Client Feedback/Review
TO: Whom it may concern
RE: BVC Enterprises – Bill Votruba
To say that our Vermilion lake front property presented a difficult challenge is an enormous understatement. Our house sits on a narrow lot, and the lakeside of the lot was dominated by two very large oak trees. Even before talking with contractors, we knew any project on the shoreline would be difficult, as there is no access to the waterfront from the street (because the lot is so narrow). We bought the house because we wanted access to the lake and because we loved the view from the 35-foot bluff above the lake. But, at the top of the bluff was a rickety wooden deck cantilevered over a pile of concrete debris at the shoreline. Half-way up the cliff, to help hold up the deck, the former owner had stacked large, marine concrete blocks which themselves were starting to give way. Otherwise, the deck teetered on only two large wooden posts. We discussed the removal of the deck, the concrete wall and the oak trees with a few contractors. No one wanted to tackle the job. In so many words, they basically were telling us that with the large trees and the tight space the demolition and removal of the deck (which had become an unsafe assortment of concrete block and rotting wood) posed a significant risk to their employees and equipment. There were just too many unknowns.
Billy was not deterred. He removed the deck and the oak trees, despite the obvious challenges. After the deck and oak trees were removed, and the concrete block reclaimed, our backyard looked like just a pile of dirt, clay and shale tumbling down to the lake. When I first saw the yard in this chaotic state I thought oh my word, what have we done. But Billy had only begun to create a masterpiece. We never could have imagined the result. At the shore, Billy built a foundation that both prevents erosion and gives us easy access to the water. Up above, he crafted three levels, each of which provides an awe inspiriting view of the lake, each better than the one before. Starting from our back door, a winding path of pavers bordered by massive sandstones slopes down to a broad patio on the first level, and the next path leads to another patio on a second level. Then a winding stairway whose gentle steps are massive stones leads down to a third level and the waterfront. The huge rocks are hardly cookie cutter. Each is unique, offering different shapes, sizes and textures, Billy’s own building blocks. The arrangement of upright rocks along the paths that serve as walls and benches leaves us narrow crevices where we have begun to add our own touches with greenery and flowers.
Billy worked hard on our project, and was always easy to work with. He communicated with us every step of the way, answering our questions and always responding in a timely way.
Letting BVC transform our property from an ugly accident waiting to happen to a paradise by the lake was the smartest decision we ever made.
- Lucky Vermilion Homeowner
