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We recently had a tree partially fall across our driveway and get snagged in a tree on the other side – yes, the dreaded widow maker. A tree service was definitely needed.
I called 5 different companies, but only 2 returned my call promptly to set a time for a free estimate. Both companies arrived at their designated times to explain how they would go about removing the tree and how much it would cost. While both companies had different plans of attack, both plans made sense. I informed each company that I wanted the tree brought down, cut into 8’ sections and moved so the driveway was passable. The first company gave me a quote of $225 but informed me they were back logged (pun intended) so it would be 5-7 days before they could get to it. The second company asked what the first quoted. I was honest. He then quoted me $200 and he said he could take care of it right then and there. $200 and immediate removal was the winner – and they did a great job!
Lake Lure Tree Service Provider - Awarded Job: Dobie's Tree Service
Phone: 828-685-1177
As both companies met my criteria for good service providers, I am listing both.
Service Provider - Runner-Up: Tipton's Tree Service
Phone: 828-894-8754
Under normal circumstances, painting the exterior of the house is something I would definitely do myself. In fact, back in Florida, I did paint the exterior of my house. But that house was one story, stucco and on flat ground. Here, I’m dealing with 2 stories, logs and very sloped ground – potential life threatening conditions for one person to take on.
So, I did my homework. About a year ago, I went to a seminar put on by PermaChink – a company that specializes in products for log homes. The seminar was very informative and supplied me with the basic knowledge of how to maintain a log home. While there, I was able to meet three painting contractors. I had each of them come to the house to give me an estimate – I was floored by the quotes. The job entailed pressure spraying the house, caulking, spraying, then back brushing the whole house with stain, then spraying a clear coat over the whole house. Oh, and let’s not forget the cost of products. My first quote was $10,500 – this is only a 1500 sq. ft. house! At that price I was willing to risk falling off a ladder and breaking my neck. The next two bids were $8,000 and $6,500 – still way more than I was comfortable with spending. As a result, I put the project off a year.
In that year, a friend told me he used Painted Pony to stain his log home. He told me the company was very professional, did an excellent job and was extremely reasonable in price. So last month I gave them a call. Tina Floyd is the owner of Painted Pony. She came out, looked over the house and gave me a recommendation on how to proceed. Tina’s experience with log homes is extensive. She was able to tell me what type of product was used on the house in the past, therefore determining my options for this application. She also told me that if I wanted to spread the cost of this project over a couple of years, there would be no problem in staining this year and clear coating next.
After a few days, Tina e-mailed me the quote. The price to pressure wash, caulk where needed, stain and clear coat was so reasonable I decided to do the whole project in one fell swoop. Tina has 4 vans and a crew of 10. Five of these guys have extensive experience on log homes and worked on mine. These guys were great. How great? Well, after staining the dormers and the southeast side of the house, it was obvious that the constant beating of the sun required this part of the house to get two coats of stain. They took care of it and I never saw an additional charge – it really made a big difference in appearance too. Every day the crew cleaned up after themselves and when the job was done, there were no messes or spills.
So – my house looks great, my budget was not busted and I had a great experience with Tina and her crew. The only thing I keep asking myself is what was I paying extra for in that $10,500 quote - Or any of the others for that matter.
Thank you Tina and the crew at Painted Pony for a job well done!
Mike Duncan