For most homeowners, adding a pool is an exciting event. A well-designed pool transforms a backyard and opens up new opportunities for home entertainment and recreation. The process of choosing between all styles, shapes and comforts is important and something the whole family can enjoy. The choice of the pool contractor is equally important and savvy consumers spend some time and effort on this decision. A swimming pool represents not only a significant investment, it is a permanent addition to your home site and a few simple steps can greatly reduce the chance of making a regrettable mistake.
A review of the yellow pages and the Internet reveals that most major metropolitan areas have more than a hundred companies that fall into the category of swimming pool contractors. At any given time, about eighty percent of them are actively in business and engaged in swimming pool construction. They range from large national companies to small independent companies. Some are local businesses operating under a national franchise name. Some are local businesses with multiple offices and a large sales force. Some advertise; some don’t. Each of these groups includes good builders who satisfy their customers and, unfortunately, each group also includes builders who continually fall short. As in most industries, it is possible to look beyond the glossy advertising and examine the basics with any pool construction company.
In addition to ensuring that any builder has a good reputation, you will also want to look at the stability of the business and ensure that the terms proposed for their work are fair and in accordance with industry standards. There are several sources for this type of information: First is the Better Business Bureau. Although BBB offers more in some cities than others, it almost always provides some type of company report that indicates the builder’s ability to avoid complaints. You can also provide information on the structure and ownership of the company, as well as the age of the company. Often times, BBB can also provide written advice on selecting a pool contractor and the dangers of entering into a construction contract. Second, the Secretary of State in each state capital maintains public records of all corporations and LLCs. This will provide information on the age of the business and the true registered owners. Finally, most county clerk’s offices maintain public records of false names. A check on this will sometimes reveal a builder routinely changing their DBA every few years, a definite red flag. A thorough review of these sources will provide the homeowner with the knowledge necessary to compare one builder to another.
Once you’ve established a shortlist of three to five builders, it’s time to get some bargains. Regardless of how qualified they are or how well they are recommended, avoid focusing on just one builder. Even the best builders can come up with an inflated offer if for some reason they don’t really want the job. They may be too busy or you may be too far from your other job. Be prepared to spend at least a month obtaining and comparing offers. With each proposal, you will become more aware of what is important to you in design and some of your first offers will need to be reworked. Keep in mind that a good builder will spend several hours preparing each design and proposal. Get no more than three to five offers and never more than one builder meet with you at the same time. Before the first meeting, connect and learn the group’s terminology. You are about to spend a lot of money; know what they are talking about. Also, have all the decision makers present at every meeting with the builder.
Once all the offers have been collected, you will need to make a translation. Unfortunately, there is no industry standard format for offers. Some will be cafeteria style with great details on the cost of each facet and some will only be full price with a basic description of what you are getting. Using the more detailed estimate as a guide, start calling the other builders and get answers to any questions you may have. How much if I add this? How much will you deduct if we delete it? When comparing specifications, make sure that each constructor used the same formula. For example, some builders measure the perimeter of a pool at the waterline and some measure it on the outside of the gunite shell. Take the time to make sure your offer review is truly an apples-to-apples comparison.
In addition to the price, you will need to pay close attention to the terms of the contract. A builder who wants too much money up front may be in financial trouble. Even major builders with a positive track record have fallen into the trap of using new deposits to pay old bills. A reasonable contract only requires a small deposit up front with drawings after each major stage of construction. Do whatever it takes so you don’t end up with a very expensive hole in your backyard. Guarantees are also important. Be clear about who is responsible and if something goes wrong. Most of the work in swimming pools is done by subcontractors who support their work. However, make sure the builder is ultimately responsible.
Lastly, choose a builder that you are comfortable working with. If you choose a larger company that employs salespeople to bid, keep in mind that you will never see it again. Insist on meeting with the labor superintendent. Find out how accessible they are and how often they will actually visit your site. Your garden is going to be a mess for at least a month, probably two. The pipes break. The lines are cut. The fences are broken. A parade of various crews will come and go, usually without warning. Make sure you have someone you can contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Selecting a pool builder is one of the most important decisions a homeowner will make. Do your homework and take the time to make the right decision. You and your family will be glad you did.
