I hope everyone looking to build a swimming pool reads this prior to deciding on who their swimming pool contractor is going to be.
Here is a checklist of things to look for when deciding on which company to use: 1.
They should have an actual office.
Without an office they may have nothing really vested in their company.
2.
They should have insurance.
3.
Consider their time and experience in the industry.
4.
Consider their time and experience in YOUR area.
5.
They should have pools to show you that are similar to their project.
6.
Check their reference list - it should be significant.
7.
They should be members of APSP.
This is our governing body, and any reputable pool builder should be a member.
This is just a small sample of questions you should ask your prospective pool builders.
I always recommend that as a potential customer, you should be aware that there are some shady people in this industry (as in any industry), and you should research what you are told, especially when it sounds too good to be true.
When everyone claims to be the best, someone is not being entirely honest.
Please take the time to research every company that comes to your home prior to meeting with them, and then research them personally.
Sometimes information does not show up on a company that will if you check up on the individual.
Remember that this is going to be a long relationship, even after your pool is complete.
Make sure you pick someone you are comfortable with, and trust to be there for you long after the sale is complete.
Pricing is an issue that comes up every time I meet with a new customer.
There is no way I can tell you how much you should spend on your pool project because ultimately it is whatever number you feel comfortable spending.
However, I can recommend a process for determining a budget if you have no idea where to start.
Typically you want to stay within 10-25% of the value of the home.
This will ensure you don't over-build, or, just as important, under-build your project.
There is a large difference between 10-25%, however.
The reason for this is, if your home is valued at $350,000 or less, 10% is not enough to build a pool, so your budget will be closer to the 20% range, and if you live in a multi-million dollar home, 25% may not be necessary in order to build a magnificent project.
The main priority is to establish a budget for your pool project that remains consistent with the home valuation.
This will help you to regain your investment, if and when you decide to sell your home.
Here is a checklist of things to look for when deciding on which company to use: 1.
They should have an actual office.
Without an office they may have nothing really vested in their company.
2.
They should have insurance.
3.
Consider their time and experience in the industry.
4.
Consider their time and experience in YOUR area.
5.
They should have pools to show you that are similar to their project.
6.
Check their reference list - it should be significant.
7.
They should be members of APSP.
This is our governing body, and any reputable pool builder should be a member.
This is just a small sample of questions you should ask your prospective pool builders.
I always recommend that as a potential customer, you should be aware that there are some shady people in this industry (as in any industry), and you should research what you are told, especially when it sounds too good to be true.
When everyone claims to be the best, someone is not being entirely honest.
Please take the time to research every company that comes to your home prior to meeting with them, and then research them personally.
Sometimes information does not show up on a company that will if you check up on the individual.
Remember that this is going to be a long relationship, even after your pool is complete.
Make sure you pick someone you are comfortable with, and trust to be there for you long after the sale is complete.
Pricing is an issue that comes up every time I meet with a new customer.
There is no way I can tell you how much you should spend on your pool project because ultimately it is whatever number you feel comfortable spending.
However, I can recommend a process for determining a budget if you have no idea where to start.
Typically you want to stay within 10-25% of the value of the home.
This will ensure you don't over-build, or, just as important, under-build your project.
There is a large difference between 10-25%, however.
The reason for this is, if your home is valued at $350,000 or less, 10% is not enough to build a pool, so your budget will be closer to the 20% range, and if you live in a multi-million dollar home, 25% may not be necessary in order to build a magnificent project.
The main priority is to establish a budget for your pool project that remains consistent with the home valuation.
This will help you to regain your investment, if and when you decide to sell your home.
Source...