Absolutely not. Those would be the companies that are struggling for working capital because they're on C.O.D. everywhere. Once they collect the coin they use it to pay to finish other jobs they started prior to yours. As they book more work they'll utilize the newer buyers money to finish yours. It's the only way they can stay afloat. As long as they can continue to book work they'll stay in the game. But, once potential buyers catch wind of what's happening they'll be apprehensive to sign out of the fear that the company may go under in mid construction. This is when the quick downhill spiral begins. See ya, Kelly

If your very dissapointed in the work I'd suggest calling your bank and putting a stop payment on the check, then calling the man and telling him what you did. Let him know that you'll immediately cut him a check for 90 percent of the work to deposit, and pay the balance once the cosmetic work has been handled. If he acts like he doesn't want to do anything except collect in full tell him he gets nothing and to sue you. The truth of the matter is that it really doesn't matter whether you like the work or not. It has been done and your required to pay regardless of the quality of craftsmanship. You won't win the suit if he sues you but you'll have leverage right here and now. If he accepts the money he got 90 percent of the money for the services rendered to pay the Redi-mix company, his form and steel suppliers, and his hands. More importantly, you've got 10 percent of the amount to hold over him to ensure that the repairs are handled. Chances are he'll take the coin and when he does he obligates himself to handle the repairs by entering into the verbal agrrement with you to handle these issues. Judging by what I read in your post I doubt if he'll even come back even when your holding 10 percent of the invoice. IMO, he used an old diamond blade and no water when he made his saw cuts. We cut concrete quite consistantly and seldomly have chips break off larger than fingernail clippings. just my .02 See ya, Kelly

IMHO, mounted in the shell sheers are too small to be dramatic. If it's a smaller shell, then they are nice but on a larger shell, yawn. When they are off, there is little to notice in terms of protrusions. Scott

mcoughlin, I'm not very familiar with Vinyl pools. The fill and compaction around the structure should provide some clue for your concrete contactor as to which method may be best for your application. The mastic joint helps keep water from getting under the concrete when making two pours and provides for expansion to reduce cracking. Shedding water away from the pool is important. I'm not a fan of the dowel being used. While it's good construction practice in most cases, around a pool it can produce areas that can rust in the future. You should look at what's common in your area and what's common around vinyl pools in your area. That will give you the best idea of what works best.