STK Landscaping Inc.

I recently had the pleasure of hiring the STK Landscape Group for the second time to work on my outdoor projects, and once again, they exceeded my expectations. This time, they installed a stunning paver walkway and a much-needed French drain in my yard, and their craftsmanship was nothing short of outstanding. To begin with, I must commend the STK Landscape Group on their fair pricing. Having worked with other contractors in the past, I was pleasantly surprised by their reasonable rates. They provided a detailed and transparent estimate, ensuring that there were no surprises along the way. It's refreshing to find a company that offers such high-quality work at a genuinely fair price. When it comes to the installation process, the STK Landscape Group truly demonstrates their expertise. The paver walkway they installed is not only aesthetically pleasing but also constructed with great attention to detail. The precision in every cut and placement of the pavers is evident, resulting in a durable and visually stunning walkway that has become the envy of my neighbors. Additionally, the French drain they installed has been a game-changer for my walkway's drainage issues. The team at STK Landscape Group skillfully assessed the problem, devised a tailored solution, and executed it flawlessly. Thanks to their expertise, my yard now remains dry and well-drained, even during heavy rains. Beyond their exceptional work, what truly sets STK Landscape Group apart is their friendly and knowledgeable team. From the first consultation to the final walk-through, their staff was always approachable, attentive, and willing to answer any questions or concerns I had. They took the time to listen to my ideas and provided valuable suggestions based on their extensive experience in landscaping. Their professionalism and friendliness made the entire process stress-free and enjoyable. I cannot recommend the STK Landscape Group highly enough. Their commitment to delivering top-notch service, combined with their fair prices and exceptional craftsmanship, make them the go-to choice for all your landscaping needs. Whether it's a patio, a paver walkway, or any other project, you can trust them to bring your vision to life. I am grateful for their hard work and expertise, and I will definitely be calling upon them for any future landscaping projects. Services: Walkway landscaping, Yard drainage, Driveway or walkway paving, Landscaping design
Jun 25th, 2023

Services: Lawn landscaping, Yard landscaping, Groundskeeping, Landscaping maintenance
Nov 22nd, 2022

Sergio Ruiz, owner License # 2658936; not bonded (2/1/23) Liability Insurance policy UDC-5143194-CGL-22 Overview: On August 23, 2022, owners contracted STK LANDSCAPE GROUP INC, material and labor, to install all new streetside hardscape, fencing and landscaping at 1347 N Astor St. Sergio, owner, early on was amenable to onsite visits and punctual in responding via phone/text though shortly after owners funded an agreed upon 50% deposit, Sergio turned his attention to his other projects citing excuses throughout with the recurrent lack of funds to continue, this after we mercifully funded him 91% total contract as of December 2022. According to our General Contractor, the 50% deposit should have been more than sufficient to fund all material/labor with profit remaining. Other excuses were though not limited to: repeated truck failure, weather (though this winter is rather is mild), passing of his mother's husband to which he approved me in search of additional financial assistance, a moving filming on our street that frankly occurred while it rained so he couldn't worked anyway, GC is in my way. The list went on and on. As of October 2022, Sergio insisted that we communicate via text so unless I caught him in-person, the following correspondence with timeline are documented via text; texts are in Sergios words. His insistence is likely due to owners becoming increasingly frustrated with his recurring and unforeseen starts/stops. As a business owner, Sergio does not like confrontation and remains mostly untruthful with his reasoning. Lastly, Sergio is not bonded and admitted to floating our payments to finish other projects with intent of doing the same with remaining clients in order to finish our project. As of February 2023, the project is ~40% complete though per aforementioned, funded $24.5k out of revised $27K bid (91% funded). All work stopped around the January 1st timeframe with Sergio citing that he has no money. We just want Sergio to finish. To protect our interests, we have filed a complaint with the BBB against both known STK Landscaping addresses and with the City of Chicago since he's licensed though not bonded and floating cash. Our attorney is slated to send Sergio a certified letter within 1 week and if he chooses to ignore all communication, we will take Sergio to small claims court. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND DON'T HIRE HIM.
Feb 11th, 2023

Sergio Ruiz, owner License # 2658936; not bonded (2/1/23) Liability Insurance policy UDC-5143194-CGL-22 Overview: On August 23, 2022, owners contracted STK LANDSCAPE GROUP INC, material and labor, to install all new streetside hardscape, fencing and landscaping at 1347 N Astor St. Sergio, owner, early on was amenable to onsite visits and punctual in responding via phone/text though shortly after owners funded an agreed upon 50% deposit, Sergio turned his attention to his other projects citing excuses throughout with the recurrent ‘lack of funds to continue’, this after we mercifully funded him 91% total contract as of December 2022. According to our General Contractor, the 50% deposit should have been more than sufficient to fund all material/labor with profit remaining. Other excuses were though not limited to: repeated truck failure, weather (though this winter is rather is mild), passing of his mother's husband to which he approved me in search of additional financial assistance, a moving filming on our street that frankly occurred while it rained so he couldn't worked anyway, GC is in my way. The list went on and on. As of October 2022, Sergio insisted that we communicate via text so unless I caught him in-person, the following correspondence with timeline are documented via text; texts are in Sergio’s words. His insistence is likely due to owners becoming increasingly frustrated with his recurring and unforeseen starts/stops. As a business owner, Sergio does not like confrontation and remains mostly untruthful with his reasoning. Lastly, Sergio is not bonded and admitted to floating our payments to finish other projects with intent of doing the same with remaining clients in order to finish our project. As of February 2023, the project is ~40% complete though per aforementioned, funded $24.5k out of revised $27K bid (91% funded). All work stopped around the January 1st timeframe with Sergio citing that he has no money. We just want Sergio to finish. To protect our interests, we have filed a complaint with the BBB against both known STK Landscaping addresses and with the City of Chicago since he's licensed though not bonded and floating cash. Our attorney is slated to send Sergio a certified letter within 1 week and if he chooses to ignore all communication, we will take Sergio to small claims court. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND DON'T HIRE HIM.
Feb 9th, 2023

