After you have decided to invest in a swimming pool, you need to identify a designer to build the pool. Choosing a custom pool builder is not an easy task. A wrong decision can end up costing you a lot. You need to compare a few builders before making your choice. Below are tips to help you pick the best custom pool builder.
It is vital you choose a custom pool builder with the right credentials. Request for the physical address of their company and the phone number. It is best you choose a builder who has been installing custom pools for many years. Get to know in advance who deals with the construction. Also, ask if they work with subcontractors. It is important you check for certification and licensing of everyone who will take part in the pool installation. Take time and go meet with the builder and other employees by visiting their office location. If there is a showroom available, you can tour it.
Ask for references so that you can gauge customer satisfaction. Contact the past clients and ask them if they received reliable service. You will tell a lot from the personal experiences of others such as timeliness of work, professionalism and payments. It is advisable you check the ratings of the custom pool builder with the Better Business Bureau. Avoid a company with a lot of negative reviews. Be keen on how they handle complaints.
Choose a builder who has affiliations with different associations. It shows that they are aware of any professional development and they adhere to the set code of conduct. You need to trust your instincts when making your choice. First impressions can turn out to be wrong. Visiting a potential custom pool builder will give you a chance to see how they do their work. Pay attention to the red flags such as requesting for a big deposit upfront, lack of professionalism and no official business place.
Choose a builder with insurance. Request for contacts of the insurance company for you to verify certificate of insurance. A professional builder will not be hesitant to provide you with the name of the insurance company. Majority of builders work with subcontractors. It is best you choose a builder who has workers compensation insurance and general liability insurance to cater for any expenses that may come up with the subcontractors.
Before you decide to sign the contract, you need to go through the document well. The contract should include all the details of the work such as the deadline, payment
schedule, warranty and materials. Discuss the payment arrangements in advance. Compare rates from multiple custom pool builders.
Also, you should not make payment of full cash up front. You can pay a third at first and then pay the rest after the project is done. Consider going in person and checking some of the projects the builder has done over the past year. It will be easy for you to make the right choice. It is best you choose a builder who has been in the industry for a long time.