The pandemic has resulted in families having to spend more time at home than ever before, meaning that households have been looking for ways to remain entertained as much as possible. One of the most popular options in this regard is to upgrade the outdoor living areas of their homes by having an above-ground pool professionally installed.
Although several different contractors may claim to be able to complete a project like this, it’s essential to choose the right one before signing a contract with any of them. Below are some tips that will help you choose the best contractor for getting the job done professionally.
1. Obtain References from Completed Jobs
One of the best ways to determine the level of quality for a specific type of project – such as installing an above-ground pool – is to ask the proposed contractor if they would be willing to provide you with references from clients who have had work done by them recently.
Any contractor or company who stands by their work and provides an honorable warranty will not be afraid to provide references for previously completed jobs. If a contractor provides excuses as to why references cannot be provided or he flat out refuses to furnish this info, you’ll be better off hiring someone else to complete the project.
2. Ensure that the Contractor is Certified
Before agreeing to let anyone install your above-ground pool, it’s essential to confirm that at least one of the employees who will be working on-site is appropriately certified because the Certified Pool Builder designation cannot be awarded to a company as a whole – only to an actual staff member. This certification indicates that the employee has gone through extensive training and testing with regard to installing a pool correctly.
3. Get Estimates and Warranties in Writing
Although many contractors will give verbal pricing while inspecting your property, you should never rely on this information – it could change at any time because nothing has been documented.
Before any decisions are made with regards to the type of above-ground pool, its size, color, and whether any other accessories are going to be installed alongside it, ensure that all estimates are received in writing from your chosen contractor. This will prevent any issues arising at a later stage over overpricing and warranty information.
4. Ask about Insurance
It’s crucial to ensure that any contractor that is going to be installing a pool on your property is fully insured, and homeowners should ask for proof of insurance before signing any paperwork. Legitimate installers won’t have any problem providing this information. If a contractor seems uncomfortable when asked about proof of insurance, you will be better off finding someone else to complete the project.
It’s also important to verify that contractors have general liability insurance and Workmen’s Compensation insurance to cover expenses that may arise if they work with subcontractors.
5. Check Online Reviews
These days, virtually every reputable company that’s operating will have at least a few customer reviews available online – and you should pay close attention to them. If a company seems to have more negative than positive reviews overall, it would likely be best to avoid working with them. If you aren’t satisfied with the information you’ve come across regarding a specific contractor, you’ll be able to search for someone else to install your pool – before any money gets paid over.
6. Assess their Level of Communication
After deciding to have an above-ground pool installed in the Dayton area, it’s quite normal for a property owner to have a lot of questions regarding costs, the building or erection process and warranties. Now is the time to evaluate the contractor you’ve chosen with regards to how they answer your questions and whether they respond to other forms of communication such as phone calls, text messages, or emails promptly and professionally or not.
If you have decided to have an affordable above-ground pool installed in the Dayton area and haven’t been sure which contractor to use, get in touch with us today. We look forward to being able to assist you and provide you with the best possible recommendations.
MD: Get your above-ground pool installed by Miami Valley Pros today.