How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

Do you have realistic expectations for your landscaping budget?

 A Guide To Landscape Pricing In The Triangle Of North Carolina.
Learn about landscape pricing and how far your budget can go 

You want a beautiful landscape but like many homeowners you just really don't know what everything costs or how far your budget will take you?  We understand!  Navigating the world of landscape pricing can be a daunting task for homeowners looking to create or upgrade their outdoor spaces.  With a wide range of variables influencing project costs, it is essential to have a clear understanding of what to expect for your available landscaping budget.

This guide aims to explain landscape pricing by providing an overview of the different factors that affect costs, common (and realistic) price ranges for various landscaping projects, and helpful tips for maximizing your investment. By gaining some insight into the intricacies of landscape pricing, you can confidently make informed decisions and create a beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor living environment that aligns perfectly with your budget.

Rodrigo's Landscaping is a landscaping contractor based out of Clayton, North Carolina and serving Wake County, including: Apex, Cary, Clayton, Garner, Knightdale, Raleigh, and Rolesville.

This guide will be geared towards hiring a professional landscaping company such as Rodrigo's Landscaping to complete the work.  We've organized the pricing structure from lowest to highest for your convenience.

Getting Your Home Ready For The Market
$2,500 - $7,500

How Much Does Landscaping Cost?When you're getting a home ready for sale you're generally looking for quick, affordable, projects that will improve your curb appeal without spending a fortune.  The easiest (most affordable) way to do this is to give the property a thorough cleanup, a little bit of a facelift, and to complete any necessary repairs to items like irrigation systems, landscape lighting, edging, and any other obvious eye-sores.

With a budget in the $2,500 to $7,500 range here are some projects that could be completed.

  • Thorough Yard Cleanup:  Often a good landscape cleanup can work wonders on a property that hasn't received a lot of attention over the last few years.  Trimming trees, hedges, and shrubs, cleaning out garden beds, removing the organic debris, re-establishing garden bed and lawn edges, and aerating and overseeding the lawn to repair any brown or patchy areas.
  • Garden Bed Makeover If your home has front garden beds or garden beds that border the driveway these can be revitalized and given a new look with a good cleanout, new seasonal plantings for interest and color, and a fresh layer of mulch to give the beds a uniform appearance.
  • Complete Necessary Repairs:  If you have broken sprinkler heads or landscape lighting that isn't working, broken fencing or gates, maybe a few pavers on your walkway or patio are raised or sunken, and other obvious landscape eye-sores.  Focus on repairing these issues so any potential new homeowners can see the property is cared for and ready-to-move in without them having to repair all of these issues.

This is a realistic budget range to get an average sized landscape cleaned up so the property can be put on the market.  These particular projects will drastically improve curb appeal without spending a fortune and they can be completed fairly quickly.

Quick Front Yard Curb Appeal Improvements
$6,500 - $25,000

How Much Does It Cost To Improve Curb Appeal?Front yard landscaping plays the most significant role in shaping the first impression of your home, contributing to the overall curb appeal and perceived value of your property. A well-designed and maintained front yard not only enhances the aesthetics of your residence but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests and potential buyers if you're looking to sell.

With a budget in the $6,500 to $25,000 range here are some projects that could be completed.  With a budget on the $6k side you may be limited to one or two of the below items.  With a budget on the $25k side you could likely do most if not all of these items.

  • Yard Cleanup:  Often a good landscape cleanup can work wonders on a property that hasn't received a lot of attention over the last few years.  Trimming trees, hedges, and shrubs, cleaning out garden beds, removing organic debris, establishing edges, and aerating and overseeding the lawn to repair any brown or patchy areas.
  • New Sod Installation:  If your home has a front yard that is brown and patchy and looks a little worse for wear, then it can be replaced with high-quality local sod, giving you an instant beautiful, green, lush lawn.
  • Garden Bed Makeover:  If your home has front garden beds these can be revitalized and given a new look with a good cleanout, new seasonal plantings for interest and color, curbing or a small garden wall surround, and a fresh layer of mulch or decorative stone to give the beds a uniform appearance.
  • Landscape Lighting:  A little bit of lighting goes a long way in improving the ambiance of your landscape, improving safety and security, and drawing attention to specific landscape features like your new garden beds.
  • Front Walkway Or Entry Steps:  A new paver pathway from your driveway to the front door, maybe some new front steps, or a small patio area for an entry way will drastically improve your curb appeal.  A beautiful entry can make a lasting impression.

