[buggyone]

Couple of things here:

The folks who contracted with Pooters definitely should have read their deed and covenants to know they had to get ARC approval before starting the project. Before forking over $8500, get it in writing the project is approved!!

However, Pooters seems to be negligent, too, IF they said the ARC approval was not needed. I would take that with a grain of salt. It is not Pooters responsibility to obtain the approval. It is the responsibility of the homeowner.

If the Homeowner has proof Pooters said it was not necessary, take the case to Small Claims Court.

At least, the Homeowner should print off this long list of replies and take it to Pooters and explain how Pooters now has a big blemish because of this action. Some sort of refund could remedy that blemish to a degree?

[larbar]

I am the homeowner in question and I would like to clarify somethings. We are in talks with Pooters to resolve this issue. Pooters has been very cooperative with us and we thank you for your concern for us, but feel that we will be able to resolve this situation with Pooters to the satisfaction of both parties. Please do not bad mouth Pooters. This is their livelihood and we don't want them to be hurt. Again we will hopefully rectify this matter on Sunday when we meet with Clint & Kelly. I will post the results of our meeting.

[StarbuckSammy]

Pooters is a reputable company. Both parties were wrong in this instance. I think they will both resolve it. To say that since Pooters has a tent a the square and thus is The Villages fault is just plain stupid. If I buy a purse at Town SQ and it tears...is that Morse's problem...or The Villages? How about a bad pizza....the real estate is owned by the developer...should it be their problem? Of course not.
And some of these amateur legal opinions on this thread are a joke....
Pooters has been in The Villages for over ten succesful years....and yes the company was named after his son's nickname. Some of the commentators on this thread should be ashamed of themselves....rude, ignorant comments.

[iaudit]

Originally Posted by larbar

I am the homeowner in question and I would like to clarify somethings. We are in talks with Pooters to resolve this issue. Pooters has been very cooperative with us and we thank you for your concern for us, but feel that we will be able to resolve this situation with Pooters to the satisfaction of both parties. Please do not bad mouth Pooters. This is their livelihood and we don't want them to be hurt. Again we will hopefully rectify this matter on Sunday when we meet with Clint & Kelly. I will post the results of our meeting.

Maybe we could get these two to run for Congress and represent this area. Amazing what cooperation can do from both sides.

[Larry Wilson]

Originally Posted by StarbuckSammy

Pooters has been in The Villages for over ten succesful years....and yes the company was named after his son's nickname. Some of the commentators on this thread should be ashamed of themselves....rude, ignorant comments.

Thanks for saying it.

[Snowbirdtobe]

When you engage a business to do some work you don't expect issues.
We had a citrus tree installed and the nursery called dig safe to have our lawn marked before they dug the hole. I would have just started digging.
I would expect a builder or landscaper to ensure they had all the permits before starting a job. Seniors tend to be victimized and we all should watch out for each other.

As far as rude remarks made about the name pooter do a google search and see that they were PG compared to the urban dictionary returns.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by larbar

I am the homeowner in question and I would like to clarify somethings. We are in talks with Pooters to resolve this issue. Pooters has been very cooperative with us and we thank you for your concern for us, but feel that we will be able to resolve this situation with Pooters to the satisfaction of both parties. Please do not bad mouth Pooters. This is their livelihood and we don't want them to be hurt. Again we will hopefully rectify this matter on Sunday when we meet with Clint & Kelly. I will post the results of our meeting.

Thanks for the update. Best of luck on Sunday and please let us know how it goes.

[Irishmen]

Yes glad this is coming to a end for you larbar. Let us know How things work out.

[mgm4444]

I'm in the minority here, as well. (don't bother me none) - I believe Pooters made an honest mistake and lesson learned. And I really believe the customer will come back on here and report their satisfaction.

What did I learn about this entire thread? That I probably will never possess the character Pooters has. I would have lambasted every last one of you talking about me that way, if I thought I was innocent, but made a mistake; but Pooters came on here, explained his company name very nicely, asked to please not be rude, apologized upfront for possibly offending someone and offered his story. Then, to top everything off, the customer comes on and has only nice things to say about him, has been working with them since this whole thing happened and please don't ruin his reputation. That, to me, says a great deal about the man. He didn't run away. He didn't shrug his shoulders. He didn't tell anyone to take a hike. Those are the kinds of people that don't care about other people. He made it his business to get online and explain. Before anyone told him "to do the right thing" he was taking care of business behind the scenes to make that happen. What's going to matter in the end? What's going to matter at those pearly gates is how you treated people when they were mean to you (YES, you were mean); staying calm when a gang of people are against you; eloquently explaining the circumstances.

Naive? Maybe. But, I'd rather give someone like Pooters another chance, especially the way he has conducted himself on this forum.

You, sir - are a gentleman in my eyes.

God Bless.

