How to choose a pool builder for your project is one of the biggest stressors that many potential swimming pool owners face. With good reason: A pool project is likely one of the most expensive projects your family will invest in, usually second only to your home purchase. You need to be assured that you are working with the best pool contractor you can and you need to know how to find one who is experienced, knowledgeable and who will help you navigate the sometimes-confusing maze of pool construction.
You will have so many questions that will need to be answered. You will also be faced with so many items that you didn’t even know that you didn’t know! That’s why it’s important that you find a pool contractor whom you trust and who anticipates your questions and helps you understand the process. There are so many nuances to finding the “perfect” swimming pool builder.
How to choose a pool builder for your project
The swimming pool contractors from Tipton Pools offer advice on how to hire the best pool contractor for your family:
- Price matters, but it’s about more than that. What should you look for in a contractor and gauge his quote by: The quality of the materials; craftsmanship, design expertise; strength and durability of the products being used; the overall feel of the customer service and the customer service department of the builder; the exact scope of the work to be included in the project; warranties and guarantees offered
- How long has the contractor been in business? Check with the chamber of commerce, state websites or the Better Business Bureau to see how long they’ve been in business. You want to work with a contractor who has a proven track record. The pool builders at Tipton Pools has been in business since 1978.
- Look for a detailed estimate. Nothing should be left to chance or be left vague. Don’t believe that something is “free” just because you don’t see a price attached to it. If there is no price attached, ask. If there is no charge, then ask that the words “no charge” be added to the estimate. The contract should clearly indicate the scope of the project and what items are included and well as EXCLUDED from the contract and for which you may be charged separately.
- Working with a pool contractor with a track record and longevity in business helps protect you in the case of warranty work. If a builder goes out of business, how will you get warranty work done?
- Your contractor should show you an isurance liability rider. He needs to be fully insured as a way to indemnify you if there are injuries to workers or or damage to your property. He should carry a minimum of $1 million in general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Your pool contractor should provide you a certificate of insurance when the work begins.
- Is he licensed in the state in which you live? He should furnish the license for your review.
- Are they members of pool associations or pool groups? Membership in these organizations shows the contractor is serious about his business and in keeping up with trends and other pool contractors’ best practices.
- Does the contractor have a store front? While many pool service contractors work out of the back of their trucks, a pool builder typically has a storefront. When you call the office do you talk to a real person or are you always having to leave a message? If you can’t get in touch with someone prior to the project kicking off, how will they respond once the project is over?
Thorough research, open lines of communication and choosing a quality pool contractor helps assure your pool construction project moves along smoothly and that you will get a pool that will serve your family for decades.