Because this is a limited budget, new construction will be limited.  However, that doesn't mean we can't still make a dramatic difference in the appearance and curb appeal of your property.  By focusing on the right areas we can give you that "wow" factor without you having to spend a fortune.

A Complete Front Yard Makeover
$20,000 - $50,000

How Much Does Front Yard Landscaping Cost?Going beyond some simple curb appeal improvements a budget in this realm gives us a lot more to work with.  We can get into new construction like a new paver driveway, a paver walkway, a new front entry porch or patio, retaining walls surrounding garden beds, a new lawn, and more.  This budget would give your front yard a radically different new look.

With a budget in the $20,000 to $50,000 range here are some projects that could be completed.

  • Paver Driveway:  So long as you don't have a massive driveway this budget could allow for the construction of a permeable paver driveway to replace that cracked or broken concrete or gravel driveway.
  • Garden Bed Construction:  New garden beds can be created along the front or side of your home.  They could include a small garden wall (retaining wall) along with a selection of plantings for color and interest.
  • Landscape Lighting:  In this budget range landscape lighting could include driveway lighting, pathway lighting, and some wall lighting or specific spot lighting to bring attention to some specific landscape features.
  • Retaining Walls:  This could include a retaining wall bordering your driveway, or to surround some trees or garden beds, or even along the front of your yard if you have a sloped property.
  • Front Walkway Or Entry Steps:  A new paver pathway from your driveway to the front door, maybe some new front steps, or a small patio area for an entry way will drastically improve your curb appeal.  A beautiful entry can make a lasting impression.

This is a fairly common budget for landscape improvements and so long as materials are chosen carefully and there are no problems that must be overcome such as poor access, steep slopes, or substantial demolition, we can accomplish quite a lot with a budget in this range.

A Beautiful Backyard Patio Or Outdoor Living Space
$30,000 - $75,000

Cost For a Mid-Range Backyard LandscapeGoing beyond some simple curb appeal improvements a budget in this realm gives us a lot more to work with.  We can get into new construction like a new paver driveway, a paver walkway, a new front entry porch or patio, retaining walls surrounding garden beds, a new lawn, and more.  This budget would give your yard a radically different new look.

With a budget in the $30,000 to $75,000 range here are some projects that could be completed.

  • Landscape Design:  When you're spending this kind of money landscape design makes sense.  Using modern software we can create a very realistic rendering of what your new landscape could look like.
  • Paver Patio:  So long as you don't have a massive driveway this budget could allow for the construction of a permeable paver driveway to replace that cracked or broken concrete or gravel driveway.
  • Surrounding Garden Beds:  New garden beds can be created along the front or side of your home.  They could include a small garden wall (retaining wall) along with a selection of plantings for color and interest.
  • Gazebos ,Pergolas, or Pavilions:  The construction of a gazebo, pergola, or pavilion brings the benefit of shade or shelter from the elements.  It will offer a nice area for cooking, relaxing, or entertaining.  They can vary in scope and scale.
  • Landscape Lighting:  Your patio could include a landscape lighting system complete with accent lighting around the perimeter, pathway lighting, security lighting, and spot lighting.  It will give your landscape a dynamic new look when the sun sets.
  • Retaining Walls:  If your property is sloped then the construction of a retaining wall might be necessary to carve out a flat and level section for your patio.  They can also be used for raised garden beds or to create pathways.
  • Outdoor Kitchen:  On the lower end of this budget scale a small outdoor grilling area is a possibility while on the higher-end of the scale an elaborate outdoor kitchen with cooking area, countertops, cabinets, a fridge, sink, and all the amenities of a modern kitchen could be included.
  • Firepit Or Fireplace:  What patio would be complete with an outdoor firepit or outdoor fireplace to sit and relax with company during those warm summer evenings?  With a budget in this range a firepit can easily become a focal point of your outdoor patio.

