Common Pool Construction Delays and How to Avoid Them
Even the most detailed pool construction plan can get sidetracked by unforeseeable challenges. An experienced pool builder can help you avoid many delays, but your own diligence will also positively impact the project. Knowing what delays are common and taking steps to deal with them in advance will keep your project on track.
Understand How Weather Affects Pool Construction
The weather makes a big difference when it comes to keeping your pool build moving forward at the expected pace. Even one rainy day can sabotage your timeline since the construction team may not be able to do much work while the soil is wet or saturated. A heavier storm will cause a more significant delay, putting off your timeline by several days or longer.
Look at the future weather forecast as you begin planning your project. Avoid starting your swimming pool construction during hurricane season, which typically runs from June 1 through November 30 of every year. In addition to keeping the project on track, avoiding a build during stormy weather can protect materials that might suffer wind or water damage.
Try to Avoid Changing Your Pool’s Design During the Building Process
It’s not uncommon for a property owner to change their mind about the pool’s design midway through the building process. However, even a small modification can affect the entire project and stop your pool construction since it requires revising the plans. The builder will have to rewrite the plans and incorporate the change into the design.
Property owners request design changes when they don’t understand something during the design phase. While working on the design, discuss your questions and concerns openly. Good communication eliminates confusion and will ensure you’ll feel happy with your finished swimming pool.
Anticipate Supply Chain Issues and Check Inventories
Any number of things can occur to cause a supply chain disruption. Bad weather, labor disputes, political strife, and many other factors can interfere with a manufacturer’s ability to deliver its products. While your builder will do everything possible to get the materials on time, some factors remain out of their control.
Can you do anything to ensure a supply chain shortage won’t delay your pool construction? Yes. Talk to your builder about the supplies they have in stock. If they have an inventory of supplies that you can adapt for your project, you can eliminate this worry altogether. Alternatively, set up a backup plan that allows you to replace ordered items with in-stock materials if necessary.
Make Sure Labor Shortages Won’t Affect Your Pool Construction
Similar to supply chain disruptions, labor shortages can affect the timely construction of your swimming pool. If your builder doesn’t have enough employees to complete the build on time, you may have to wait weeks or longer for the project’s completion. A smaller workforce means the building process will take more time.
You can prevent this issue from affecting your project by questioning your builder in advance. Ask them how many employees they have and if that’s a normal number for their business. Additionally, ask how many projects they have scheduled versus the normal number of projects they handle at one time. These questions can make it easier to anticipate delays.
Check Out the Construction Equipment
The value of a custom pool can make your project worthwhile, but your home’s resale shouldn’t be your only motivation. It can take longer than you expect to install a swimming pool, and that can delay your plans for selling your home. One reason for this is that you might hire a builder who uses outdated or poorly maintained equipment.
Keep your pool construction on target by asking to see the builder’s equipment. Talk to them about equipment maintenance and ask about the general age of their tools and machinery. This assessment will help you determine the quality of the equipment. While you can’t predict problems, doing your due diligence will reduce the risk of delays caused by equipment failures.
Know How to Apply for Building Permits in Florida
Many property owners think that the pool builder will obtain the necessary building permits on their behalf. This is rarely the case, and waiting for the builder to handle this part of the project can delay the start of the construction. Your builder can tell you what permits you’ll need and provide the plans that you’ll submit with your application.
Additionally, don’t wait for your construction start date. On average, approval for a building permit in Florida takes 15 to 30 days. If you need a special permit or a building permit from both the local and county governments, this process might take considerably longer.
Consider this process when outlining the budget for your pool build. Keep in mind that building permits involve fees. In Tampa, a basic flat fee of $50 applies to every project. There are additional fees based on the size of your project. For example, a project ranging in value from $5,000 to $50,000 requires an additional $70 for every $10,000 of construction cost.
Hire the Right Third-Party Contractors for Supplemental Work
Finally, think about the other contractors you might hire. In some cases, a property owner might save money by hiring a separate excavation team or an independent electrician. Your builder will work with third-party contractors, but keep in mind that they may have to wait for the completion of those other services.
When you hire a third party, vet them carefully. Read online reviews and look for instances where the contractor took longer than expected. Avoid hiring contractors with a history of arriving late or failing to show up at all. A contractor with a bad track record can delay your pool construction and cost you more money than you expect.
Work With Florida’s Most Trusted Builders
After many years in the industry, Tampa Bay Pools has earned a solid reputation for high-quality service. Whether you want to build a pool or a spa, we’ll assist you in designing your custom build and provide an accurate timeline for its completion. Our experience and professional network help us prevent the most common delays.
Contact us to start building your pool or spa today!