Ah, neighbours
Customers routinely ask what some of the biggest challenges are on these projects. There are a few that can be mentioned such as weather delays, sub-contractor timing, and engineering changes; however, it is neighbours who cause the biggest problems. Not just the people next door, but those down the street or even blocks away. Many pool builders have had to deal with neighbours who suddenly think the project will destroy their way of life; therefore, it is a good idea to arrange a meet and greet with key people involved in the project.
Another method builders use is going door-to-door and introducing themselves to neighbours, but more importantly, clients should do the same. This helps prevent neighbours from feeling as though they are on the outside looking in. By creating this personal connection, it is more difficult for them to complain or call the city.
Making sure the neighborhood is kept clean, from sweeping the sidewalks, to picking up garbage and washing the road, are the little things that put the builder and homeowner in a good light when issues do come up.
Unfortunately, on this project, people several kilometres away called the city to complain the project looked out of place on the cliff. At this point, the project was only halfway completed and none of the finishing touches were installed to integrate the pool and deck with its surroundings, but this person wanted to complain. As a result, city inspectors called to verify the project would be finished as per the plan, but with the addition of more plants to satisfy the neighbour, thus appeasing the city and keeping the project from coming to a halt.
This is just one example of how neighbours can make a project more difficult to complete. It is hard to make everyone happy, but keeping most of them onside can help builders carry a project through.
Overall, a lot of time and resources were spent to get the project ready for construction; however, this was the easy part. The real challenge was yet to come when it would be time to excavate for the pool.
Editor’s Note: In a following issue, Valerioti will discuss the trials and tribulations of excavating the site for the swimming pool, as well as other various stages of construction to design completion.
Tim Valerioti, BA, BBA, CSC, is the founder and president of Hampton Pools and Landscape Construction, a pool/spa and landscaping firm in Kelowna, B.C. He has more than 20 years of experience in construction and business and financial management and has grown the company into an award-winning, multi-faceted design/build firm. After establishing Hampton Pools and Landscape, he expanded his expertise and further developed his design skills over many unique and challenging projects. He can be reached via e-mail at tim@hamptonliving.ca.