Backyard patios can vary in size and scope and the associated costs only increase with their size and the more luxurious the materials and finishing details.  However, with a budget in this range you can get a very nice patio built.

The Cost To Landscape A New Construction Luxury Home
$50,000 - $150,000+

How Much Does Luxury Landscaping Cost?Designing and building the landscaping for a new construction home can be exciting.  You're essentially starting with a blank canvass and are open to a world of possibilities.  Costs for this type of landscaping project can vary wildly depending on many factors.

With a budget in the $50,000 to $150,000+ range here are some projects that could be completed.  With a budget on the lower end ($50k) you'll only be able to implement a few of these options or possibly install the landscaping in phases.  With a budget on the higher end ($150k+) you'll be able to complete most, if not all of them at the same time.

  • Property Grading:  If the builder hasn't properly graded the property this is going to be the first step.  The property will need to be graded level and for proper drainage.
  • Irrigation System: If you plan on having lawns and garden beds then an irrigation system is a good idea and a multi-zone system complete with digital wifi controller could be installed.
  • Front and Back Lawn Installations:  This budget could not only include the property grading but also both your front and back lawns.  Either with sod or hydroseed.
  • Xeriscaping:  Instead of an irrigation system and large lawn areas the grassy areas could be minimized and a low maintenance xeriscape could be installed instead.  River rock, natural stone, hardscape surfaces, native plants, shrubs, and ornamental grasses will deliver seasonal interest and require very little maintenance.  A beautiful xeriscape could be built with this budget.
  • Backyard Patio:  Outdoor living areas are very popular and in this budget range you could have a beautiful backyard patio installed.  You could include a basic kitchen/grilling area, built-in seating, lighting, a firepit, and possibly even a hot tub.
  • Landscape Lighting:  In this budget range you could have a comprehensive landscape lighting system designed and installed.  It could include driveway lighting, pathway lighting, wall lighting and specific spot lighting to bring attention to your landscape features.
  • Retaining Walls:  Retaining walls are almost a staple in most modern landscapes, especially on sloped properties.  They also are an excellent way to carve out sections of your property and create some separation and/or elevation between different landscape features.
  • Front Walkway Or Entry Steps:  A new paver pathway from your driveway to the front door, maybe some new front steps, or a small patio area for an entry way will drastically improve your curb appeal.  A beautiful entry can make a lasting impression.

This would be a realistic workable budget for a new construction home.  Obviously the larger the property and more intricate the landscape the more expensive it will be.  $50k would be for a property in a new sub-division with a small city lot.  A budget of $150k or more would be suitable for a larger estate home or luxury home on a larger piece of property.

How Much Do Landscaping Projects Cost?

There are usually several elements that make up your landscape.  Each landscaping element can have it's own associated price range.

Landscape Design

$500 - $1500+

Landscape design is a necessity on larger projects with many landscaping elements.

Paver Driveway

$8,000 - $30,000+

Paver driveways are a great way to improve your property aesthetics and reduce maintenance.

New Lawns

$6,000 - $15,000+

New lawn installation pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the grade and size of your property.

Retaining Walls

$3,500 - $100,000+

Starting from small garden walls up to larger tiered retaining walls, they are an integral part of a landscape.

Backyard Patios

$7,500 - $75,000+

Patio pricing goes up depending on size and scope and how many "extras" you'd like.

Backyard Makeovers

$25,000 - $150,000+

Your backyard is your own private retreat.  The larger the budget, the more we can do.

