How important is it to hire a licensed and experienced swimming pool contractor to either install a swimming pool or do renovations? Just ask the family in Tampa who’s swimming pool popped out of the ground after they hired an unlicensed contractor to do work on it.
Florida Law requires a licensed contractor to do major repairs, renovations, or installations on swimming pools.
Unfortunately, Chad Peasley, the homeowner learned this the hard way. “After he hired an unlicensed pool repairman to drain and paint his pool,” according to ABC Action News. “It is a nightmare really,” said Peasley. “He said his pool popped out of the ground a day after most of the water was drained from his pool.”
In another instance, Darlene Anderson becomes a victim of an unlicensed contractor. According to ABC Action News, she paid a man $26,125, for some pool work, plaster repair, and painting. Then he convinced her to write him another check, explaining the first one was ruined when it got wet in the washing machine.
“He came to the door. He had a nice truck. he had a business card. He even had a license number, but from my understanding that was an invalid number.”
Sheriff Bob Gualtier explained, “Unlicensed contractors are scamming innocent citizens and either doing shoddy work or not doing work at all after receiving advanced payment.”
When it comes to hiring a pool contractor, it is buyer beware. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous people in the community who are taking advantage of unknowing homeowners.
Don’t let this happen to you! The Biggest Mistake You Can Make is Hiring an Unlicensed and Inexperienced Contractor and Not Checking their References
It can’t be stressed enough, make sure the contractor is experienced! Look at their past projects, make sure they have a reputable website with a gallery of their work, and has been accredited by the BBB.
As one of Central Florida’s premier pool builders, Dreamscapes Pools and Spas have built our reputation on experience, quality, and unparalleled customer service. Our experienced design team has the latest 3D computer technology enabling you to vision what your new swimming pool will look like. We have an A+ accreditation with the BBB, and some great reviews.
