We have been asked to remove
three pools that were improperly demolished, filled or not completed by
others. All of these pools substantially effected the value of the
homes.
The first was in Greenbrook,
NJ. In that case the court awarded damages to the buyer of Approximately
25% of the purchase price of the home including our fees and legal
costs. We removed the previously filled pool, separated out debris
placed in the hole, demolished the pool, refilled the hole compacted it
and seeded the area.
The second one located in Long
Valley, NJ we are just completing, July 2004. Although the home was
sold, the buyers attorney will not allow title to pass until the pool
problem is corrected. We obtained an EPA and local permit and have just
removed the fill placed in the pool. We had bid on this work a year ago
but was not awarded the contract due to a price difference of approx.
$1,500. We are doing all the work over. It has cost the home owner
nearly double and delayed his relocation for three months.
The third home is in Short
Hills, NJ. The contractor was slightly cheaper an took a substantial
deposit. When he started work he discovered his equipment could not
efficiently break 9" concrete. He filed for bankruptcy and took the
homeowners deposit with him. In addition he threw the concrete he broke
into the hole. This indicates he did not know what he was doing. We had
to take it all out. The floor of this pool was as thick as 24" in
places.
We never know what we are going to find. Our equipment breaks up to 24"
concrete with ease. We just passed inspection on this pool. All the
concrete has been removed from the site as required by the local
regulation.
In June we appeared as an
expert witness for the
second time in law suits to testify on how pools should be demolished.
I know of at least two other
swimming pools improperly demolished and filled. Both are causing wet
spots. These pools will have to dug out and demolished, then refilled,
compacted, topsoil applied and seeded. It will make a giant mess. There
is hardly any room to stockpile the dirt removed from the hole. Neither
of these homes can presently be sold for there full value,
REGARDLESS WHO REMOVES YOUR
POOL,
INSIST ON THE FOLLOWING:
1 Detail contract spelling out the details clearly.
2 Don't give a deposit. There is no materials to be purchased.
3 Get all the permits required, including the EPA
4 Be sure the town inspector inspects and approves before filling the
hole.
5 Use only dirt from a new home dig. No highway dirt or used dirt.
We pay for all our dirt. No free dirt.
6 Be sure the contractor is obligated to top soil, seed and clean up
his mess.
7 Get a warranty against settling. It will cost something but it's worth
every dime you pay.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDLESS
OF WHERE YOU
ARE LOCATED, CALL OR WRITE FOR A FREE DISCUSSION. THERE IS MORE TO
REMOVING A POOL THAN YOU MIGHT THINK.
