As you plan for your new backyard swimming pool, there will be many exciting and interesting steps along the way. At the same time, though, know that it will be a process that involves many decisions and steps that need to be done in the right order. In our previous posts in this series (see Parts 1 & 2), we looked at 6 initial steps as you begin the process. First, you’ll want to contact a local swimming pool contractor, determine a target date, and consider your financing options. After that, it will be time to evaluate your personal use, consider future plans, and be realistic about pool maintenance.
So now what? Now it’s time to hire a swimming pool contractor and begin making plans. As with any business relationship and transaction, the more questions you ask and the more thoroughly you communicate at the start of this process, the better.
Planning for Your New Pool, Step 7: Check Contractor Qualifications
Before you decide on a pool contractor, you want to ensure that the one you choose has more than a great website to recommend him or her. You also want to make sure that the professionals you hire are licensed and insured, but there’s more to it than that. The contact person (often the construction manager) also needs to be an effective communicator; this characteristic will prove invaluable when it comes to making plans and addressing any hurdles that inevitably come up in a project of this scope. First impressions really count here. Here are some questions to consider as you have that initial (pre-contract) conversation:
- Do you feel like you are being heard and your concerns considered?
- Does the contractor seem more interested in understanding your desires or getting your down payment?
- Does this person seem to value communication and collaboration?
Planning for Your New Pool, Step 8: Get a Contract in Place
Once you decide on a contractor, you’ll want to get a contract in place. This document will include details such as finances and project scope, but positive, thorough interactions throughout the process will also be paramount, not only to ensure that the end result is what you’re hoping for, but also to reduce the amount of stress that can come with any major construction project or new addition.
Planning for Your New Pool, Step 9: Do Your Part to Communicate Clearly
Communication, of course, is a 2-way street. A good contractor will ask a lot of questions to make sure he or she understands your needs and preferences, but you also need to do your part. Having photos and sketches on hand, as well as a list of details you want to include, will allow you to make sure you don’t leave out anything as you discuss the plans. (Having a paper trail, rather than just verbal communication, can also provide a record of your requests, in case there are any misunderstandings along the way.) You can assess whether communication has taken place by making sure that your contractor itemizes every detail of what you discuss in your contract; this should include any important brand names for specific pool components.
Continue reading with Part 4.
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Lyon Financial: America’s Leading Pool Lender
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 500,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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