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Avatar for North East Development LLC

North East Development LLC

12 Echo Dr
3.77(
13
)

North East Development LLC

12 Echo Dr
3.77(
13
)
Customers say: Terrific value
36 years of experience

**We do not remove oil tanks*** 25 Years Experience with Gunite Built in Pools, Excavation, Drainage, Foundations, demo, grading, sewer, and water installation. Licensed and insured. Quality work with great prices. Call Joe today for a free assessment and proposal of the work you need done!

"After 2 1/2 years of not being able to secure a contractor willing to excavate or property we found Joe who told us, "No problem when do you want to start?" After receiving Joes quote we asked if he could build us a wall also. Joe stuck with us even after we were satisfied with the excavation. He encouraged to order gravel late on a Friday to finish up the site."

Victor B on September 2025

**We do not remove oil tanks*** 25 Years Experience with Gunite Built in Pools, Excavation, Drainage, Foundations, demo, grading, sewer, and water installation. Licensed and insured. Quality work with great prices. Call Joe today for a free assessment and proposal of the work you need done!

"After 2 1/2 years of not being able to secure a contractor willing to excavate or property we found Joe who told us, "No problem when do you want to start?" After receiving Joes quote we asked if he could build us a wall also. Joe stuck with us even after we were satisfied with the excavation. He encouraged to order gravel late on a Friday to finish up the site."

Victor B on September 2025

Avatar for SSG Pools

SSG Pools

12 Esquire Rd
4.00(
20
)

SSG Pools

12 Esquire Rd
4.00(
20
)
Customers say: Quality work
50 years of experience

SSG, or South Shore Gunite Pools, is New England's largest pool builder. We offer building, renovation and maintenance services to residential and commercial clients throughout New England. Headquartered in North Billerica MA, we have been setting the standard for gunite construction and quality swimming pools since 1975. We are shockingly unique in the way that we build, eliminating the uncertainty of relying upon subcontractors and operating with fully in-house employees. This strategy allows us to take full responsibility for our client's projects.

"I moved into my current home in late 2016 and discovered that Southshore Gunite built the pool and spa back in 1986 when they were located in Hanover, MA, so I got in touch with them when I needed help with the pool in the summer of 2017. We discussed a pool cover, which I ordered, and resurfacing the pool, which I didn't order right away. While waiting for the cover, I realized that I had a sizeable leak (300 gal/day) in the underground pool plumbing and arranged for SSG to come find the leak and fix it. After they didn't confirm I called and was told that they just had too many pools to close, and they couldn't fix my leak this year. They did eventually come and close the pool and install the cover. The cover seems to work; see attached photo. This spring (2018) I wanted to avoid the pool-opening rush, so I called SSG to see when would be the best time to open the pool and find the leaks. The kind woman who spoke to me got back later that afternoon, having talked to her boss, to tell me that (1) they had not built my pool (according to the building permit, Southshore Gunite did build the pool, but probably before records were computerized) (2) they only closed my pool because they expected me to resurface my pool (I guess the $6500 cover does not make me a valuable customer), and (3) they would neither open my pool this year nor help find and fix the leaks. So, I'm looking on Angie's list for pool services. I can only conclude that SSG really only wants to build new pools or resurface old ones and that anything else is a distraction. I'm guessing that they service pools they build because the owners expect it after spending several 10's of thousands of dollars. I may resurface my pool this year or next, but it won't be done by SSG."

GERHARD S on March 2018

SSG, or South Shore Gunite Pools, is New England's largest pool builder. We offer building, renovation and maintenance services to residential and commercial clients throughout New England. Headquartered in North Billerica MA, we have been setting the standard for gunite construction and quality swimming pools since 1975. We are shockingly unique in the way that we build, eliminating the uncertainty of relying upon subcontractors and operating with fully in-house employees. This strategy allows us to take full responsibility for our client's projects.

"I moved into my current home in late 2016 and discovered that Southshore Gunite built the pool and spa back in 1986 when they were located in Hanover, MA, so I got in touch with them when I needed help with the pool in the summer of 2017. We discussed a pool cover, which I ordered, and resurfacing the pool, which I didn't order right away. While waiting for the cover, I realized that I had a sizeable leak (300 gal/day) in the underground pool plumbing and arranged for SSG to come find the leak and fix it. After they didn't confirm I called and was told that they just had too many pools to close, and they couldn't fix my leak this year. They did eventually come and close the pool and install the cover. The cover seems to work; see attached photo. This spring (2018) I wanted to avoid the pool-opening rush, so I called SSG to see when would be the best time to open the pool and find the leaks. The kind woman who spoke to me got back later that afternoon, having talked to her boss, to tell me that (1) they had not built my pool (according to the building permit, Southshore Gunite did build the pool, but probably before records were computerized) (2) they only closed my pool because they expected me to resurface my pool (I guess the $6500 cover does not make me a valuable customer), and (3) they would neither open my pool this year nor help find and fix the leaks. So, I'm looking on Angie's list for pool services. I can only conclude that SSG really only wants to build new pools or resurface old ones and that anything else is a distraction. I'm guessing that they service pools they build because the owners expect it after spending several 10's of thousands of dollars. I may resurface my pool this year or next, but it won't be done by SSG."

GERHARD S on March 2018

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Generally, the retrofitting process can take two to four weeks. Your contractor will let you know if staying in your home for the entire project is feasible. However, most people are able to remain at home. If your home is undergoing earthquake rehab, it's more likely that you'll need to leave until work is complete. Your earthquake insurance may cover boarding costs if your home is deemed unsafe.

Even if you invested in the cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven and other appliances, it’s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. 

Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.

It is not advisable to try to retrofit your home without the expertise of a professional. These projects usually require a consultation with a structural engineer and a plumber for any gas-related adjustments. Working with a professional earthquake retrofitting contractor is the best way to ensure that any structural work done to your home will help protect you and your family.

Almost all new buildings in California need an earthquake shut-off valve. The requirements for an earthquake gas shut-off valve (and who can install it) depend on where you live. For example, according to the Los Angeles Municipal Code, you’re required to hire a licensed contractor to install one whenever you build, sell, or renovate a home. Check with your local building department for your city’s laws on installing, permitting, and inspecting earthquake shut-off valves.

Projects will vary based on size and scope, but an average earthquake retrofit takes between two weeks and two months. This includes the initial evaluation and plan, bidding and contract paperwork, permitting and approval process, actual work, and final inspection. Your contractor should give you a more accurate time estimate for your specific project, and they may be able to estimate how long the permitting process will take for your area.

The Westport, MA homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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