First of all Pooter we on this forum have nothing against you or your company. This is not personal. It's business. This forum is for residents and others to express ideas and tell about experiences good or bad so others may either benefit from the good or be saved from having huge costly mistakes. You have a great personality and Would enjoy having a beer or two with you. However, once you plant your flag, you open yourself to any criticism or praise due you.
Back in May, We met you on the Square in Lake Sumter. Remember, standing on one foot like a pelican and closing your eyes and trying to make a putt? It was entertaining. We commend you for coming here to give your side.
You must also remember when I asked you about artificial grass and if The Villages approved, you put your arm around me and said" Yes I have state law that says they cant say no and With a little nudging The Villages will approve especially if you did the job.
So as I do with everything, I started doing research. I spent hours on the Internet and on the phone asking questions. I had seen this product in AZ, Vegas, California, and even Austalia. It always looked good. Heck it took me 2months to decide on a flat screen. It drives my wife nuts.
In this process, I had 2 other companies from Orlando come up and they both told me artificial grass was not allowed in front yards because deed restrictions prohibited it. I thought How could a guy being in business since 1999 in The Villages say yes but 2 companies from outside the area say no? That was first red flag. The second was these companies had references in The Villages and was glad to provide them. You said because of privacy issues, you couldn't tell provide any reference for artificial grass or putting greens.
So I didnt take the word of a mfg or lawyer, I went diectly to The Villages and there was no ambiguity in this matter. No But Pooters said I could. They said Putting Greens are allowed but only in back. Hmmmmm.
So I get back in Mid August and a golfing buddy of mine who lives In Duval says artificial grass must be approved cause we have a neighbor who has it. He knew I would be interested. I was thrilled and excited and looking foward into getting rid of our crappy grass.
I drive over to Little Mountain Loop and was horrified. This yard was terrible and I hadnt seen or from any pictures of yards done with these unsightly ridges and lines. I was thinking mfg defect so I had another friend who owns the largest office maintenance company in NYC go back over there. What he found and took pictures of was disturbing news to me. This carpet was overlapped with other carpet and just nailed down. No attempt to seam properly. I have close-up pictures if I can figure out How to post them that shows grass laying on top of other grass. Not beside each other but on top. All the pieces are like that. You say the homewoner was happy but once they know the real details I bet their going to be furious. They just believed your explanation. Pooter its obvious that either you don't know what your doing when it comes to grass or putting greens or you don't care about the homeowner. Pavers you are the best. Grass no. Pictures are the smoking gun.
So your blatant deception to the unsuspecting homeowner about "it will take time and weather to disguise" is a complete falsehood. The unsightly appearance is there forever. How on one hand can you say the carpet has a 10 year warranty against UV fade and on the other hand say weathering will make the ridges go away. Do you see why we are upset? I will post these pictures as soon as I can figure how to transfer from the phone.
To further the issue, the neighbor next door comes out and says The Villages is making them take the grass out. Are you kidding me? Who did the job and the neighbor says a company called Pooters. They didnt say so and so landsacaping. They said you. I suddenly remember our conversation and couldn't stay on the sidelines as there probably were more homeowners put in this position by Pooters. Unbelievable.
Any credible company knows that they can submit a signed arc review with all the details for the homeowner and even pick up the approval for the homeowner so your comment that is further red flags on what is going on here. The homewoner is the only one that can submit. Really? You have been in The Villages since 1999?You knew it was wrong but did it anyway. You assisted in this homeowner demise although we recognize the homeowner must take resposibility as well.
Maybe what we should do is have the homeowner come on here as well.
What is the right thing to do?
Give the homeowner back the money you assisted in deceivingly taken because you knew better and to take up the carpet at no expense to homeowner. You cant look the other way in this matter.
We forgive and we can all learn from this process. However, Don't put this all on the landscaper or the homowner.
Do the right thing Pooter. It will pay dividends down the road if you make it right.
Once again your a great guy and understand your a family man running a small business. Wish you the best of luck.
|