Thinking about putting in a swimming pool? That’s exciting! But before you dive in (pun intended), watch out for these seven common mistakes people make when hiring a pool builder. Avoiding them will save you a ton of stress, time, and money.
- Not Checking Credentials and Licenses
Don’t just take a builder’s word for it—make sure they’re legit! Here’s what you need to do:
– Verify their licenses: Make sure they have active licenses for your state or city. Pool construction, electrical, plumbing—the whole deal.
– Check insurance: Ask for proof of liability and workers’ comp. If there’s an accident, you don’t want to be on the hook.
– Ask for references: Recent, similar projects are best.
– Insist on paperwork: Get written confirmation of licenses, permits, and insurance. No vague promises!
Why care?
If something goes wrong, you want backup. Proper credentials mean you can hold them accountable. For those looking for trusted pool specialists, consider exploring pool building services in Gold Coast to ensure you’re working with qualified professionals.
- Focusing Only on Price
We all love a good deal, but when it comes to pools, cheapest isn’t always best.
– Low bids can hide:
– Shady shortcuts
– Cheap materials
– Surprise costs later
– Look for value:
– Itemized bids
– Solid track record
– Realistic timeline
– Good warranty
Pro tip:
Balance price with quality and reliability. Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront saves you a fortune in the long run.
- Skimping on Contracts & Specs
A handshake won’t cut it—get everything in writing!
Your Contract Should Cover:
– Project scope and what’s included
– Payment terms (when and how much)
– Timelines and milestones
– Change-order process (for any tweaks along the way)
– Who’s pulling permits
– Insurance and warranty info
Be Specific!
– List materials, brands, sizes, and finishes
– Spell out what’s NOT included
– Attach drawings and schedules
Change orders:
Any change should be documented, signed, and approved before work starts. No “we’ll just fix it later” nonsense.
- Ignoring Experience and Past Projects
Would you let just anyone build your dream pool? Didn’t think so!
– Check their portfolio: Look for pools like yours.
– Ask about challenges: How did they handle surprises?
– References, again: Recent jobs, happy clients.
– Trust your gut: Are they transparent and easy to talk to?
Go with someone who’s built pools, not just promises.
- Forgetting About Permits and HOA Rules
Permits and HOA rules aren’t just red tape—they’re deal-breakers if ignored.
– Permits:
– Necessary for legal and safety reasons
– Affect design, safety features, and even pool placement
– HOA rules:
– Can dictate size, color, fencing, and even build dates
– Get everything approved in writing before you start
Tip:
A good builder will help you navigate all this. Don’t skip it or you might have to tear down your brand-new pool.
- Poor Communication & No Timeline
Nothing’s worse than not knowing what’s going on with your own project. Prevent that with:
– Clear communication plan:
– Who’s the main contact?
– How often will you get updates?
– Which channels (text, email, phone)?
– Detailed timeline:
– Start and finish dates
– Key milestones (digging, shell, finishing)
– Who’s responsible for what?
Regular updates:
Ask for daily or weekly summaries. If things slip, you’ll know right away.
- Not Budgeting for Hidden Costs & Maintenance
Pools cost more than you think if you’re not prepared.
– Hidden costs can include:
– Permit fees
– Upgrades (like energy-efficient pumps)
– Extra landscaping
– Weather delays
– Maintenance matters:
– Plan for cleaning, chemicals, and repairs
– Build in a 10–15% contingency fund
Stay ahead:
Track expenses and compare them to your budget as you go. And know what it’ll take to keep your pool sparkling after it’s built.
Wrapping Up
Building a pool should be fun—not a headache. If you:
– Check credentials
– Balance price and quality
– Get it all in writing
– Pick experienced pros
– Stay on top of permits and rules
– Communicate like a pro
– Plan for the unexpected
—you’ll be floating in your new pool before you know it, with zero regrets.
Happy swimming! 🏊♂️
