10 Things To Consider When Choosing Pool Builders
Pools are a major investment that require significant skill to build and complete properly, from backyards to Olympic-sized recreational centres. When it comes to installing a pool, you want to work with a pool builder who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and well-recommended. Most importantly, you want someone who will complete the project without going out of business in the process!
Are you worried about hiring the right swimming pool contractor? Here are ten red flags that you’re dealing with an inexperienced or bankrupt pool builder.
1) Huge Down Payment
Before beginning work on most projects, the builder should not require a down payment of more than 10%. Some reputable companies may require as much as 20%, but the average is around 10%. If they demand a much larger upfront payment, this could indicate a cash flow problem and a struggling business. High down payments could mean the contractor doesn’t have enough cash on hand to pay employees and subcontractors.
2) Big Up-Front Draws
The amount you pay pool builders during construction should correspond to the project’s timeline. You should expect the pool to be halfway finished if you have paid half of the pool’s cost. Consider a pool builder who requests a 40% deposit when they dig and another 40% when they pour concrete. This would entail you paying 80% of the cost when they have completed far less than 80% of the work. You will lose a significant amount of money if this business fails before it is completed.
3) Tiny Final Draw
Another red flag is insufficient payment at the end of the project. Pool contractors should be compensated for completing the project. A final payment of 2–5 percent means that if you and they have a disagreement or some other setback, they won’t lose much money if they don’t finish the job. Look for contractors who will accept a final draw of at least 10%. Some of Viking Capital’s lenders even require a 25–30% hold-back, which protects property owners.
4) Quick Contract Signing
If the pool builder insists on signing the contract during your first meeting, be wary. This does not always imply that the builder is a risky choice, so don’t let it become a deal-breaker. It is, however, something to be aware of; you do not want to work with a builder who puts you under undue stress.
5) Unreliable and Discourteous Behavior
Everyone is late at times or has personal emergencies. It’s bad business, however, if a contractor never seems to arrive on time for appointments or consistently misses sales calls without giving notice. Building a pool can take weeks or even months, so find a dependable company with whom you can work for that amount of time.
6) New on the Scene
Being a new pool builder isn’t necessarily a bad thing; after all, every company has to start somewhere. Many pool companies, on the other hand, fail within the first few years of operation. If possible, choose a company that has been in business for at least 5 years to reduce your financial risk. If the only disadvantage is that they are new, don’t dismiss them right away. Just keep in mind that being in business for ten years is not the same as being in THE BUSINESS for ten years. Many contractors who go under reappear under a new name and claim to have been in the pool business for longer than the current company. If they went out of business once, it’s very likely they’ll go out of business again. Being an excellent pool builder and a successful business owner are not always mutually exclusive.
7) Unresolved Complaints
Check any online reviews and, if applicable, the local BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating before hiring a pool company. It’s possible that seeing one or two negative reviews is sufficient. Check any responses to customer complaints, and keep an eye out for any unresolved issues or disagreements. You may want to look for another swimming pool contractor if you notice a lot of negative reviews or a lack of resolution to customer issues. Remember that a few complaints about a company that builds 200 pools per year is not the same as the same number of negative reviews for a company that builds 20 pools per year.
8) Pool Builders That Can Start Right Away
Although having a pool contractor who can start a project right away sounds convenient, don’t get too excited just yet. The best builders not only have a long list of satisfied customers, but also a full schedule. A lack of ongoing projects indicates the ability to start working for you right away. Alternatively, they may be overburdening their schedule because they are cash-strapped. Both of these should serve as a warning that you should proceed with caution. In many cases, it simply means that the builder has the personnel in place to deal with the seasonality of his business and that projects are properly managed. An unusually low price combined with the ability to begin right away is the worst combination.
9) Lack of References
A list of past clients who have agreed to be contacted for a recommendation should be available from the pool contractor. If the clients are major celebrities, some pool companies may refuse to provide names of previous clients, but this is a rare occurrence. A lack of references could indicate a new company, but if they can’t give you the names of any satisfied customers and can’t explain why, that’s a red flag.
10) Poor Communication
It’s natural to have a lot of questions when choosing a pool installer. Take advantage of this opportunity to assess the contractor not only on his or her responses to your questions, but also on how he or she responds. Consider finding a different pool builder if the pool builders fails to answer your questions satisfactorily and does not make an effort to alleviate your concerns, or if the pool builder speaks to you rudely, impatiently, or otherwise unprofessionally.
