When you consider putting a pool in, it is easy to get carried away with the way the pool will look and how it will improve your lifestyle without concentrating on the actual nitty gritty of having a pool. You need to start off by choosing a pool builder that has the experience and commitment to client service without which your dream pool could become a nightmare. You need a builder that shares your vision and one that can advise you on the best type of pool for your yard. Ideally they should have some idea about landscaping so that the pool doesn’t become an eyesore. Get a good idea of what to expect from pool builders and your dream pool is just around the corner.
To start off with, the ideal contractor is someone that can take you from start to finish and who knows what they are doing. The right person should have a basic knowledge about plumbing, laying a cement foundation, adapting the design as you require and making the design a reality through proper layout of tiles, etc. The more that the contractor is able to contribute, the better the end result is likely to be.
Do not be embarrassed to check the credentials of the potential builder. A pool is a major investment – would you trust your six year old to drive your car? Then why would you put your pool building in the hands of someone without experience? Check what qualifications the builder has but, more importantly perhaps, ask for some examples of the work they have done. Any contractor that is on the up and up will be more than happy to give you a list of projects that they have been involved in.
The next thing you can expect is a fairly accurate estimate of how long everything will take and whether or not there is a contingency plan should something go wrong. Check around and make sure that the time quoted seems reasonable. You are going to have to allow some time for the concrete, etc. to dry but if the contractor quotes an unreasonable period, such as six months, it’s time to look for someone else. This is where doing some research online and getting a couple of different quotes from different pool builders is a good idea.
Once you have settled on the right contractor, you can expect them to be willing to discuss in detail with you what your requirements and expectations are. By making sure that everyone is on the same page in the beginning, unnecessary and expensive headaches are avoided later on in the process. Make sure that you understand the basics of what needs to be done so that you can ensure that your contractor is getting the job done properly. Basic knowledge is the best defence against things going wrong.