Pool Landscaping

$15,000 - $150,000+

From a basic paver patio surrounding the pool to much more elaborate outdoor spaces.

Outdoor Kitchens

$8,000 - $100,000+

This would be for a simple grilling area up to a full fledged outdoor cooking and entertainment area.

Garden Bed Makeover

$2,500 - $6,500+

Revamp those old garden beds with a good cleanup fresh edging, new plantings, and a layer of mulch.

Privacy Hedge Planting

$3,000 - $12,000+

A hedge can improve privacy along property lines.  The Price is affected by size of trees and length of hedge.

Xeriscaping

$5,000 - $100,000+

A beautiful landscape with low maintenance rock, drought tolerant plants, and ornamental grasses.

Outdoor Firepits

$3,500 - $15,000+

Firepits are a popular landscape upgrade.  Adding extras like pavers, seating, pathways, raises the price.

These prices are only ball park figures to give you a rough idea as to what you should expect for the cost of the landscape elements you'd like to include in your project.  These price ranges are very broad but it gives you a starting point.  Your particular landscape project will vary depending on the site, the accessibility, any required earthwork, the specific materials chosen, and the overall scope of work.  If you need a firm price please request a consultation so we can view your potential project, listen to your ideas, and determine the actual scope of work required to complete the project for you.  After our on-site consultation we'll be able to provide you with a firm estimate to design and build your new landscape the right way.

Why Is Landscaping So Expensive?

There are many factors that contribute to the cost of landscaping

Landscaping can be a significant investment for homeowners and there are several factors that contribute to the overall cost of a project. Here are some reasons why good quality landscaping is so expensive:

#1.  It's Labor-intensive work: Landscaping involves considerable manual labor, from digging and planting to moving materials, and constructing hardscape features. The labor-intensive nature of the work demands skilled professionals who are experienced in various aspects of landscape design and installation, resulting in higher labor costs.

#2.  We use specialized equipment: Landscaping projects often require specialized equipment and machinery, such as mini-excavators, skid-steers, loaders, dump trailers, and more, to efficiently carry out tasks. The cost of renting or purchasing this equipment and ensuring its proper maintenance adds to the overall expense.

#3.  Quality materials: High-quality materials, such as plants, trees, mulch, soil amendments, gravel and base materials, pavers, landscape blocks, boulders, and other hardscape elements, can be costly. Investing in quality materials is crucial to ensure the longevity and visual appeal of your landscape, but it certainly does contribute to the overall cost.

#4.  Design and planning: A well-designed landscape requires careful planning and professional expertise, which often involves working with a landscape architect or a designer.  Landscape design takes considerable amounts of thought, time, and creativity and will add to the overall project cost.  The experience and knowledge of landscape designers are essential in creating a functional, attractive, and sustainable outdoor space.

#5.  Permits and regulations: Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to obtain permits or comply with local regulations, which can increase the overall cost of the landscaping process.  Generally, if permits are required we will be able to fill out the necessary paperwork and acquire them for you.

#6.  Site preparation: Some landscaping projects require extensive site preparation, such as grading, drainage improvements, and removing or bringing in substantial amounts of materials. These additional steps will add to the overall cost of your project.

While landscaping can certainly be expensive, it's essential to view it as an investment in your property. A well-designed and maintained landscape can increase your home's value, enhance its curb appeal, and provide enjoyment for years to come. By carefully planning your project and working with experienced professionals, you can maximize your investment and create a beautiful, functional outdoor space that suits your needs and budget.

Our Clients Love Us!

Here's What They Say

Heather King
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Heather King
February 18, 2024

In a world of where contractor woes are a common complaint, it's a relief to find someone like Rodrigo. He is hard working, organized, a good listener, and attentive to detail. Beyond that, he has a great eye and can visualize a landscape that looks amazing and then make it happen. His team members have the same skills, and are able to help you see the how the technical aspects of the work come together with your plan. Our garden patio update and sod look perfect with our mid-century modernist house. Clean lines and a modern but natural look.

