A Guide to Assessing Swimming Pool Builder Proposals
Swimming pools are luxury additions that increase the beauty and value of your property. But that isn’t the reason most people install them. They want pools for fitness, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with family and friends.
Is there a better way to enjoy the temperate climes of Florida year-round than lounging poolside to soak up the sun or taking a dip to beat the heat? It’s a dream come true for many homeowners, especially those with kids or anyone who loves to host backyard soirées.
Before you can jump in the deep end, however, you need to find a reputable and experienced pool builder to get your project underway. How can you choose the right contractor for this massive backyard upgrade? Here are a few key considerations to guide you when assessing swimming pool builders and their pool construction proposals.
Read Consumer Reviews
Installing a swimming pool is a major home improvement project that takes a fair amount of time and money to complete. Naturally, you want a contractor you can trust to finish the job on time, within your budget, and in compliance with all applicable laws and building codes.
Finding the right pool builder could start with referrals from family and friends who have had a positive installation experience. However, you’ll also want to read consumer reviews and explore the builder’s portfolio to ensure a fair and balanced assessment of their work.
Look for mostly good reviews. There are always going to be outlying clients who leave a negative review due to issues with the contractor or the work for whatever reason, but these can be taken with a grain of salt if the reviews are predominantly positive.
Meet With Your Swimming Pool Builder in Person
Asking for trusted referrals and reading consumer reviews are both great ways to get started when you plan to install a swimming pool on your property. However, once you’ve narrowed your options to just a few prospective pool builders, the next step in comparison shopping is to meet in person.
You can learn a lot from vendor websites, but you’ll gather additional information at a face-to-face meeting. This is your chance to ask questions about a contractor’s credentials and experience.
You can request references from each pool builder and ask to see samples of completed projects.
Primarily, an in-person meeting gives you a sense of how you mesh with a contractor. It’s critical that you feel comfortable working with someone and confident in their ability to help you achieve your home improvement goals. If you can’t get along during a half-hour meeting, it doesn’t bode well for working together over the next several weeks or months.
Nail Down a Timeline for the Swimming Pool Construction
The timeline to install your swimming pool will depend on a variety of factors, including the design process, the particulars of your yard (grading, soil composition, etc.), your preferred materials, labor availability, and so on. You could also face various delays in permitting, supply chain, and weather conditions.
Generally, a streamlined project could take as little as about 8 to 12 weeks from start to finish, but it might also take up to several months to complete. A seasoned contractor will help you understand what to expect with your project.
Learn About Financing Options From Your Pool Builder
Most people don’t have tens of thousands of dollars lying around to build a pool. As with any major renovation, you’ll probably need to finance the project.
There are a few options to explore, from bank loans to a home equity line. However, many pool builders also offer attractive financing options. Established businesses frequently have a network of contacts that includes lenders ready to help their clients finance swimming pool installation.
If a contractor sends a lot of business their way, these lenders may be willing to provide more favorable terms (interest rates, repayment schedules, etc.) than the average lender. Terms will still depend on factors like your credit rating/history, income-to-debt ratio, home equity, and so on. However, it’s an option worth exploring if your contractor offers financing.
Enjoy a Positive Experience With Tampa Bay Pools
The best pool builders provide end-to-end services that meet your needs and make your life easier, from designing the pool of your dreams to working with available yard space to completing the pool construction with minimal disruption to your life. When the project is complete, you’ll have the safe and inviting pool area you’ve always wanted.
The talented and experienced team at Tampa Bay Pools is here to turn your private pool dreams into a reality. Contact us now to request an at-home pool consultation and receive a detailed pool construction proposal tailored to your vision and budget.