Baby Guard-Sutter California (Reported Closed)

Doesn't Recommend

larmcc

Joined 3 years ago

Unlicensed and Uninsured!!!. Avoid! This guy is an unlicensed and uninsured contractor operating illegally, according to the California State Contractors License Board. I had him install my pool fence. He provided me with an invalid contractors license number, at the time I thought it was good.



I posted a video detailing my ordeal on youtube under Baby Guard Pool Fence Ordeal.

They installed a pool fence for me, it looks terrible. It is crooked, wobbly, and the poles come right out. This is not safe. They assure me they will come back.



After three attempts at fixing it, they will not return my calls or emails. I have to get the manufacturer involved. After four calls to him, Mike finally calls me back, angry that I am being "picky."



Picky, huh? My 6 year old can pull up the fence and crawl under. This is safe? Anyway, the manufacturer made Mike come back out and fix the problems. In the process, they cracked my concrete re-drilling holes. The fence looks bad, but a little better.



My fence needs to pass a state inspection. Mike assures me it will pass. So, the state comes out, takes one look at the fence and we fail inspection due to the pool fence. The state inspector says it is one of the worst fences they have seen. This is after 4 visits from them to get it right. I have this in writing from the state.



The manufacturer gets a different distributor to come out. He spends half a day re-working everything. The fence is still far from perfect, but good enough. It finally passes state inspection.



Due to the problems and damage to my pool deck they did, I filed a complaint with the contractors license board. After a full investigation, they inform me that Mike at Baby Guard is operating illegally, without a license and without insurance. Mike is ultimately fined, my case number with the CSLB is SF2009386.



Several months afterward, I find my 40 pound dog in the pool area. I find the fence is pulling off of a pole. I was shocked because if a medium sized dog can get through the fence, so can a child.



I tried all of the other seams. On two of them, the mesh pulled right off of the pole, allowing a child to easily gain access to the pool. Let me reiterate, my dog did not chew through the fence or tear it. She simply pushed against it and the fence fell apart.



Mike was as nice as could be and is a smooth talker. As soon as the problems started, this all changed. I regret not going with Guardian or All Safe. Both were very professional and had their contractors license numbers printed on their invoices (required by law).



If Mike tries to tell you that you do not need a license to install a pool fence, this is a lie and he knows it. Call the CSLB and ask.



He is also operating as Safeguard Pool Fence. If you got an estimate from this guy, and he is still not licensed, he is breaking the law. Contact the CSLB at 800-321-2752 to file a complaint. There are stiffer penalties, including possible jail time for repeat offenders.