22 Apr we visited Mr Charles Simpson, Senior Staff Designer, Platinum Pools, Houston, TX as a follow up to his visit to our house and back yard area. During his visit, I showed him the location of our sewer lines with two (2) cleanouts. He proceeded to show us the design he had worked out for our backyard and
we asked him to reduce the size, which he did. The approved layout plan clearly shows the sewer lines to be under the decking and would not require relocation of any sewer or utility lines.
Upon return home from work, on day of excavation, the sub-contractors, informed me that they had broken my sewer lines and I would have to get it fixed to prevent any delays in construction. The Construction Supervisor even had a plumbing company that could do it immediately. Not wanting to "rock the boat" so we could keep the construction on schedule I told him, OK, contact your sub-contractor.
That call cost me and additional $1400.00 for three sections of 10 foot pipe and four 45 degree elbows; plus three men to dig the trench (I asked him why he did not use a trencher, which would have cost approx $75.00). The job should not have been over $500.00. Anyway, I though I could get my money back once the pool was finished.
Construction was delayed by City of Katy Inspectors for mediocre work by various sub-contractors.
On 7 Aug the plaster was placed and water was immediately put into the pool. The City of Katy again "tagged" the pool because Platinum Pools filled the pool with water before final inspection could be made by the City of Katy. Final Inspection by City of Katy was made 30 Oct.
We love the pool; however, we feel that the additional cost of $1400.00 to relocate our sewer lines should be the responsibility of Platinum Pools since their Construction Supervisor Paul failed to follow the layout plan. (Note - there was enough room in our back yard to miss the sewer line by over six feet and still be within side and back yard zoning setback limitations.
We complained to Platinum Pools and they chose to not respond.
We then contacted the Better Business Bureau of Metro Houston on two (2) occasions. On the second occasion, Platinum Pools chose to disagree with our complaint by pointing out to the BBB that we signed a waiver under the plumbing and utilities portion of the contract. This is true, since we did not require any plumbing or utility relocation, if the approved layout plan was followed. Platinum Pools failed to mention this to the BBB (I had previously sent a copy of the layout plan in my first letter to the BBB). Under BBB rules Platinum Pools still have a Satisfactory rating, which I totally disagree with. To me, just one (1) unresolved complaint, should make them Unsatisfactory.
I am currently thinking of getting me a lawyer or taking it to Small Claims Court myself.
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