Many think that choosing a pool builder is the hardest part
of the process of building a swimming pool, but if you do a bit of research you
can become an informed consumer and find just the right contractor for your
project.
One of the first things you should check is if the builder holds
a business license in your area. This
always makes me think of the TV commercial showing the doctor using a jack
hammer. This is not good! In this difficult economy there are those
that throw a shovel in the back of their pick-up and call themselves pool
builders. You should be very aware of
this. Also, confirm that your builder has the proper
liability and worker’s compensation insurances to cover you and his
workers.
A builder not only needs to know how to dig a hole and fill
it with cement, but they need to know about permitting. Every county has different criteria to obtain
a permit for building a pool. They need
to know about pool design, the actual construction and the all important
inspections.
Be sure to check how long the company has been in
business. You will want to find a
builder who has been around for a while, one who has a proven track record and
customer references to back up their work.
Look for a builder who has a physical location. Some where you can go to see photos of their
work and to pick out your selections of tile, coping, interior finishes,
etc. You don’t want a company that only
exists on the Internet. As they say,
brick and mortar stores are solid companies that will stand behind their
work. Not disappear into thin air or
cyberspace. Does the owner have strong
ties to the area or can they take your money and run?
You want a company that is both morally and fiscally
responsible. Check with your local
Better Business Bureau to make sure that they haven’t started jobs to then
disappear and start up under another name in another locale.
Check out the warranties that the company offers. Do they back them in writing? Long gone are the days of handshake
contracts, get it in writing! When
reading over the proposal, look at the proposed progress payments. Many companies require vast amounts up front
and run out of money toward the end of a job to pay their sub-contractors and
material vendors. Making them delay the
finish till they get another contract.
This is like robbing Paul to pay Peter.
In the long run, the consumer loses.
However, a good builder will be one who has a solid
background, working under a constant ownership with all the proper licenses and
insurances. Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.
is that builder. They have been in
business since 1976 with the same name, owner and location. Check out what their customers are saying on
Kudzu.com. Then call them for the best
pool experience.
Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.
770-471-3889
