After going over several contractors, Bayles seemed to be the best price and the owner seemed to be very reliable. So we decided to sign a contract with him (Dave). The contract was contingent on the bank's decision with the funds. But he wanted $1000 down to start with the permit, engineering... Etc. So after talking with the banks, I was only able to get about 75% of what the original design called out for. So I contacted Dave and asked if we could meet and possibly take out some features to lower the cost - that way I could still have a pool and we can work on the other stuff as the funds became available. But it seemed to us that he was willing to cut out some stuff, but not his profit. He still wanted to make a HUGE amount on this, now a smaller job. Needless to say, we could not afford his "watered-down" version of our pool. So my wife and I began to think that he was trying to rip us off.
While this was happening, our neighbors (3) were all thinking of getting pools made as well. We were advertising his business on our lawn for several MONTHS and they have all given him a call. Word of mouth is a great tool and since I was going to use Bayles, it seemed that they should all give him a call to see what he had to offer. So now he went from ME (1) to having 4 potential jobs!!! My next door neighbor decided that he, too, would go with Bayles and also paid and down payment of $1000. But I knew that he was not going to give me the best deal, so I decided to look at other options. It wasn't until another neighbor (across the street) decided to go "owner-builder" that both me and my next-door-neighbor decided to cancel on Bayles.
The "owner-builder" idea is that the owner of the house can contract individual contractors to do the different parts (IE: excavation, steel, plumbing... Etc). This cuts out the middle-man.
We received quotes from several contractors in the area and were able to build the pool for a large amount less.
So we were actually able to afford the pool with some money to spare! So I called Dave and told him that I could not afford to have the pool done by Bayles. And we agreed that he would refund the REMAINING amount of what I had paid (because he SUPPOSEDLY had the engineering and permit done). We made plans for when we can meet and set things even. He flaked - Not once, but 5 times! He stopped taking my calls! Since we were about to start our pool, we needed the permit (to start building) and the engineering (to get the permit). I was unable to get it from him (or for that matter, get him on the phone). So I had to pay for engineering and the permit myself to start the pool. I DONT need his engineering or permit anymore, I just want my $1000, and he WONT give it to me.
Be WARNED!!! He is only "reliable" if you are cutting him a check for 50k. He is NOT your friend. I feel cheated, but I feel better knowing that I could possibly help at least ONE other person from getting cheated as I have been. He also owes my neighbor $1000. What a pity!
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