardener mow the lawn, and it was not a smooth ride. 5. I have an existing wooden fence around the back yard that comes up to the side of the house, and they didn't blend the new fence with the old initially. Fortunately, my neighbor pointed it out to me, and I had to work with Henry to get it blended properly. However, this took me explaining it to him multiple times. I literally had to point to the things that needed to be removed and show them where to put in the new wood. If I had not been there, it would have come out looking horrible. 6. These guys have been in business under multiple names: as S.P. Landscaping and Concrete, Takapu Concrete, and now most recently Monarch Holdings. That should have been a big RED FLAG for me too. 7. Lastly, I heard a lot of promises from Henry on things they'll do along with great follow-up support, but that didn't happen. I've been texting him for 5 weeks to come and fix the leak and level the lawn, but so far nothing has been done. He keeps saying he'll fix it, but nope, he's not. So yeah, there's no follow up at all. Also, Henry really pressured me to give the final payment before they were actually done, which I didn't do (fortunately). Since I paid him that last check, he has not come back. It looks like I'm going to have to try to fix it myself since there's no budget to pay another contractor. And by the way, don't use Yelp to contact businesses... just call the ones you want. read more

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May of 2023 I was interviewing contractors for a total home renovation on a house I had just purchased. Takapu came to give me a bid on redoing my driveway but I had already signed a contract with another company. He con me into believing that he had a contractors license and that he had the capability to do everything I needed to be done; plumbing, electrical, HVAC, kitchen remodel, bath remodel, etc. I gave him the opportunity to start with the demolition. Unfortunately I had to leave town and was planning on returning in a week but couldn't get back to the house for two weeks. When I finally returned to the house they had demolished pretty much everything I had asked for but unfortunately took it upon himself to install what I thought was a new HVAC system that I would learn later was a USED furnace & AC condenser! They also ran the wrong size wire for the condenser unit! They also did an absolutely horrible job installing PEX plumbing which I ended up having ripped out and replaced with copper and I won't get into the absolute atrocious carpentry! It became IMMEDIATELY obvious that this guy had no idea what he was doing! I kicked him and his crew out of my house and he still had the audacity to ask me if he could stay and do the outside work! Now we're in Winter months and I'm dealing with what was supposed to be a NEW furnace which it's not and to no surprise it's NOT WORKING! I won't mention how much money this guy took me for but it was a lot! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAY YOU DO NOT LET THIS GUY IN YOUR HOUSE! He might be good for landscaping but he is NOT your guy for inside work! read more

Henry and Chris were easy to work with. I called around for quotes on a backyard project that included cement, turf install, patio post install, tree trimming, resetting trees that were falling over, and installing an inground basketball court. The main purpose of the project was the basketball court for my son. They responded by stopping by my house in between appointments that same day. They quoted me a fraction of what others had estimated. Contract signed. They started the very next morning. They said they would arrive at 7:30am. I'm used to contractors being late. Henry and his men were 15 minutes early and got to work right away. My project did require more work than first estimated. Henry explained each hurdle and provided a solution that could be implemented immediately. Ex1: I wanted turf on 25% of the yard. After breaking ground and seeing the area Henry suggested I cement the entire yard. I liked that idea. It was something I wanted to do any ways but was trying to cut cost. Henry made it cost effective to do 100% cement vs partial turf. Ex2: Cementing everything meant I needed a drain so water wouldn't build up in the backyard. Henry engaged my neighbor and presented a solution that would benefit her while ensuring my project would be completed efficiently. Henry was persuasive. She allowed him to dig into her yard to create the drainage system I needed. Henry, Chris, and his men selected, purchased and installed the inground basketball court for my son. I am pleased with their work. I am pleased with the timeframe in which they completed the project; within the time they initially outlined, 4 days. I am pleased with the overall cost of the project even though it was higher than initially projected. read more

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Henry helped me out with this project. Everything was very flexible and also very swift. Would use them again. Henry was very professional and helpful to. read more