The Difference Between a General Contractor and a Specialized Pool Contractor
Planning to build a pool is a big part of your home improvement journey. A beautifully designed pool provides years of enjoyment and enhances your property’s value. Before you begin your project, you’ll have to choose between a specialized pool builder and a general construction contractor. The following comparisons can help you make the best choice for your project.
A Pool Contractor Has Specialized Skills
A general contractor can provide a home construction or renovation that meets the highest quality standards. However, they may not have specialized skills that are necessary for certain types of projects. For example, a contractor with proven experience in remodeling kitchens is the best choice for a kitchen renovation.
Similarly, a pool builder is the best type of contractor to hire to install your swimming pool. They are licensed and will be able to customize the size, shape, and style of your pool design. They can also recommend the best building materials based on durability, aesthetics, and safety. Pool builders have more familiarity with filtration and heating systems as well.
These specialty skills are essential in building a pool that will stand the test of time. Experienced pool installers will make sure your design meets swimming pool safety standards in addition to complying with building codes. Overall, a builder familiar with pool designs will provide the best quality results.
A Pool Builder Has the Right Experience
There are unique challenges involved in building a pool. These issues don’t affect home renovation projects. One such issue involves the excavation of your property. A general contractor might lack the equipment or skills necessary to safely excavate your land. A pool builder has this unique type of experience.
In addition, a pool contractor is familiar with pool equipment and technology. They can help you explore a variety of design options. They’ll advise you and recommend features that will enhance the luxury, safety, and efficiency of your swimming pool. While a general contractor won’t be familiar with special swimming pool features, a pool builder will keep up with these changing trends. A pool designer and builder can also replicate pools with greater accuracy. They can look at the design of a pool to recognize the materials, equipment, and features incorporated into the layout.
They’ll use their knowledge to replicate the design exactly or modify it to meet your personalized needs.
A General Contractor Provides a Broader Range of Services
A pool builder can provide legally compliant pool construction because they have this unique type of experience. They use specialized construction practices in every step of the process. This includes the installation of insulated electrical equipment and underground plumbing systems. All of their expertise is focused on constructing pools.
A general contractor is best suited for broader renovations or full home construction projects. They can build anything from a room addition to a restaurant-style kitchen, and they adhere to safe construction standards. They know the building codes and zoning issues that might affect these types of projects. As an added advantage, they’re experienced in building larger structures.
Before you hire any contractor, consider the type of project you have in mind. If your only intention is to build a pool and a surrounding deck, a pool builder has the expertise necessary for a limited project of that type. However, if your goal is to build additional structures or include a home renovation, you might also want to hire a general contractor.
A Pool Builder Keeps Project Costs Lower
Your budget might affect whether you hire a pool contractor or a general contractor. Through their years of experience, pool builders create streamlined and efficient construction processes. This reduces waste and speeds up the construction timeline. They can complete the project with fewer wasted materials and reduced labor costs.
Contractors of every type develop networks and relationships with industry suppliers. A general contractor might find deals on flooring tiles or countertops, but a pool builder’s network is more refined. A pool installer’s contacts can help them find bargains on equipment and materials used specifically for pool and spa designs.
Consider your contractor’s overhead as well. A pool builder has fewer employees and a more specialized trade, leading to lower overhead costs. General contractors have more employees and subcontractors. They also manage larger work sites. That larger overhead can result in completing larger construction projects more efficiently.
A General Contractor Might Take Longer to Complete a Pool Installation
An experienced pool building contractor has processes in place that help them complete their work more efficiently. They also used specialized equipment and tools specifically designed for pool construction. This expertise and the contractor’s resources help them reduce pool construction timelines.
Even a larger general contracting company might take longer to build a pool than a pool builder. This is because while general contractors also use specialized equipment and construction practices, they use their resources for a variety of diverse projects. Their usual practices won’t help them build something as customized and small as a pool.
Construction projects rarely proceed without problems. This is just as true for a pool build as it is for a house construction. A pool builder has already dealt with most of the common pool-building problems. That means they can anticipate and react to these problems without long delays.
A general contractor without a pool building background can take longer to resolve common issues. There are some construction issues specific to pool building, such as soil variations, that affect the excavation. General contractors won’t have the skills or knowledge necessary to service these issues promptly.
Work With Tampa’s Top Swimming Pool Builders in Florida
Tampa Bay Pools is a leader in the Florida pool-building industry. We have the experience and expertise to install a pool that has all of the features you need for a luxurious and safe experience. When you’re ready to start designing your pool or spa, contact our pool contractors to schedule a consultation.