Questions to Ask Your Pool Builder Before Starting Your Project
Before hiring any contractor, it’s important to perform your due diligence. And that is just as true when hiring a swimming pool builder. You can start your research by assembling a list of questions.
The following questions, in particular, will help you evaluate the skills and integrity necessary for any pool builder you want to hire:
Can I Visit Your Place of Business?
Your work with a pool builder starts as soon as you begin designing your swimming pool. It’s a process that typically involves visiting the builder’s office or showroom regularly. If you always seem to meet at your home or in a public place, you should feel some level of suspicion. At that point, it would make sense to ask to see the builder’s office.
You can avoid that sort of uncomfortable situation by asking to see the builder’s office up front. Someone who works out of their vehicle or a motel room may not be as reliable as they claim. They might take off with your money or provide subpar work. Focus your search on builders with established reputations and brick-and-mortar businesses that you can visit at any time.
How Long Have the Present Owners Been Conducting Business Under the Current Business Name?
It’s all too common for a builder to overextend themselves by taking on too many projects at once. And when their business expenses catch up with them, they’ll declare bankruptcy, leaving multiple projects unfinished. Later, they will start a new business under a different company name. These fly-by-night builders operate with the hope that homeowners are unfamiliar with such a tactic.
Has Anyone Associated With the Business Ever Declared Bankruptcy? Has the Company Ever Gone Out of Business?
Someone who has a history of financial woes demonstrates poor business management skills, and that can affect your project directly. Fortunately, though, it won’t do a builder any good to lie when answering these questions. A little internet research can help you verify the builder’s financial history.
How Many References Can You Provide?
A reputable pool builder should be able to provide a long list of references. While five references is an acceptable amount for a newer company, more established businesses should have an abundance of references. Make sure you call at least five names on the list.
Poorly constructed pools present a variety of safety issues. For example, excessive pool chemical exposure leads to 4,500 serious health conditions every year. Verifying the quality of the builder’s workmanship can help you avoid future problems.
Are You a Member in Good Standing With the APSP and BBB?
The Better Business Bureau and The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals outline ethical standards for every member. And since their respective fees and dues are low, it’s not unreasonable to expect your builder to maintain memberships with these organizations. That can give you some added peace of mind, as you’ll know your builder follows ethical practices and proper construction methods.
Will I Make My Checks Payable to a Business or Personal Bank Account?
When a business owner uses their legal name as the name of their business, financial transactions become complicated. You may not be able to determine whether your check is going to a personal or business account. And that can land you in legal hot water.
If the business owner deposits your check into their personal account to avoid paying taxes, the IRS might hold you partially liable. Always include Inc. (for incorporated businesses) and Co. (for other companies), as these designations force the bank to deposit the check into business accounts.
Can I See Your Dun & Bradstreet Report?
Looking at a Dun & Bradstreet Report is similar to reviewing your own credit report. It will detail the business’s credit rating and payment history. While a newer business will have a shorter report, every report helps you confirm the business’ credit score, which can give you confidence when dealing with a pool builder.
Do You Have Valid Workman’s Compensation and General Liability Coverage?
Workman’s compensation provides coverage for the builder’s employees. If one should suffer an accident on your property, the insurance will cover their medical care costs.
Your builder will also use subcontractors, such as electricians and plumbers. Workman’s compensation, however, won’t cover their injuries, so make sure your builder also carries general liability insurance. Requiring both types of insurance will protect you against injury claims from the team building the pool on your property.
What Is the Name of Your Insurance Provider? Can I Call Them to Obtain Your Certificate of Insurance?
Your pool builder should be able to immediately provide contact information for their insurance provider. If they seem uncomfortable or hesitant to provide such details, they probably don’t have valid coverage. Look for a different builder.
How Many Pool Construction Projects Have You Completed? Why Are You Qualified to Build My Pool?
A company without extensive experience building complex swimming pools won’t be able to assemble the pool you have in mind. They might even lack the expertise necessary to construct a basic swimming pool.
Will My Contract Detail All of the Work Necessary to Complete My Pool?
If the excavation hits rock or damages underground cables, your costs will increase. Make sure your contract addresses complications that might arise during the construction.
How Do I Know Your Advertised or Quoted Price Isn’t a Bait-and-Switch Tactic?
Be wary of low swimming pool construction offers. Your builder will have to survey your land and discuss your pool design before giving you an accurate estimate.
Trust Tampa’s Pool Building and Construction Experts
At Tampa Bay Pools, our experience and history demonstrate the trust that homeowners place in our services. See why we’re a widely recognized name in the industry and the best company to build your swimming pool or spa by scheduling a consultation with us today.