Jon Alley
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Jon Alley
November 15, 2023

I emailed the company from the website asking for an estimate. I was quickly contacted to discuss the project. Rodrigo was able to provide a rough estimate based on measurements and a sketch of what I was wanting. He then setup a time to come to the site to verify/confirm the project. The estimate provided over the phone was very close to the “real” estimate…no hidden fees or charges. If you’re looking for a professional that is prompt, responsive, and provides a great product, make sure you give Rodrigo’s a call.

Mauricio Garcia
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Mauricio Garcia
October 29, 2023

Beautiful work done on my new pathway to my backyard! Will be repeating customer for other projects !

Sriram Srinivasan
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Sriram Srinivasan
October 5, 2023

I had happened to reach out to Rodrigo for a free estimate and scope of work for a job in my backyard. Rodrigo was very punctual, responsive, and always followed up. He had got the scope of work and proposal on time. He is the guy you could trust. I couldn't do a project with him due to unavoidable reasons at the last minute but came here to leave a review about his professionalism!!!!

Edyta C
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Edyta C
June 17, 2023

Highly recommend Rodrigo’s Landscaping to anybody who is looking to get a professional work done. They did an amazing job making a concrete retaining wall for us. They worked very fast and finished the job in just 2 days. Very happy with the results. Also, they followed the contract and executed everything in the way we asked them to. Would use them again in the future.

Mahesh Muppavarapu
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Mahesh Muppavarapu
April 28, 2023

For the past 2 years, I have been searching for a good hardscaping company which can help transform my backyard / frontyard. Many contractors would come and take a look and would either not send the quote or never understood what I was looking for from landscaping design standpoint. I contacted Rodrigo through FB and he came the next day(I believe Sunday) to take a look and gave me a quote in couple of days. Rodrigo is thorough and easy to work with. He will make sure you are satisfied with the design and outcome of the project. He is there at every stage of the project, continuously monitoring the progress and answer any questions I had at each stage. His team works really well and does a thorough job. At times, I raised concerns that the work is not as expected and his team took the inputs/feedback and made corrections and completed the work to satisfaction. All in all, Rodrigo’s Landscaping team did a fantastic job with my backyard / frontyard. I would highly recommend them for any major project you want to get done. You will not be disappointed.

Lori Kittle
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Lori Kittle
March 15, 2023

We used Rodrigo’s Landscaping for pavers around our pool area. They were very knowledgeable, professional and responsive to our many questions. The pavers we had completed came out beautifully and we will use this company again for future landscaping needs.

Justin Hyde
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Justin Hyde
March 4, 2023

This is the second project that Rodrigo and his crew did for us. There’s a reason that we are a repeat customer and will continue to go to this business for any landscaping needs. Rodrigo himself is very professional, personable, and most importantly a trustworthy individual. He is super responsive and very accommodating to our schedule. His crew does a fantastic job with no corners cut. I highly recommend working with Rodrigo.

mike spriggs
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mike spriggs
November 1, 2022

Rodrigo’s Landscaping really is the best landscape company to work with. Rodrigo, does a fine job communicating during each phase of the project. Rodrigo , showed exceptional communication, and his TEAM! WOW watch his crew work for a day and you will see they're extremely skilled at what they do. I highly recommend Rodrigos landscaping !

Valerie Willis
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Valerie Willis
October 30, 2022

I've used Rodrigo Landscaping for three major projects at my residence; Cedar Mulch and tree & leaf removal that accumulated for 15yrs. I was impress with his professionalism i hired him again to install three 9ft green giant trees and cut down a few trees to allow the new trees to fully grown. The 3rd project was aerate and reseeding my one acre yard. He had an interesting service I had not had for the 20yrs I've owned my home. It was called removal of the dirt buds left by the aeration machine. In summary, he has always kept to his commitment of our landscape contracts and I respect and appreciate his style of running a landscape business. He's a rare gem and I plan to use him again!

