By Duke Loper of Hobert Pools
When it comes to investing in a new pool, it’s imperative that you research the pool builder and know who you are about to do business with. Unfortunately, many companies will do what’s necessary to make themselves look good on social media, selling themselves as a reputable company. But there are steps you can take to make yourself more knowledgeable throughout the vetting process to ensure you find, and do business with, the best pool builder in the area.
Going through the tedious process of choosing a pool builder can make a tough decision significantly easier. Incorporating a pool into your backyard is a significant investment, and while we understand the need to save money, the least expensive pool builder isn’t always the best choice. You’ll want to choose a pool builder who is not only talented and has an excellent reputation, but also one with a lot of experience and knowledge, so the project is done right.
Below are a few things you should consider when choosing your pool builder.
Know Your Project Goals
Finding the right contractor for you is impossible if you do not know precisely what you will need them to do. Narrow down your search by finding a builder who can build the pool you want. Research the most common materials and installation methods, and make tentative decisions about what the final product will look like. You don’t need to know exactly what you want, but some builders may not even specialize in the kind of pool you’re looking for.
Gather Referrals from People You Trust
Residential pool builders can tend to be a small community. Chances are, if you know someone who has a great-looking backyard pool in your area, they can refer you to a pool contractor who did the work or the remodel.
Research Alternatives Online
In addition to the direct word-of-mouth referrals you gather, you will want to see what Google can dig up on the pool builders in your area. Write down these company names below the referrals since word-of-mouth recommendations often carry more weight than online reviews.
Check Their Credentials
Any candidates that have made it this far should be quickly reviewed for legitimacy. Ensure that their license is up-to-date and includes any specialty work they may perform, such as land grading and electrical wiring. You can also check the number of permits a pool company has pulled, which frequently will show how steady they are and whether or not they’re here for the long run.
Have a Chat
Give the contractors you like best a call or arrange a consultation. Let it serve as an interview to determine if the contractor seems friendly, easy to work with, and honest.
Ask for References
No matter how great a contractor seems in person, you will want to judge them by their work. Ask for a list of references as well as photos of recently completed projects. Look through their portfolio to ensure they will be able to complete the kind of pool you’re looking to incorporate into your backyard.
Review Their Bids
When you feel like you have one or more contractors that might fit the bill, request a bid, which will contain an estimate of cost, a list of needed materials, and a projected timeline for the project to be completed.
Making the Final Decision
With one or several bids in hand, you can begin making the final selection decision. Again, price alone shouldn’t be your only indicator. Remember to balance price along with quality and reputation — the cheapest builder may cost you more in the long run if their construction was faulty or if they left you high and dry.
At Hobert Pools & Spas, we take pride in our longstanding reputation throughout Dallas, Rockwall, and the surrounding areas. Since 1975, Hobert Pools & Spas has remained dedicated to superior construction, quality materials, and complete customer satisfaction. Give us a call to schedule your design consultation today, and come see what we are all about!
