Excavating contractor · University Place, WA · reviewed since 2017
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.98SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#4 of 22 retaining wall contractorsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 86%
5.0★★★★★74 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate R & D Construction five stars based on seventy-four reviews, noting the owner responds to ninety-one percent of feedback. Customers frequently cite punctual scheduling, clear communication, and competitive pricing for sewer line replacements, septic system decommissioning, and excavation projects. Recurring themes include detailed estimates, efficient cleanup, and the crew's ability to navigate city permits. No common criticisms appear in the provided excerpts, which uniformly describe the service as professional and responsive.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 74 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 74 Google reviews (71 with written comments, 3 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 91% of reviews.
Most recent review: June 25, 2026.
Service: Retaining Wall Contractor serving University Place, Washington.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Score profile vs other retaining wall contractors
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.
R & D ConstructionRetaining Wall Contractors median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.R & D Construction: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
98
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.R & D Construction: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
96
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.R & D Construction: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.A
99
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.R & D Construction: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.R & D Construction: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 87.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
74 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars7399%
4 stars11%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 71 written reviews
98%praise
Praise21298%
Complaints52%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price250%
Reasonable250%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Price & value4521%
Speed & response4119%
Would recommend3818%
Staff & attitude2913%
Quality & results2512%
Communication2411%
Honesty & trust157%
What customers talk about
We read 71 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“He was responsive, fair, and clearly highly regarded by others in the industry.”
“Robert Ayers gave us a competitive bid the very next day and impressed us with his knowledge and professionalism.”
“Highly recommend Robert and his team for their expertise, efficiency, and excellent customer service.”
“Cannot recommend strongly enough.”
“From start to finish, he was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the job done right-not just quickly.”
“R & D Construction did an outstanding job connecting our home to the sewer system and decommissioning two septic tanks.”
“He gave me an estimate that had best and worst case scenerio numbers so there would be no surprises once the project started.”
“He handled all the permits quickly, communicated clearly—especially when the county added extra steps—and completed the work within days.”
“Robert came out, surveyed with clean reliable equipment, quoted a better price, and was accommodating with my schedule.”
People customers mention
Robert31 reviews
Tacoma5 reviews
Ayers4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired R & D Construction for 2 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
JessicaLocal Guide · 247 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Awesome family owned business. Very professional. I felt as though I was informed recently. Good communication is super important.
Substation site development
JoLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
R & D Construction did an outstanding job connecting our home to the sewer system and decommissioning two septic tanks. Robert Ayers gave us a competitive bid the very next day and impressed us with his knowledge and professionalism. He handled all the permits quickly, communicated clearly—especially when the county…
Reasonable priceService not listed
KellyLocal Guide · 21 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★★★★
Robert and R&D Construction saved our retaining wall. When our street's storm drain needed repair, we had no idea how critical the timing would be. With the record rainfall we've had this year, Robert's work quite literally prevented what could have been a catastrophic (and expensive) failure of our retaining wall.…
ChaseLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
Rob and his team are the best of the best. I even had OTHER sewer companies refer me to R&D. From start to finish these guys worked clean and efficiently. Clean up was a breeze. Robert and his team are all pros and it shows. Thanks guys!
- got my entire sewer lined.
Great priceDirt removalService not listed
Cathy2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
We had Robert at R & D and his crew replace the section of sewer from the front lawn into the main sewer under North 30th Street. It was an urgent need as the line had almost completely clogged and was backing up in the basement every couple of days. I expected the front lawn and sidewalk would be totally…
Reasonable priceService not listed
Kristin5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Robert at R&D Construction was great to work with! He started by coming out to give me a second opinion on my sewer line replacement. He gave me an estimate that had best and worst case scenerio numbers so there would be no surprises once the project started. His estimate was thousands less than his competitors. He…
R & D Construction did an outstanding job connecting our home to the sewer system and decommissioning two septic tanks. Robert Ayers gave us a competitive bid the very next day and impressed us with his knowledge and professionalism. He handled all the permits quickly, communicated clearly—especially when the county added extra steps—and completed the work within days. The crew left the site clean and even put my grandson’s swing set back without being asked. Highly recommend Robert and his team for their expertise, efficiency, and excellent customer service.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
It was a pleasure to work with you Jo and hear such kind words from your experience!
Marianne Schmidt1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Marianne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I can’t say enough good things about Robert with R&D Construction. From start to finish, he was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the job done right-not just quickly.
We were dealing with a stressful plumbing situation, and Robert immediately stepped in with confidence and clear communication. He took the time to explain what was going on, what needed to be done, and what our options were, which made a huge difference. You can tell he really knows his craft and takes pride in his work.
