Selecting the Right Contractor

Top Mistakes Made when Selecting a Contractor

Adding a beautiful pool or spa to your home is a big investment of your time and money. Before scheduling dozens of contractors to come out to give you a free estimate, be prepared. Here is a list of common mistakes people make when hiring a swimming pool contractor.

Mistake #1: Not checking the Contractor’s background.
How experienced are they? What is their history and background? What are their qualifications? Consider the saying, “If you think the cost of a Professional is expensive, wait until you hire an Amateur.

Mistake #2: Focusing only on the aesthetics.
A pool’s beauty is only party of the story. Things you don’t readily see, like hydraulic design, pipe sizes, flow rates, pump and filter types, chemical management systems, and many others have a large impact on the ability of your swimming pool to stay clean and sanitized.

Mistake #3: Not having financing in place.
Financing is an important consideration if you’re getting ready to upgrade your home with a pool. It is best to have your financing in place before selecting a pool design and contractor. This way you can confidently decide on a pool and contractor, knowing that you have the necessary funds secured.

Mistake #4: Not knowing your budget.
It’s always good to know what your budget is before you get started. With a known budget, you and your pool contractor can adjust any plans to fit within your budget, or make some exciting additions to your initial concepts. Either way, it is important for you and your pool builder to know what your budget is from the start.

Mistake #5: Over Analyzing.
Over analyzing often leads to confusion. Getting a dozen or more estimates for swimming pool construction can lead to information overload and difficulty in making a decision. Do your due diligence and get 3 or 4 estimates from reputable swimming pool companies. Then make your decision and go with it.

Mistake #6: Not asking enough questions.
The more you know and understand the better the buyer you will be. So don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Not every pool contractor can or will give you an education about pool construction, so do your homework. Being a knowledgeable buyer helps you and your pool contractor. There are lots of resources available, so take advantage of them.

Mistake #7: Shopping based on price.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! Shopping solely based on price will set you up for disappointment. Remember, you usually get what you pay for.

Mistake #8: Shopping over the phone.
Shopping for a pool contractor over the phone is a recipe for disaster. Visit the builder or have them come to your home to provide you with an estimate. Visiting a contractor’s place of business can tell you a lot.

Mistake #9: Shopping like you are buying a manufactured product.
Unlike a mass-produced product, identical and manufactured in a factory under controlled conditions, a swimming pool is built in a wide range of conditions and by a variety of tradesmen and contractors, each with different standards. What you don’t see can greatly impact the cost of owning and maintaining a pool.

Mistake #10: Assuming swimming pools cost less to build in the wintertime.
We have seen increases in steel prices, concrete shortages, gas increases, and insurance premium hikes. Pools don’t get cheaper as time goes on; building a swimming pool will never be less expensive than it is today.

Mistake #11: Not thinking about safety.
Swimming pools can be a great place to recreate, exercise, and just enjoy the outdoors. They can also be dangerous. Make sure you know what your City requires for barriers and fencing. More importantly, make sure you protect the ones you care for, and protect the ones that cannot protect themselves.

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