Selecting A Pool Builder

These tips should help you in your quest to find the right pool builder! Keep in mind that some pool builders try to confuse you and make it hard to compare apples to apples. Be deliberate and insistent about what you want, how you want the proposal formatted and what the proposal should include. Ultimately, we invite you to select us as your pool contractor.

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I would like to be sure I am dealing with a reputable contractor.

Via our direct link to the N.C.L.B., please enter the name of the pool company or the name of the individual you are considering to be your pool builder. Make sure they’re licensed & reputable in North Carolina.

NORTH CAROLINA LICENSING
BOARD FOR GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Make a detailed priority list.

Decide what is important to you and prioritize your requirements on a list and share the list with your potential pool builders. Include anything from quality concerns, reputation, specific features, budget, design, etc.

I don't know what questions to ask.

There is no such thing as a dumb question. Ask about anything that concerns you no matter how “dumb” you think it is.

It's important to feel good about your contractor.

The relationship and chemistry between you and the company’s representative has to be comfortable. Go with your gut instinct on this one! Take the time to see their work first hand and talk to their customers from present & past. (This is extremely important!) Visit sites that are under construction and talk with the homeowners. Are you talking with a sales rep or a company owner?

It is always a good idea to arrange a meeting with the team that you will be working with on the project. Discus your plans with them and make sure you feel comfortable with working together through the project.

Ask for details.

Ask about timelines and payment schedules. Keep in mind there may be home owners associations that will require plan submission prior to starting your project.

Check out the company.

The company web site is a good starting place.

The website should provide forthright information about the contractor and company standards. It also should provide several ways for you to contact the contractor….email. office phone and mobile phone.

Are the photos in their gallery local pools that they actually built? (In many cases the answer is NO!) EVERY PROJECT WE SHOW IN OUR WEBSITE WAS DESIGNED AND COMPLETED BY CHARLOTTE POOLS AND SPAS.

Do they advertise price as a priority and run unrealistic pricing? Also known as the “bait and switch” tactic.

How long have they been in the industry individually, not collectively?

Some companies portray a large national company, however they may be a locally owned franchise with no real corporate support or backing!

How is their long term service and quality record?

Insist on open dialog.

Communication is KEY! There should be a clear and consistent line of communication throughout the pool building process. Lack in communication should be a huge red flag! On the other hand, talking with too many pool builders can be counter productive and confusing.