If you've made the decision to transform your backyard from a boring place that hardly sees any use to an extraordinary space for outdoor enjoyment, good for you! Before you dial up a pool contractor, however, you owe it to yourself to do a little advanced homework.
There are several things you should do before you proceed from decision-making to actual buying.
Before you call in a pool contractor, we recommend that you take the time to: * Write out a wish list for your pool - If you've decided to get a custom pool, you're soon to discover the swimming pool contractor is going to ask a lot of questions.
The fact is a good pool contractor can take your dreams and make them reality as far as a backyard living space is concerned.
He or she, however, cannot make this so if you cannot give a rough idea of what it is you are looking for.
Some of the things you need to consider here include shape, size, special features, such as a spa, and so on.
The more information you can give your contractor, the more likely is the design of your dreams will be produced.
* Take security into account - When a swimming pool is added into a backyard landscape, it's a good idea to consider security features, as well.
Fencing or enclosures can help keep your pool safe from unwanted intruders of the two- and four-legged variety.
Some contractors can help on this front personally.
Others very often will be able to make recommendations on proper security and who to call in for assistance.
* Brainstorm financing - A good pool contractor will be able to help on this front, but it's still wise to sit down and crunch a few numbers first.
At the very least, it's a good idea to know in advance figures for a down payment and how much you can afford in payments if financing is required.
If you're paying outright for the project, the pool contractor will need to know your budget amount, as well.
* Research potential contractors - Hiring a pool contractor is a very big deal.
To make sure you hire a reputable contractor that is capable of getting the job done right, you will need to do some serious homework.
Look for contractors that have the proper licensing and insurance, of course.
You will also likely want to consider reputation, experience and proven ability to design and build the kind of pools you're interested in.
* Consider a timetable - Your swimming pool contractor will likely want to know what type of timeframe you're considering for construction.
If you're just feeling the waters, so to say, make this clear.
If you're forging ahead and want to have a pool designed, financed and constructed by a set date, you'll need to say so.
Having a pool installed and hiring a contractor to do the job is a very big undertaking.
It does pay to invest a bit of time in advance to make sure the right pool contractor is hired for the job and that your desires, expectations and needs are made clear from the start.
There are several things you should do before you proceed from decision-making to actual buying.
Before you call in a pool contractor, we recommend that you take the time to: * Write out a wish list for your pool - If you've decided to get a custom pool, you're soon to discover the swimming pool contractor is going to ask a lot of questions.
The fact is a good pool contractor can take your dreams and make them reality as far as a backyard living space is concerned.
He or she, however, cannot make this so if you cannot give a rough idea of what it is you are looking for.
Some of the things you need to consider here include shape, size, special features, such as a spa, and so on.
The more information you can give your contractor, the more likely is the design of your dreams will be produced.
* Take security into account - When a swimming pool is added into a backyard landscape, it's a good idea to consider security features, as well.
Fencing or enclosures can help keep your pool safe from unwanted intruders of the two- and four-legged variety.
Some contractors can help on this front personally.
Others very often will be able to make recommendations on proper security and who to call in for assistance.
* Brainstorm financing - A good pool contractor will be able to help on this front, but it's still wise to sit down and crunch a few numbers first.
At the very least, it's a good idea to know in advance figures for a down payment and how much you can afford in payments if financing is required.
If you're paying outright for the project, the pool contractor will need to know your budget amount, as well.
* Research potential contractors - Hiring a pool contractor is a very big deal.
To make sure you hire a reputable contractor that is capable of getting the job done right, you will need to do some serious homework.
Look for contractors that have the proper licensing and insurance, of course.
You will also likely want to consider reputation, experience and proven ability to design and build the kind of pools you're interested in.
* Consider a timetable - Your swimming pool contractor will likely want to know what type of timeframe you're considering for construction.
If you're just feeling the waters, so to say, make this clear.
If you're forging ahead and want to have a pool designed, financed and constructed by a set date, you'll need to say so.
Having a pool installed and hiring a contractor to do the job is a very big undertaking.
It does pay to invest a bit of time in advance to make sure the right pool contractor is hired for the job and that your desires, expectations and needs are made clear from the start.
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