What stood out the most was his reliability. He showed up when he said he would, stayed on top of everything, and followed through without me having to chase him down (which, let’s be honest, is rare these days). The quality of work was solid, and everything was handled efficiently and professionally.
If you’re looking for someone trustworthy, knowledgeable, and easy to work with, I would absolutely recommend Robert and R&D Construction. He made a stressful situation feel manageable, and that alone is priceless.
Definitely someone I’ll be calling again and referring out with confidence.
Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Hello Marianne, thank you for being a great client to work with, we appreciate your great review and are looking forward to any future business with you.
Kelly BroiliLocal Guide · 21 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kelly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Robert and R&D Construction saved our retaining wall. When our street's storm drain needed repair, we had no idea how critical the timing would be. With the record rainfall we've had this year, Robert's work quite literally prevented what could have been a catastrophic (and expensive) failure of our retaining wall.
Robert operates with the utmost integrity. Throughout the project, we always felt he genuinely had our best interests at heart, not just the bottom line. He was responsive, fair, and clearly highly regarded by others in the industry.
While I sincerely hope we don't need major drainage work again anytime soon, there's no one else I'd trust more than Robert and R&D Construction. If you can get on his schedule, do it.
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Hello Kelly, Thank you for being a great client to work with, we appreciate the great review you left for us.
From all of us at,
R&D Construction
Chase PeartLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chase has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Rob and his team are the best of the best. I even had OTHER sewer companies refer me to R&D. From start to finish these guys worked clean and efficiently. Clean up was a breeze. Robert and his team are all pros and it shows. Thanks guys!
- got my entire sewer lined.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dirt removal, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
Thanks for the awesome review about our services, Chase. We’re so pleased to hear your kind words, I’ll make sure to pass on your encouraging words. Enjoy your day!
Cathy Duggan2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cathy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had Robert at R & D and his crew replace the section of sewer from the front lawn into the main sewer under North 30th Street. It was an urgent need as the line had almost completely clogged and was backing up in the basement every couple of days. I expected the front lawn and sidewalk would be totally destroyed from the dig. But to my surprise Robert and his crew accomplished what's called pipe bursting without tearing up the Sidewalk in front of the home, but also repaired the lawn and City street to a condition that I could barely noticed that a dig had occurred. Price was fair and Robert was a pleasure to work with. Permits were in action asap and the entire job was accomplished in just two days. Sewers are not a sexy addition to the Home but they are so very necessary! I highly recommend R & D Construction.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks for the awesome review about our services, Cathy. We’re so pleased to hear your kind words, I’ll make sure to pass on your encouraging words. Enjoy your day!
Kristin Elliot5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kristin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Robert at R&D Construction was great to work with! He started by coming out to give me a second opinion on my sewer line replacement. He gave me an estimate that had best and worst case scenerio numbers so there would be no surprises once the project started. His estimate was thousands less than his competitors. He also helped me by informing about the financing through the Tacoma Sewer Conservation Loan. Randy and his workers were polite and informative about the process while they were on site. They cleaned up my yard and left it nicer than how they found it. Highly recommend them for your sewer line needs!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks for the awesome review about our services, Kristin. We’re so pleased to hear your kind words, I’ll make sure to pass on your encouraging words. Enjoy your day!
James10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews James has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I recently got an estimate from Robert at R&D Construction for a side sewer replacement. The estimate was spot on, and Robert a pleasure to talk to.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks for the awesome review about our services, James. We’re so pleased to hear your kind words, I’ll make sure to pass on your encouraging words. Enjoy your day!
Dan Armstrong3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Was referred to R+D from a plumber friend to finish a job by a larger, billboard outfit.. Robert came out, surveyed with clean reliable equipment, quoted a better price, and was accommodating with my schedule.
Thank you, Robert and Team!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks for the awesome review about our services, Dan. We’re so pleased to hear your kind words, I’ll make sure to pass on your encouraging words. Enjoy your day!
Chunpeng Stankus4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chunpeng has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’m really happy that I chose to work with R&D with my sewer hook up and putting in a new drainage system for my garage. Robert showed up the very next day to look at my project and provided me a very competitive quote. He was able to collaborate with the city to speed up the process of my sewer connection due to my failed septic system. Robert and his crew were efficient, friendly and provided high quality work and made a stressful situation almost stress free! Robert communicated clearly and promptly throughout the project and sent photos of the project so I had a visual of what was going on. He left my front yard and backyard in better condition than it was originally. I would definitely recommend R&D for your sewer/drainage projects!
Response from the owner · a year ago
We’re glad Robert and our crew were able to help you, thank you for trusting R&D Construction.
