Before I made my purchase decision, I did get a quote from a local, highly-regarded pergola constructor. Baldwin's price was lower, and from what I've seen, I think the quality is higher. In summary, I'm pleased with how the pergola came out, and satisfied that I choose Baldwin as my supplier.

MAX!!!! You are unfriggin believable!  This thing went together so easy I still can't believe it. Especially when I went to measure down 28 inches on the posts to set the gussets and found that you had already put lines there.....Your attention to detail was great.  This whole thing slid together. I didn't have to touch one piece with anything but my hands. The most labor intensive part was screwing down all the purlins at the end.

Dear Max, It's funny what can happen when the three stooges set out to erect a pergola. While we were ultimately successful, the process was a bit dodgy. Of course, had we curtailed our enthusiasm and actually READ the instructions first, it would have gone a lot easier. What ever damage was done was easily mended thanks to wood glue, a couple of hidden screws and some touch up paint. I couldn't be happier with your fantastic work. From the beginning to the end of the process it was so easy, and I have admit, the pool area is so much improved with this addition. Absolutely PERFECT. I'll send photos next time the sun is out. Oh yeah, we built it in the rain and it only took about four and a half hours. Many MANY Thanks!

We are extremely pleased. If there is any picture that I haven't taken and you need one a special way, Don't hesitate to call or write. Max made everything easy for us, make sure he sees these pictures.

You had asked me to send you some photos and I'm just getting around to it. Installation was smooth and we weren't missing any pieces. Good instructions. We love it. I installed rope lighting and it really pops at night.

There is still landscaping to do but I thought you would like to see the completed pergola on location. The quality and packing were quite excellent and I've received rave reviews about the pergola from neighbors.

Dear Mr. Baldwin, The Pergola is everything I had hoped for and exactly what I ordered. You did an AWESOME Job and the masons are almost finished with the stone work. I will send pictures when the setting is complete. You may post them on your website. My hearty thanks. it was right on time and my project is continuing as scheduled.

We are on island and the pergola looks GREAT!!! It is better than we had hoped for and as you know by now, I think it through to the end, so we had high expectations. You have exceeded them all! Thanks for all of the effort and all of the hard work getting this installed in a day. It really adds another dimension to the house, balances it in the yard, and best of all creates a new exterior room to enjoy. The wisteria have been ordered and will be planted in the next couple weeks. Thanks again.

I set this up by myself in two days (using sawhorses to brace the uprights) and although I'm reasonably handy, I'm no carpenter! All in all it was an excellent experience and my hat's off to you for being able to construct and ship such a good kit. Even considering the shipping costs, there is no way we could have purchased lumber and paid people to construct something like this for the same money. We're considering doing another identical unit in the opposite corner of our courtyard. Well done. And good luck in this economy!