Making the decision to have an inground pool installed for you and your family to enjoy for decades to come should be an exciting experience. However, for those who make some common mistakes when selecting a pool contractor, the process can easily turn into the stuff nightmares are made of. To ensure you and your loved ones are doing the backstroke by summer, here are three major pitfalls to avoid when searching for a pool installation company.
- Not asking enough questions and for multiple customer references.
Consider the process of hiring a trustworthy pool contractor kind of like a job interview and remember, this is a job YOU are hiring for so don’t be timid. Ask questions, request a clear timeline for the project and most importantly, ask for customer references. Also, make sure to contact the names provided instead of just being satisfied with a list. It might seem a bit awkward to reach out to a stranger, but a simple conversation can reveal some very important information, be it good or bad. If the company has done stellar work in the past and has satisfied clients, providing references shouldn’t be an issue.
- Shopping based solely on price.
Don’t misunderstand – we all have a budget and want a good deal. However, if you automatically default to the pool contractor with the lowest bid, you may be doing yourself a serious disservice. Make sure to read between the lines and consider why a particular contractor is bidding so much less than its competitors. Sadly, sometimes the deal of a lifetime is too good to be true and you don’t want to realize that too late in the game.
- Not getting things in writing.
A trustworthy pool contractor isn’t afraid to put their promises and plans in permanent ink. Make sure you read, sign and receive a copy of your agreement before the project officially gets underway. This document should include things like contact information, estimated completion date, payment schedule, materials being used, warranties, and any promises being made by the builder. This agreement will eliminate any confusion or miscommunications before the contractor breaks ground.
- Paying too much money upfront.
Paying for the bulk of a project upfront before your pool contractor has completed any work is a huge red flag. Instead, a dependable company will typically ask for a small down payment and then additional disbursements throughout the duration of the build based on the work that has been completed.
If you’re ready to hire a responsible contractor, look no further. Shoreline Pools put its clients first and we promise to help you avoid making these common mistakes and more. Contact us today to chat about swimming in style.