Posted by Mark Slaby on January 27, 2009 at 3:26pm
Make sure your customers know how to choose a contractor. Share the following information with your potential customers:How to Choose a Pool Contractor:Choosing the right pool contractor can be easy if you follow these steps below. Actually, skip a few if you think it is overkill but know we wanted you to have a thorough look at the process of getting the contractor for your project.If you're thinking of getting a pool, schedule an appointment with a licensed pool contractor (some states do not require a license). Timing is important too. Many builders have a busy season and a slower time of year which pretty much follows the swim season. Therefore, for best service, contact the builder in the beginning of the calendar year. Waiting until Memorial Day to start the process and hoping for a July 4th Pool Party is just not going to work in most cases.It's highly unlikely any reputable builder will have your pool finished for you to enjoy all summer and in some cases, maybe not at all. It's like ordering a pizza during halftime of the Super Bowl. Think you'll have that pizza before the game's over? The idea is to start talking to a pool builder now.Things to consider when choosing a pool builder:Are they established in the community? Ties to your local community mean the contractor is committed to building and maintaining a positive reputation.Are they responsive to your inquiries---promptly returning your calls? They might also have an email address for you. Multiple ways to contact them help you when the contact person is 'in the field'Do they take the time to educate you on pool building and ownership?Is safety emphasized? For instance, here is one www.poolspanews.com/2003/041/041maindrain.htmlDo they know anything about energy efficient equipment?Do you like them? You have to feel good about the company.Are they a state certified builder? Licensing ensures the highest level of commitment to building - and requires the builder to take continuing education courses as well as carry proper insurance.Will they provide you references?Unhappy customers? Ask them about customers who were not happy and how they handled the situation. The 'how' is really important.Will they provide vendor references? The supply houses are one of the first to know if the builder is experiencing financial problems.Check the state licensing agency for complaints.Check the local building department for complaints.Check with the county clerk of court for lawsuits. This process costs money. If a customer took this route, there probably is a 'real' problem.Check the BBB but keep in mind that it is REALLY easy to file a complaint. On more than one occasion a customer has contacted the BBB because I was unwilling to do additional work without pay and the customers thought that this would make me do it (I work much better with honey than vinegar).Will they let you see a job they have currently in process?Do they provide financing services or do they just send you to figure it out yourself?Is the owner of the company accessible?Do they have a website that provides information and contact points? Of course, I'm partial to my own company, Mermaid Pools of Central Florida, Inc. but there are many good sites out there that are worthwhile.How does the money flow? Builders build your pool with your money, no doubt. However, do they require 50% up front? Understand that before you start.Guarantees? If they seem too good to be true, they might be. Look for quality in guarantees, not speed. Economics (and payments that match progress) make reputable builder move things along.Are they experienced? This is a double edged sword for sure. You want someone who knows what he/she is doing but not someone who have been in a pool building rut where all the pools look the same and there is no innovation. There are far too many pool builders with '20 years+ experience' who stopped learning anything after about 5 years. Imagine you have someone doing it the way it was done 15 years ago.How is the pricing? Pool builders pricing is about the same wherever you go, so don't fixate on price. Most differences are really not real - just some builder's effort to make it difficult to compare. Choose the builder that you are comfortable working with. Whether it is a little more or less shouldn't be the overriding concern. Also, if you find yourself choosing based on price you haven't found a builder for you. Price buying is used because it is, obviously, quite quantifiable. When you are choosing on price you really should think about continuing your search for a builder for you.Most horror stories occur because someone didn't take a few moments to think about some of theses issues. Pool building -- which usually involves lots of backyard mess in the process - need not be messy in your head.Share this information with your potential customers and they will see you as a quality and sincere company. If you have questions, feel free to contact me at Mark@mymermaidpool.com or visit our website at www.mymermaidpool.com
Mike, thanks for the info...I'm out in backyards talking about drowning prevention and pool safety, usually after the pool is built, but before the water goes in. I'm asked to provide safety options, right away, before the inspection ...and after most of the decisions have been made and the money has been spent! I wish I could turn back time in the decision making process and help build safety into the design. It sounds like you make safety part of your plans...Tell us how! If every family had the option of isolation fencing (permanent or removable), a cover option and alarms on doors, gates and in the water- and a safety budget of 10% of the total pool cost...could we really make an impact on toddler drownings! OK, I realize the budget of 10% micght not be exact, but what have you seen in your clients plans- how much do they spend for safety barriers?
Perhaps the pool genius network can run a "safety cost" survey among the geniuses! Thanks. Mary
An excellent summation of considerations for a potential swimming pool buyer and I would suggest that swimming pool and spa associations put these standards on their web sites.
When it comes to financing, I am afraid there are many customers that are currently going to be left to figure it out themselves. This is because traditional swimming pool financing is all but non-existent. Competitive market analysis of financial institutions needs to be done weekly and old school solutions need to be reinstituted. Unsecured loans are becoming popular as are what I call money loans which are loans utilizing CDs, 401Ks or stocks. Splitting the loan is another option that needs to be considered.
Maintaining these standards will equate to more sales and need more emphasis during these challenging economic times.
Comments
Perhaps the pool genius network can run a "safety cost" survey among the geniuses! Thanks. Mary
When it comes to financing, I am afraid there are many customers that are currently going to be left to figure it out themselves. This is because traditional swimming pool financing is all but non-existent. Competitive market analysis of financial institutions needs to be done weekly and old school solutions need to be reinstituted. Unsecured loans are becoming popular as are what I call money loans which are loans utilizing CDs, 401Ks or stocks. Splitting the loan is another option that needs to be considered.
Maintaining these standards will equate to more sales and need more emphasis during these challenging economic times.