How to stay afloat when it’s time to select your pool contractor
Summer is almost here and what says summer better than playing outside in the pool? What’s better than taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day? That pool could be right in your backyard.
If you’re considering investing in a pool this year, you may be wondering how to get started. After all, you’ll be joining the ranks with over 10 million residential swimming pools, according to Comfyliving.net. Hiring the right pool contractor for you can take a lot of the guess-work and stress out of your pool installation.
Better Business Bureau offers these tips to consider when hiring a pool contractor:
■ Talk to friends and family about who they have hired to build a pool for them. Would they hire them again?
■ Do your research. Look at online reviews for contractors and see what people liked or didn’t like about them.
■ Check the contractor’s industry trade association memberships, organizational memberships (like BBB accreditation) and certifications.
■ Be sure the company you’re considering has a physical address. If you can’t, it could be a fake company.
■ Meet the contractor in person to see if you get along and you’re comfortable with that person being on your property for an extended period to install your pool.
■ Determine how long the company has been in business.
■ Know that cheapest doesn’t always mean best.
Look for a contractor within your price range without sacrificing quality.
■ Look at the contractor’s previous work. Does it align with your vision for your pool?
■ Get three estimates and compare the cost. See what each contractor can do for you within your budget. Be wary of any estimates that seem too good to be true.
■ Ensure anyone you hire has the proper insurance.
■ Don’t rush into choosing a contractor. Take your time to make sure you’re making the right decision.
■ Get the entire scope of the project in a written contract including timeline and costs.
■ Don’t pay for the entire pool upfront. Set up a payment schedule with the contractor.
■ Pay with a credit card so you can dispute the charge later in the event of a scam.