Are you trying to make a splash with a custom pool installation? Your own pool can provide a huge number of benefits to you, your family, and friends. However, to get the best deal, you need to find the best great pool builder that you can.
If you are not sure what makes a great pool design company, then have no fear. Below, we give you 9 questions to ask before you hire a pool builder.
1. Are You Insured and Licensed?
Anyone who does construction work on your home should be insured and licensed. Licensing is important, as it shows that your company of choice knows what they are doing. They have to have a certain degree of experience and expertise to get their license, so you know they will do a good job.
Insurance is important in case of any problems that may arise. Without it, you could be liable for any accidents and injuries, even if they are not your fault. This could end up in lengthy legal battles that will be costly.
2. Do You Have Testimonials?
Any professional pool builder should have a portfolio of testimonials to hand. These will be comments and quotes from previous customers. They should also be able to show you a portfolio of previous projects.
It may even be possible to visit the pools they have created, as not all of them may be private. If you can get in touch with their previous customers, you may even be able to get an unbiased view of their services and aftercare, though this will prove harder to do.
3. Do You Provide Maintenance After the Build?
Once you have the pool installed, it will require regular maintenance. Chemicals in the water have to be balanced carefully. In addition, a number of special processes need to take part at the start of summer and the winter.
You can do this by yourself, but it takes a lot of time and expertise. If the company that installed the pool offers a maintenance service, then you should give it serious consideration. As they have installed the system, they will know how best to keep and maintain it.
4. How Long Will It Take to Install?
If you find a custom pool builder who can start right away, or tells you it will only take a week or two, then think twice. Firstly, any good pool company should have work on and will need to schedule your build. In addition, if the pool is a custom one, then time should be taken to design the work and check your property.
Every home and its pool are different. This makes it hard to determine how long your build will actually be. Your contractor should be able to give you a step by step timeline, explain how long each part will take, and tell you what may hold the process up.
5. How Are Their Independent Reviews and Ratings?
One way to check the professionalism and service of a pool installation company is to check their independent reviews. All companies should have ratings and comments on local business and trade review sites. If they do not have any at all, then you should ask why.
Every company will have a few negative reviews, so you are looking for reviews in the ratio of 6 good reviews to 1 negative. Negative reviews are more important, as you can see how the company responds to gauge their level of professionalism. If they have not replied, ask them about the review when you go for a quote and let them explain.
6. Will Payments Go to a Business or Personal Account?
Money that is paid into a personal account is not a good option. This proves you are working with an independent trader, who does not have the reputation and experience a business will have built up. In addition, paying into a personal account may help someone avoid paying taxes, and you could end up liable for it.
Making sure any checks and accounts are paid into a business account also gives you more security. It will be much harder for them to take your money and not deliver, as they will have to abide by trading standards that protect the consumer.
7. Will All the Necessary Work Be Included in My Contract?
The main problem that may see extra cost incurred is if the builder hits rock. This will mean they will have to bring in heavy machinery, and the build time will take much longer.
If you do not add have a clause for this possibility in the contract, you will have to pay the cost.
8. Which Design and Pump Options Are Best for Us?
First, you need to tell your pool company what you actually want the pool for. Do you want a party pool with a bar and BBQ spot at the side? Or do you want a tranquil spot to relax?
This will let them advise you on the many options available. They will notify you of the best finishes, and advise you on pumps and filters.
9. Have You Ever Gone Bankrupt or Out of Business?
Though it may seem intrusive, this is a very important question. Building a pool is a long process that happens in stages, and you need to know that the job will be finished. If not, you will be left with half a pool and it will cost you an awful lot to get another company to finish it for you.
If a company has previously gone bankrupt or out of business, then it should be a warning sign. Most companies will simply say no, and any that have gone bankrupt will give you a story that will most likely bend the truth.
Choose a Good Pool Builder
While not all of these tips are exhaustive and must be adhered to, you must apply them with common sense. If a pool builder gives an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
When building a new pool, Sahara Construction and Custom Pools should be your first stop. We can provide an elite pool design team along with an experienced installation crew. Contact us for a free consultation and start building the pool of your dreams today!
