It’s easy to find an unlicensed contractor who is willing to complete your pool removal job at a price that seems too good to be true, and after all, everyone wants to save money these days, right?
Like most things, when it comes to swimming pool removal you get what you pay for. With an unlicensed contractor, you’re taking a chance on more than just the quality of the work – you’re assuming complete liability for everything from worksite accidents to property damage, including any damage related to the work that might show up months or even years later.
The Real Cost of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor
With an unlicensed pool removal contractor, here are a few of the pitfalls you could be faced with:
- The work might not be done correctly and you’ll be left with little recourse
- You will be held responsible for any damage to the water, gas, and electrical lines
- Your worksite could be shut down mid-project by a building inspector, leaving you with a huge mess in your backyard
- You may find yourself dealing with ongoing flooding problems in your yard because the pool wasn’t filled in properly
- You could wind up with an order from the county to re-do all of the work using a licensed contractor, meaning you’ll pay for your pool removal twice
- You could wind up losing your home insurance since most policies have a clause that mandates that you use only licensed contractors for major projects like pool removal
Remember, if a contractor cuts corners by failing to get licensed, you can safely assume they won’t be carrying any insurance either. In fact, in many states and counties contractors are required to show proof of insurance before they are issued a contractor license.
No Permit = No Protection
While many homeowners see county building and demolition permits as nothing more than a cash grab, the fact is that the proper work permits actually protect you and your assets.
Removing a swimming pool without the required permit leaves you, the homeowner, completely liable for any problems with the project. This includes everything from fines levied by the building inspector, the cost of having to completely re-do the project, and even lawsuits filed by any future owners of your property.
Many homeowners have learned the hard way that county permits are in fact one of the cheapest forms of insurance you can buy. Without the proper permit, your pool removal project could wind up being more than a hassle – it could cost you your home.
It’s Not Worth the Risk
Legally, if you do not hire a licensed pool removal company to complete your project, you, the homeowner, automatically become the de facto contractor. That leaves you completely responsible for everything that happens on your property, as well as problems that develop down the road related to the work.
Don’t take chances by trying to do your pool removal yourself, or using an unlicensed neighbor, friend, or fly-by-night contractor – the risks to you, your family, and your future are simply too high.