When it comes time to start planning out your new swimming pool, you might have more questions than answers. The trouble is, you might also not be sure which questions you really need to ask the most, so that you can be sure that you are working with the right contractor. Knowing how to ask smart questions can be critical as you look into the process of getting the right company to build your swimming pool.

A skilled swimming pool contractor should have no trouble answering these questions. You should not have even the slightest doubt that they are the right company for the job, as soon as you know they can handle being asked about the process and are prepared with answers for the most common questions that homeowners might have. You should have this list of questions in mind as you start comparing your contractor options so that you can be sure that you are getting the right company for the job.

Which Questions to Ask Your Swimming Pool Contractor

1.     Are you licensed and insured?

This is a must-ask question. You need to work with a company that is properly protected from potential injuries or harm, and you want to be sure that the company is also correctly licensed with the state. A company that is not able to provide proof of insurance, such as general liability coverage and workers’ compensation, should be avoided at all costs.

The same thing applies to requests for licensing documentation. If the company cannot furnish proof of licensing, you should make sure that you think long and hard about working with that company.

2.     Can you show previous projects that you worked on?

One of the things that can help you to be confident in your swimming pool contractor of choice is asking to see the work that they have done in the past. In some cases, you might even be able to see some of their work in person if they have worked on public pools or homes that are open to be viewed. You will want to make sure that the company has worked on the kinds of pools that you want to have installed at your home as well, and getting to see some of the other projects that the business has worked on can help you to confirm this part of your research.

3.     What is your timeline from the start of the project to completion?

Many people forget to ask companies how they usually handle timelines for projects until they are already deep into the work and unhappy with the timeliness of the job. You will want to be sure that you can get access to accurate information about the timelines that they follow so that you are sure that you will have a finished pool when you want or need it most. Don’t leave this part of the build process up to chance, even after you have selected the pool builder that you want to work with.

4.     Can you give me a rough estimate of the cost of the pools I am interested in?

While you should not be looking for a hard and fast answer to the cost of your swimming pool project in the early stages, you should be able to find out how much a pool builder thinks that specific pool styles and types might cost. These can be ballpark numbers, but you should ask for this information before you ever start moving toward getting a finalized bid from the companies you are looking at working with.

5.     Can I pay on a schedule?

Some pool builders will let you finance the project, while others will not. If this is a critical aspect of the affordability of the project for you, you should make sure that you inquire about alternative payment planning. For many people, the cost of a swimming pool is not something that they can afford out of pocket, so payment planning is a big part of the process of preparing to start a pool build.

6.     Do you pressure test the plumbing?

Swimming pools depend on plumbing to work properly. You should make sure that the pool builder you are going to be working with will pressure test the plumbing before the pool project is finalized. This is one of the steps of the construction process that most homeowners would not be aware of, so you should be sure to inquire about this early in the bidding and discussion process.

7.     What warranties do you offer for your work?

Quality companies that install pools will offer warranties for their work. This should be something that you are not willing to compromise about. You should be sure that you find out what the warranty situation is when you are investigating any company that might end up installing  your pool. You don’t want to work with a business that will not stand behind its work, and this is a good way to rule out businesses that are not willing to guarantee good results.

Getting a Customized Swimming Pool Can Be Stress-Free When You Know What to Ask

When you know what questions to ask your pool builder, you will be much more likely to get the pool that you have always wanted. Don’t leave the pool building process up to chance. Have these questions in mind as you are shopping around for the right pool building expert for your needs.

You should be sure that you ask all of these questions of each of the companies that you might want to work with. It will make it easier to compare and contrast your options, and it will help you to be certain that you are not using emotions or biases when you are selecting a pool builder for the job. Your custom swimming pool will make your backyard a place that you love to spend time in, and you will experience a lot less worry about the project if you are using the right questions to track down the best company for the job.

Published by HOLR Magazine.