Douglas Abbondanzio - Stone Mason

Doug was a great pleasure to work with. His workmanship is excellent and he did what needed to be done to make things just right. He responded immediately and really listened to and respected my vision. I recommend him highly.

[ThumbTack - He is listed as "Master Stone Mason"] Started out very well. Out of all the vendor consultations, Doug was the only one that really studied my design (included bench walls seating with steps [2 on right, 1 in center], water/Pond feature, bluestone), asked the right questions, did more listening than talking, and assessed the current area. He also provided samples of his natural stone recommendation and we did a comparison with the samples I purchased from out of state vendors. Very knowledgeable about materials and all types of stone. Work began in early November when I was away for work but had someone staying at the time to observe and coordinate. Prompt, no shenanigans, and focused. I noticed that he was the only one on the site - had 2 young guys for 1-2 days when I was back, expected 2-3 crew around his age or experience. I let it go as I understand that some people like to work alone. Mid-November I still don't see walls so I start dropping by for conversation but mostly updates. I get "it's coming along". Week of Thanksgiving, I received an email that materials will be delivered that Tuesday luckily Thanksgiving was local this year. It would've been nice to know ahead of time. Wednesday week of Thanksgiving he started laying pavers, I see stucco work with cracks, and no walls. I went out to verify trees and other parts of the yard as I was expecting delivery of plantings and held off for the patio to be complete. He explains to me changes he made that were not communicated to me from original design e.g., 1 step from 2, no center step, instead flush to ground. Given the holiday, I planned to regroup with him next week. Luckily, he came Black Friday to work (I didn't request it and was surprised to see him). I start asking direct questions about the walls, and other parts of my design given to all vendors at consultation. I explained the patio design is key to the entire landscape redesign. Had a good positive conversation and he said he would design what he thinks I'm asking for with the SketchUp software. I already had a mock-up done and handed out since day 1 but just wanted to make sure he understood the job. He sends it on Sunday, I confirm it's what I had originally requested with a few tweaks he missed. Gives me a quote that on top with his original estimate in total matched landscape architects' proposal to do front and back with front stone wall w new beds, walk path, patio (origin design), new trees/garden beds, etc etc. This is when things went downhill. Monday he showed up earlier than usual and had a helper who clearly did not want to be there, and was moving along faster than I've seen him to get 3/4 of paving done, prior he had done only 1 row [This is now December and he started November 4/5, 2024]. He knows he overshoot his hand at the cost, and was caught. I sent an email requesting a PAUSE for us to regroup on design and communicate as to me his original quote was for the original design as stated as such. Many things were said and done that no need to post here but net-net, I'm left with an unfinished, inaccurate, and poor quality Bluestone patio. And based on countless masons and landscape firms I had come out to complete it, they basically said I was suckered and it was done all wrong: crooked, draws water towards house, "no true mason would such work", and will need to restart. He escalated having attorneys involved, putting liens on my property (he did), and other tactics/measures he sees fit (via his buddies) to get paid for poor work (paid $20k incl. materials). I've been calm and patient even after his actions towards a tree arborist when he walked off. It was the Christmas season, it was clear he was confused/disorganized, and I just want the job done. To date, there was no attempt by him to resolve or fully refund outside "PAY ME MY MONEY". The work he did speaks for itself and when vendors and people asked for a name so they know who did the work, I refused to give it until now. To avoid this happening to anyone else is the only reason for this honest review.

Great craftsmanship, Punctual, Would definitely hire Douglas again!!! very pleased with the outcome!

Doug rebuilt my crumbling steps to a truly gorgeous finished product. He is the most considerate and thoughtful professional of his trade. Highly skilled and precise with his work. Tremendous effort, would always recommend.

Douglas is professional, on time, with quality and reasonable price. He knew exactly what the issue was and how to overcome the original design flaws. He is attention to details and is also proactive to figure out new solutions to this tough issue I had during very heavy storms. I am very happy with his work👍👍. Douglas is very reliable and competent. He is the best!