So you’ve decided to add a pool to your South Florida property. You might already have a pool, but maybe you want to change a few things, add some features, or completely remodel it. Doing it yourself can be stressful and time-consuming, not to mention expensive. Instead of trying to go it alone, you should look for a pool builder. But how can you choose the right one for your home? Here are some tips for choosing the best pool builder for your project.
Look for Experienced Contractors
One of the first things you should look for is experience. Pool builders that have been working in the area for years know a bit more about what’s required for your pool, how to overcome any unexpected challenges, and where to source the best (or least expensive) materials. While anyone can learn how to install a pool with the right team and training, experienced pool builders will have a database of knowledge that you can’t gain through courses.
Instead, this unique expertise comes through hundreds of projects and multiple years in the business. Experienced pool builders know it all because they’ve seen it all. Even if your project doesn’t encounter any major hurdles, hiring an expert pool builder ensures that even large hurdles are easy to overcome.
Go For Local Expertise
Some areas in South Florida have different requirements for residential pools. For example, some counties require additional permit steps, including drainage plans or grading plans. If you choose someone who doesn’t have much local experience, they might not know how to approach these unique requirements.
If you live in Orlando, choose an Orlando-based pool builder. If you live in Parkland, choose Parkland pool builders. Each pool builder will have geographical areas they have more experience in, so don’t be afraid to go for ones that know exactly what you need, what terrain they’ll encounter, and how to navigate local inspections and permits.
Get a Free Consultation
Most pool builders will offer free consultations. This service allows you to figure out if you want to work with a contractor, what you can expect from them, and a rough estimate of costs associated with the project. A consultation isn’t a contract, so you can choose not to work with a company after consulting with them. However, choosing a company without consultation is like buying a car without a test drive!
Consultations should be part of your decision-making process, but make sure you’ve vetted each company thoroughly before requesting one. Once you’ve had consultations with each company you’re interested in, you’ll have more information available to make an informed decision.
Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customer reviews and testimonials can be found online for most companies. You can look up the company through Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau to see how other customers felt about it. This is a great way to see how the company has helped other customers feel satisfied with their pool builds.
Once you’ve decided on a few companies you might want to go with, you can also ask for customer testimonials. The best pool builders will be more than happy to provide previous customer feedback for your perusal.
Check Their Previous Work
As well as customer reviews and feedback, you may be able to find images and descriptions of previous work the pool builders have completed. Taking a look at this work can give you a good idea of the quality they bring to the table. Some companies have their previous work pictured on their website. Sometimes, previous customers may attach pictures of the completed work to their reviews or testimonials.
Much like testimonials, you should be able to ask the pool builders to share images of their previous work, especially work that is similar to what you want to be done. Most will be happy to oblige.
Ask Friends Who Have Used Pool Builders
If any of your friends have recently had a pool built, they may be able to provide more in-depth feedback about the companies they used. If you can, gather the advice and recommendations of your friends to help you move forward with selecting a pool builder.
Conclusion
Choosing a pool builder is one of the most important steps you can take in your pool building process. Vetting a company thoroughly can help you save money and make a sound decision. Make sure to educate yourself as much as possible on the different options available to you!