Construction Expertise at the Negotiation Table

During the purchase of a residential property in McLean, Virginia, the homebuyer, Bill Atkins, recognized that the property’s custom in-ground concrete swimming pool represented one of the most valuable—and potentially complex—assets included in the sale.

Rather than relying solely on a general home inspection or a routine checklist check, Bill sought a dedicated swimming-pool professional with substantial, hands-on construction and renovation experience who could evaluate the pool shell, surrounding masonry, interior finish, and mechanical systems as an integrated assembly.

The inspection was performed by veteran builder Jason DeBosky, who examined accessible coping, waterline tile, expansion joints, interior plaster finish, equipment pad operation, and visible circulation plumbing.

Following the on-site evaluation, Jason provided a comprehensive electronic written report detailing observed conditions, explaining the practical significance of each finding, and providing budgetary repair guidance for the identified concerns.

According to the client’s account, the written report outlined approximately $30,000 in recommended repair and remediation needs across the pool assembly. This figure represented identified repair scope based on observable conditions rather than a guaranteed negotiation outcome.

With documented findings and budget estimates in hand, Bill and his Realtor were able to discuss the report directly with the seller and the seller’s representative.

To review the findings constructively, a subsequent joint walkthrough was coordinated at the property. The walkthrough provided an opportunity to walk through the documented observations, discuss the practical differences between routine maintenance and structural renovation, and review the factual basis of each item in the report.

According to the client’s account, the clear documentation and professional walkthrough helped the parties reach an agreement, resulting in a reported purchase price reduction of approximately $30,000 reflecting the identified pool repair scope.

Note: Negotiation outcomes, repair estimates, and seller agreements depend on the individual property, transaction terms, and contractual agreements. Past client accounts do not guarantee specific savings or negotiation results in any future transaction.