I'm a neighbor, not a customer — and I spent about $8,000 fixing my own Nocatee yard after Old Town Custom Pools, Inc. used it for access.
I agreed to let Old Town Custom Pools use my yard to reach the pool build next door, on the understanding that they would restore everything to the way it was. That is not what happened.
In my experience, they were not upfront about how long they would need access. The timeline kept stretching with no firm end date, and I was repeatedly told they were nearly finished. My fence was left in poor shape — I found myself walking my own yard picking up loose screws and caps, unsure whether all the hardware was even still there. Despite their assurances that they would put everything back and restore the yard, it never happened.
In the end, I hired professionals and paid about $8,000 out of pocket to repair my property — and I wasn't even the one getting a pool.
I'm sharing this so other neighbors in Nocatee and the surrounding area know what to confirm in writing before granting yard access to a contractor working next door.
If a contractor asks to use your yard for access#
Granting access can be neighborly, but put the terms in writing first. A few things worth nailing down before you say yes:
- An end date. Agree on how long access is needed and what happens if the work runs long.
- Restoration in writing. Specify that the yard, fence, landscaping, and irrigation will be returned to their prior condition, with photos taken before work begins.
- Who pays for damage. Make clear, in writing, that the contractor is responsible for any damage caused during access.
- Before-and-after photos. Document the condition of your fence, lawn, and any structures the day before access starts.
- A point of contact. Get the name and number of the person responsible, not just a crew on site.
A short written agreement up front is far easier than recovering costs after the fact.