Originally Posted by StarbuckSammy

Pooters is a reputable company. Both parties were wrong in this instance. I think they will both resolve it. To say that since Pooters has a tent a the square and thus is The Villages fault is just plain stupid. If I buy a purse at Town SQ and it tears...is that Morse's problem...or The Villages? How about a bad pizza....the real estate is owned by the developer...should it be their problem? Of course not.
And some of these amateur legal opinions on this thread are a joke....
Pooters has been in The Villages for over ten succesful years....and yes the company was named after his son's nickname. Some of the commentators on this thread should be ashamed of themselves....rude, ignorant comments.

[nitehawk]

I for one would never do business with Pooters - that be said - good luck for those of you who feel Pooters made a mistake. --- More kool-aide mom
If this had happened to me, i would be at the square every night Pooters were there, with a sign stating my feeling

[Russ_Boston]

For what it's worth both pool companies that I'm working with thus far on my project have said that they will take care of the ARC approval. this is also true of the one landscaper to finish the project. So from my only knowledge of this type of project thus far the contractor can (I assume since they said so) take care of the ARC paperwork etc. Is this the norm? And if so then why wouldn't Pooters have done that?

[larbar]

Again, I am the homeowner in question and told everyone that I would report back today after our meeting with Pooters. I am glad to report that we have come to an agreement with them. They are going to resod, at their expense, so that everyone will be happy and The Villages will no longer be unhappy with my yard. I know that everyone is going to ask, but the other details of this meeting, as to refunds or reimbursement, etc., we are not going to broadcast. Just please let it be known that we are happy and satisfied with the outcome. Thank you all for your concern, and again, please dont be mean to Pooters, this was a learning experience for us all. I am glad that they were willing to stand by there services and not turn their backs. I would highly receommend Pooters, they are a company with integrity.

[herbaru]

Originally Posted by larbar

Again, I am the homeowner in question and told everyone that I would report back today after our meeting with Pooters. I am glad to report that we have come to an agreement with them. They are going to resod, at their expense, so that everyone will be happy and The Villages will no longer be unhappy with my yard. I know that everyone is going to ask, but the other details of this meeting, as to refunds or reimbursement, etc., we are not going to broadcast. Just please let it be known that we are happy and satisfied with the outcome. Thank you all for your concern, and again, please dont be mean to Pooters, this was a learning experience for us all. I am glad that they were willing to stand by there services and not turn their backs. I would highly receommend Pooters, they are a company with integrity.

Good news, thanks for sharing.

[CaptJohn]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

For what it's worth both pool companies that I'm working with thus far on my project have said that they will take care of the ARC approval. this is also true of the one landscaper to finish the project. So from my only knowledge of this type of project thus far the contractor can (I assume since they said so) take care of the ARC paperwork etc. Is this the norm? And if so then why wouldn't Pooters have done that?

I thought I would share some thoughts from my experience that might help someone in the future. This will apply to newbies and oldies alike! Save some money, do it right.
======
As a former Chairman for several years of an Architectural Review Committee of an island community, I can tell you the most important thing to remember is that the homeowner is always responsible for the actions on the property. I would suggest that if you're a new owner to be sure and obtain your subdivision restrictions at the closing and then BE SURE TO READ THEM. If you're a long time owner, read them!

In most cases, they will list things you can and cannot do but the part many miss is that just because something specific is not named does not mean you can avoid the permitting process. People often try to skirt the process but it always catches up in the end. If you have any questions, call the ARC for clarification. They will usually try to help if you approach them before a project rather than trying to fix a problem after. When in doubt, ask!

Another thing is to NOT trust your contractor if he says he's obtained a permit as part of the particular project you've hired him to do or if he says a permit is not needed. If he says it's included and he will obtain the permit, insist you see the APPROVED permit BEFORE you let him start work. They (the bad ones) are usually in a hurry to finish a job and get paid and don't want to wait for the permitting process. Yes, I know there are good ones who do it right and they're much appreciated. Better yet, get the permit yourself and you'll know it's OK.
ARC are usually hard working and under appreciated and catch a lot of flack from novices who are not familiar with the process. Just do your due diligence. When in doubt, ask the ARC.

That committee is the reason TV remains such a nice place that is so desirable.
======
Found this since posting: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...ad.php?t=44389

[angiefox10]

I have since contacted Pooters to do some work for me. He tried to explain the mix up to me but to be honest I didn't care as he and the owner had worked it out. As with most of you we have been in business for years and know that sometimes things do happen. You do what you can to make it right and make the customer happy. It seems by the posting here that Pooters has done that!

Now.... Back to my story. While I was talking to the owner of Pooters about my work, he showed me pictures of the property he did for the people this thread is about. WOW!!!! Honestly, it was beautiful! I could see the seam that was being discussed and was already aware the grass will do that until all the "grass" comes up and blends in!

I can see why The Villages wouldn't want it on someone's property. It makes all the other lawns look like crap!