Well, the summer months are already upon us, and the temperatures are going to get worse from here on. A very “cool” way to beat the heat is to invest in a swimming pool. However, if you are looking to make this hefty investment, there are various considerations that you need to keep in mind to get hold of the best option out there.
A pool or marine construction is tricky to get right. And, this is the main reason to need the expert help to get the construction perfect. Even if you research types of pools, design elements, and the look, you will still need an experienced contractor to help you realize your ideal vision for a pool.
So, here are the top tips that you need to keep in mind while hiring the perfect pool contractor.
Ask for advice
First and foremost, you need to look around for friends, family members, or neighbors – all the ones who had a pool installed at their property. If someone has first-hand experience of working with a pool contractor, then it is the best reference that you are going to get. If you are searching for services over the internet, then take a look into the ratings and the reviews of each service before making your choice.
Look for accreditation
The importance of certification and certification cannot be stressed enough. You need to keep in mind that without the proper licensure, it is illegal to practice the trade, and therefore it should be the first question that you should ask your service provider. With an appropriate accreditation, you can be sure of the customer service, honesty, and professionalism. Keep in mind that there are databases that you can search over the internet that lists pool contractor and builder services.
Ask for quotation
Once you have found the right contractor from the ones listed on the internet or through a recommendation, you need to get hold of the contact information. You need to follow-up on your search by requesting a quotation. Keep in mind that it is always a great idea to get hold of at least three quotes from different service providers to get the best deal possible. Getting hold of the quotation in writing is extremely crucial as it allows you to budget and plans well for the project.
Experience is paramount
When it comes to pool construction, the experience is everything, and this is why it is extremely crucial to work with a thorough professional with years of experience. So, when you are out looking for the right contractor, always enquire about the years in practice and the experience.
Keep in mind that you need to ask about the entire workforce and not just about the firm. Here is a trick that you need to perform – always be aware of cheap and low quotes since it might suggest little experience and amateur artistry.
Compare between your choices
As it was stated in the earlier sections that one of the best ways to get hold of the perfect pool contractor is to shop around – you need at least three different service providers to choose from. This will allow you to compare not only the prices for the entire project but also various features regarding the services itself.
You need to compare the experience, the catalog of all the past work done, and troubleshooting in case of a mistake or damage during and after the completion of the construction. You also need to compare the delivery time of the pool and go with the one that fits right as per your schedule and timeframe.
More on licensing and certifications
Here are a few more considerations regarding the licensure and the certification of the service you are employing. Depending on your state of residence, legislations will vary, and you need to make sure that the facility complies with all the necessary standards of construction and care during the project.
Often, the pool contractor uses subcontractors for the plumbing and the electrical works – and therefore, you should ask for valid insurances every step of the way. It is essential to understand the value of insurance as it will cover you from liability charges in case of any accident during the construction of your pool.
Scheduling the payment
The general practice is one of making the payment in installments during the construction. Our expert advice to you is to avoid any practice that asks you to pay the entire amount upfront before even starting with the project.
For pool installation, you need to make an initial payment for the layout, dig or the reinforcement and then make subsequent payment as and when the construction materials, including gunite or fiberglass, are required. Then is the fee for the plumbing fixtures, tiles, and other electrical and lighting installations. And, lastly, you are required to pay the final amount as agreed per the written quotation served at the commencement of the project.
Always perform a background check
Here is an essential tip for you. If you are unsure about the professionalism of the service, then you can always perform a background check about the service. This is quite understandable as a pool service will work on your property, and maintenance of punctuality and sanctity of the home is exceptionally vital.
Keep in mind that you need to perform a thorough check regarding the authorization for the service along with the experience and training of the workforce. If you are worried, then you can enquire about criminal history, if any, for members of the staff. Always make sure that the workforce uses the ID and other name tags along with proper uniforms during the construction at your premises.
Make those calls to the references
If you are going through an online listing regarding a pool service, then you will find numerous ratings, reviews along with recommendation listed alongside the firm name-tags and contact info. However, if you are looking to be doubly sure, then you can go ahead and make the calls to the references listed and enquire personally regarding the dedication, professionalism, and experience of a particular service.
Here is something that you need to understand – pool installation is costly, and you would not want to waste your hard-earned money. So, it is better to make a wise decision, and we hope that this post allows you to choose right. All the best!