Don't Trust Sergio Ruiz, License # 2658936; not bonded (2/1/23); Liability Insurance policy # UDC-5143194-CGL-22; On August 23, 2022, owners contracted STK LANDSCAPE GROUP INC, material and labor, to install all new streetside hardscape, fencing and landscaping at 1347 N Astor St. Sergio, once funded 50% deposit, Sergio turned his attention to his other projects citing excuses throughout with the recurrent 'lack of funds to continue', this after we funded him 91% total contract as of December 2022. According to our GC, the 50% deposit should have been more than sufficient to fund all material/labor with profit remaining. Sergio later insisted that we communicate via text so unless I caught him in-person; texts are in Sergio's words. His insistence is likely due to owners becoming increasingly frustrated with his recurring starts/stops. Sergio does not like confrontation and remains mostly untruthful with his reasoning. Sergio is not bonded and admitted to floating our payments to finish other projects with intent of doing the same with remaining clients in order to finish our project. As of February 2023, the project is ~40% complete though per aforementioned, funded $24.5k out of revised $27K bid (91% funded).  Summer 2022/Sept 2022: Owners made the decision to contract August 2022 with 50% deposit provided on 8/23. Per contract, work was to commence September 5th with an estimated 16 days to complete the project, weather permitting. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful through mid-October, Sergio was only able to complete the removal of 1 tree stump the month of September. 10/4: Owner texted Sergio to confirm 10/4 resume date to which Sergio responded 'good morning please allow tomorrow [10/5] we'll resume work please'. After several starts/stops along with mere no-shows, we're not mid-October and unfortunately heavy rain along with filming has gotten in the way of his returning. He gave us an extension through 10/31. By the end of October, Sergio was only able to partially install fence mounting plates on top of the General Contractor provided concrete underlayment (walls/curbing). 11/3: Owner texted reminder to Sergio that Low Voltage Guy was coming out Monday, 11/7 to install column embedded intercom and door strike. Sergio responded 'Yes my guy will have the columns ready'. 11/6: Owner requested a breakdown of the money remaining on the project along with detailed pictures of the fencing'. Sergio responded 'ok'. 11/6: Owner texted 'What is the timeframe?' to which Sergio responded 'Give me by the 16th I make sure everything is done, please'. 11/12: Owner informed Sergio of their intent to bid out the remaining project to which Sergio replied 'Please (prayer emoji) one more chance please'. 11/12: Owner researched BBB site and found a similar complaint filed on 1/7/22 that went unanswered. 11/17: Sergio texted 'I need to ask for help with more money if you could help me $3500 please'. Owner agreed to pay. With winter quickly approaching we felt as if we had no other option. 11/27: Owner texted 'What should we expect for this week?' Owner added that the State of Illinois is scheduled to take photos of historic property on 12/9 and that all work must be completed by then. Sergio acknowledged with 'Good evening yes I will my best to have done before 12/9, I apologize until now I haven't received money from my others jobs but I will do my best result work by Tuesday, thank you'. 11/16 completion date missed. By the end of November, parkway limestone caps were partially installed; column and limestone face ~50% complete; concrete walls partially faced with limestone; limestone steps not installed and exterior left a mess. 12/1: Owner texted Sergio that a neighbor reported the project and all associated mess to the City for inspection. Sergio replied 'Ok I hope he don't bother us' followed by 'Also, if you could help me with money I appreciate it (prayer emoji) Thank you'. Owner agreed to fund .. again extreme cold forecasted and was hopeful that Sergio would finish. 12/2: Sergio texted that masonry guy unable to show up. Said masonry guy promised to work Sunday so he can make more progress. 12/5-12/15 little work performed due to weather; no word from Sergio. 12/9 deadline missed. 12/12: Sergio texted '... my mothers husband passed I helped her with some money for the funeral arrangements can you help with $1500' to which Owner replied 'No, I cannot send any more money. I'm sorry for your loss'. 12/19: Sergio texted 'Good morning. I don't know what to say at the moment I don't have the funds yet I hurted my back and I barely can walk right now'. 12/23: Sergio texted 'Allow me tomorrow to deliver them (fence panels) the truck don't start any more'. Owner demanded photo of the panels to which Sergio eventually sent. 12/9 completion date missed. By December end, parkway curbing limestone caps 75% installed, curbing house limestone caps 0% installed, columns with limestone 100%, steps 0%. NO MORE WORK TO DATE.
Feb 7th, 2023