Complaint Review: Dan Ward - Affordable Pool Repairs

In May 2009, Dan provided an estimate for Re-tiling, some Coping, and Resurfacing for our Pool.  While we did not act on that estimate, in November 2009 he contacted us again by letter with a discounted "Winter" offer of $5,800 for the same work.  We decided to move forward and paid $2,900 (1/2) up front.  The tile and coping work seemed to go fairly smooth.  When they were about ready to resurface the pool, Dan approached us and asked for half the remaining amount in order to purchase the remaining supplies to complete the job in the next couple of days.  Despite a contract that said the "balance was not due until completion", I suckered up an additional $1,400.

We spoke once more on the phone and I was told he was being delayed because of the weather.  Since then, he has not returned my calls and had the gall to send an unprofessional letter demanding FULL payment of the entire contracted amount BEFORE he would come back to resurface the pool.

Unfortunately, I am far to trusting and this has been an expensive lesson - Trust but verify.  If I had taken just a few minutes to Google on "Dan Ward" in connection with "Pool Services" I would have found this website and seen a long list of similar complaints and fraud from other victims in this area.  Get and verify References.  Get physical addresses and verify the company has the licenses and insurance to do this work. 

Dan seems like such a nice guy you just don't want to think he is a crook.