Maureen Anoba
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Maureen Anoba
July 22, 2022

Absolutely did a fantastic job on landscaping our backyard- price was fair and work done as scheduled and on time! Highly recommend!

Paul Ingham
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Paul Ingham
June 5, 2022

Rodrigo and his crew did a marvelous job. First of all Rodrigo responded to our request for a Landscape design and quote the same day. He was on time, very professional and created a landscape design by the next day at a very competitive price. He explained exactly what they would be doing and how long it would take to complete the job. One week later his crew showed up and completed the project that day. They left the site in perfect condition and Rodrigo came by to make sure we were satisfied with the work. I would recommend Rodrigo's Landscaping to anyone. He honest, creative, professional, knowledgeable, reasonable and on time.

Hunter Shepherd
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Hunter Shepherd
December 1, 2021

We recently hired Rodrigo to regrade our front and back yard, install zoysia sod, create mulch beds with steel borders, add a french drain, and lay stone paths. Rodrigo was professional and delivered on our vision. His team completed the work within a couple of days of starting. We couldn’t be happier with our choice! If you want a job well done I would highly recommend Rodrigo’s Landscaping. The pictures speak for themselves

Sagesse09
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Sagesse09
October 13, 2021

Rodrigo did such a great job with my yard! I was so frustrated at the way my yard was being kept so I hired Rodrigo's Landscaping. My yard looks great now! Here is a before and after of one of the areas they worked on for me.

Heidi Connell
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Heidi Connell
July 22, 2021

Rodrigo went above and beyond any expectations and visions we had for our yard. Very hard working, detail oriented and professional. He most definitely has our business from here on out. We’ve received many compliments from neighbors and friends. We recommend him to anyone with a project on their hands! You will not be disappointed with any aspect of working with him!

Tracy Hudson
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Tracy Hudson
April 23, 2021

Rodrigo unexpectedly stopped by and offered to spread a pile of mulch we had sitting in our driveway. We ended up hiring him to weed our landscaping and spread the mulch. He was fast, priced fairly, and detail oriented! We plan to use him for lawn maintenance throughout the upcoming summer.

A Jones
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A Jones
April 19, 2021

Rodrigo was professionally sound throughout and did a great job!!

Sharae Smith
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Sharae Smith
March 7, 2021

Very professional, thorough and knowledgeable. I was more than pleased with his services.

Mike
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Mike
February 25, 2021

Amazing customer service worked alone today and still completed a job for 3 people by himself great customer service takes pride In his work 5 stars for sure will recommend to everyone i know

Kelly Irons
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Kelly Irons
February 24, 2021

Great experience from website to work completion. Definitely recommend contacting for any work you need done.

Cheryl Copeland
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Cheryl Copeland
February 18, 2021

I was very pleased with the work that Rodrigo provided on such short notice. He is a very polite and hardworking and makes sure that every detail of the work requested was done correctly. I was very satisfied with the appearance of the yard after completion.

Robert Lacey
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Robert Lacey
February 13, 2021

Excellent customer service this guy is the best

Sabirah Fleming
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Sabirah Fleming
January 30, 2021

Great service, Great Price & Definitely recommend; You will not be disappointed 👌🏽

Jenifer Castellano
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Jenifer Castellano
January 15, 2021

By far one of the best landscaping services in Raleigh!

Joseph Upshaw
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Joseph Upshaw
January 15, 2021

Excellent customer service!!! Very kind, knowledgeable, honest, and extremely hard working, will use again and will recommend to others

Sara Rios
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Sara Rios
January 14, 2021

This was absolutely the best service I’ve ever had, kind, patient and paid close attention to detail, not to mention you can’t beat the price! highly recommend.

Alan Segura
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Alan Segura
January 14, 2021

Very professional and very educated. Best prices you’ll find in a 100 mile radius for sure!! Rodrigo did a lot of work for me this past week and I am so happy it turned out even better than expected. give this man a call & you’ll save a ton of money and headaches!!

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