Pool Builders - Are they all the same???

[Why did I do it?]

I in the middle of building a lap pool with Malibu Pools in Brisbane, and they're giving me a brain tumour. Every step or process incurs extra cost. Why can't they just estimate with skill? I mean, they build pools every day and should know what things cost. I got slugged an extra $2500 for excavation and the owner of Malibu tells me "it happens all the time". Well if it happens all the time, shouldn't they know by now and quote accordingly???? They go out of their way to make the deal attractive, suck you in then they expect you to find extra money somewhere. Geez, we're not pool builders you know, so we're not rich. They're pretty quick getting a heap of money up front and then end up owing them less that the work to be completed, so it's not worth throwing them off the job. My extras so far have totalled nearly $8,000 and the pool isn't even finished yet. If and when it does get finished, (and if we don't end up in mediation) I'll list all my complaints, these are just a taster. DON'T TRUST THEM!!!

[Thing]

With such an expensive building project as a pool you should have had a ceiling price in a contract.
If they don't want to sign it then seek someone who will.

Perhaps the 'thing' that happens all the time is that they sting everyone with extra costs.

[Why did I do it?]

My pool construction with Malibu Pools is finally complete, and after all the dramas, heated and firey discussions, I must say it does look great! All's well that ends well.

[kadee]

So are you saying now the extra $8000 is fair and just?

[tweettee]

Wow the pool must look amazing if you are prepared to overlook your original post and the fact it cost you an extra $8000

[Kangaman]

how do we confirm "Why did I do it?" accually posted that last comment on 15 Sep 09 11:18
Did his account get hacked?

[kadee]

If the op is happy with the end product why can't they say so??

[scabra]

I had exactly the same issues regarding excavation costs with them last year. They adapt the allowances in the contract to meet your budget regardless of what they know the real costs to be.
I cannot recommend this pool builder.

[Crazy101]

We are having the same problem with Malibu Pools at the moment. They gave us a package deal and we are now well above that by thousands of dollars. Our excavation costs came in at $6,100 above the contract allowance. At each progress mark of the pool construction they have their hand out for extra money. They said they could have our pool finished by Christmas, but I am not confident about this at all. This is only the tip of the iceberg. My complain list is a mile long. I DO NOT RECOMMEND this pool builder!