22 Apr How to Choose a Hill Country Pool Builder
If you’re like most of us, you’ve spent months (maybe years) planning for a your new Hill Country swimming pool. You know exactly where it will go and what shape it will take. Now comes the big question: Which Hill Country pool builder do you hire to turn your dream pool into reality? To help simplify the process, we’ve provided some quick tips for you to consider:
DO YOUR RESEARCH
A swimming pool is a huge investment. You want to make sure it’s installed properly. To get a jump on what to expect, find neighbors who have pools and ask them about their experience. They may recommend a reliable swimming pool contractor – or tell you who to avoid. You might also check Internet forums and consumer websites for additional insights and recommendations. You can search for a Hill Country swimming pool builder using sites like Google, Yelp, Angie’s List and Houzz.
Be sure to also look out for a contractor who has built pools similar to the one you want here in the Hill Country. Experience in other parts of the state (like Dallas or Houston) is great, but doesn’t necessarily translate well here. Hill Country terrain is different than that of other parts of the state, and an experienced builder will know more about how to work with the rocky, limestone-rich land we have in this area.
CHECK REFERENCES
Talk to at least three swimming pool contractors when getting estimates. If a contractor is willing to give you a lengthy list of references, that’s a good sign. If you’re given a small list, that doesn’t necessarily disqualify the contractor, but you might want to ask some pertinent questions to make sure the references are legitimate. Some things to ask:
- When did the contractor perform work for you?
- What type of pool did the contractor install?
- Did the contractor complete the work on time, and only ask for payment for completed work?
- Were there any surprises?
- Were the builders courteous and considerate of your needs while onsite?
Learning the answers to questions like these will go a long way to helping you avoid possible pitfalls.
INVESTIGATE THE BUSINESS
Look closely at the business by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the contractor. You might also want to see if your contractor is a member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). Finally, it’s a good idea to check out your state’s regulations on swimming pool construction to ensure the contractor is bonded and properly certified.
GO WITH YOUR GUT
First impressions can be wrong, but you don’t want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a bad choice. If you sense something isn’t quite right with a particular pool contractor, then you may have a good reason to be cautious. Some red flags to look out for:
- Offering an unrealistically low estimate.
- Pressuring you to make a quick decision.
- Asking for payment in cash.
- Asking for a large amount of money upfront.
- General lack of professionalism in appearance or behavior.
Any of these could be a sign that you’re dealing with a shady swimming pool contractor. If something doesn’t seem quite right, walk away from the deal. You always have that prerogative as the buyer.
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
Maybe you’ve heard horror stories about poorly constructed pools. The common theme of each story is a bad pool contractor. While unexpected issues can arise when undertaking such a large project, an experienced professional can usually handle it without missing a beat. If you do your homework up front, there’s a better chance the finished pool will shape up – and fill up – the way you expected.
CONSIDER CMW GENERAL CONTRACTORS
When you’re looking for a quality Hill Country pool builder with years of experience, great reviews, full insurance coverage and a reputation you can believe in, call the experts at CMW. We specialize in all types of projects, including pool installation, and stand by all of our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Give our team a call at 210-394-7792 to get a free quote today!