Baja Pools Ripoff Paid $33,385.00 and received only 11.5 days of work in the last 5.5 months Laguna Beach California
After making a scheduled payment of $33,385.00 at pool tile and coping installation along with an amendment for concrete pavers, Baja Pools has only worked 11.5 days since 11/30/05. We are now in May. My house has been a mess for 5.5 months with no work and it will be a year since the start date of construction.
The pool should be complete. I have numerous voice messages that I saved, Gauranteeing me completion by 2/28/06. I cannot use my driveway or garage because it has had dirt on it since May 2005. Every week I was told the materials are ordered and the subcontractor will be at my house. It never happened. On April 10th, I had a meeting with one of the owners (Addison Bachman) and the superintendent (Jack Jackson). They told me that they were having financial difficulties, were back on track and wanted to complete my pool. They said to give them 8 days to get a crew back on site and get going (with approx. 2 months to complete) or hire another contractor. I was told that we would be swimming by summer. On 4/19, Jack called and said the subcontractor would be there 4/20, again no one showed. No one has returned my calls or emails.
The last the subcontractor worked was 3/27. After 30 days it is abandonment. This was the 4th time in the last 5.5 months that there was over 30 days been work. The subcontractor who was performing work on my house has threatened with a lien if I do not pay him $17,000.00 that Baja Pools owes him for work performed. He has indicated that 2 other subcontractors are owed money also. I have already paid $85,000.00 and am not close to completion. I have already hired another contractor to complete my pool due to the lack of proper diligence and abandonment by Baja Pools. Baja Pools will deny this, but I have pictures and if anyone wants to take a look, feel free to come by. I have asked Baja Pools to pay the subcontractors all money owed and pay back my $33,385, that includes $16,000 for an amendment that no work was ever started (but was told materials oredered since January 06). They have not responded.
Dan
Chino Hills, California
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Dan
Chino Hills,California,
U.S.A.
See you in court!!!
#3REBUTTAL Individual responds
Mon, June 26, 2006
This report was sent to the contractors state license board. Baja Pools was given 7 days to respond, they did not. Their BBB record is CCC with 8 complaints. The proof is in the pudding.
No matter what is said in thier rebuttle, they have not contacted me. Do not believe a word they say. They were given money for additional work that was never started and will not return.
Addison
Laguna Beach,California,
U.S.A.
With all due respect: The Truth Please!
#3REBUTTAL Owner of company
Sat, June 03, 2006
Baja Pools is exceedingly upset with your liable and slanderous post here and other places. While we completely understand your frustration, we adamantly deny all claims that Baja Pools has abandoned your job. We have never abandoned a job and never will. Now, concerning the history of your pool project:
For the record: Between the Most rain in California History last year and the collapse of your slope due to Poor Compaction by your home builder, (All certified geological and pictures on file) contractually speaking, the time line expands greatly when nature and unforeseen geological failures occur. Furthermore: Baja Pools has incurred great additional expenses rectifying the slope damage and reengineering of your pool to accommodate the massive structure built to hold your slope in place. To date we have expressed our desire to absorb the additional expense solely because, WE FINISH WHAT WE START.
At said meeting, Baja explained in ALL honesty, what you could expect and a time-line given was completely truthful. Unfortunately Mother Nature chose to rain again, on and off for the next 2-1/2 weeks. Also, as you know, because of the massive retaining issue (due to the failure of your slop) your city's building department reinserted themselves in the project, and your supervisor spent a great deal of time to successfully accommodate them on your behalf.
All other delays are primarily due to the negative costs incurred and absorbed on your job. As Baja explained to you in person.
Finally, Even though you have breached your contract by allowing another pool contractor to touch the job (admittedly in your post here) and did not send a letter of termination, Baja Pools still stands ready to finish your pool.
We look forward to your projects speedy conclusion, and your family swimming by summer.
In conclusion to the reading public: The owners of Baja Pools are as much "advocates" for the pool buying public as we are pool contractors. Please take the time to research this claim by visiting our other related web sites. www.swimmingwithpoolsharks.com www.buildhonestpools.com and www.swimbydesign.com
These web sites have helped 1000's of pool customers both avoid and/or fight unscrupulous swimming pool contractors. We thank Rip-Off Reports for their contribution as well.
Addison B. Bachman
Baja Pools co/Founder
www.bajapools.com