• Custom Swimming Pool Little Rock

    Parrot Bay Pools

    Serving Central Arkansas

    501.664.6861

    Larry's Cell 501.580.6364

  • In ground pool little rock, AR

    Parrot Bay Pools

    Serving Central Arkansas

    501.664.6861

    Larry's Cell 501.580.6364

  • Freeform Pool Benton

    Parrot Bay Pools

    Serving Central Arkansas

    501.664.6861

    Larry's Cell 501.580.6364

  • Custom Pool and Spa

    Parrot Bay Pools

    Serving Central Arkansas

    501.664.6861

    Larry's Cell 501.580.6364

Our Blog | Advice on In Ground Swimming Pool Construction and Maintenance

Buyer Beware: Choosing a pool builder for the lowest price

Posted by Larry Rogers on Fri, Mar 16, 2012

Everyone wants a good deal on a major purchase and no one wants to overpay.  However, you also want to make sure you do not get cheated and do get the best value for your dollar.

When it comes to selecting a pool contractor for a major home improvement project, these desires really hit home. In particular, building a new swimming pool is a prime example of such a project. 

To ensure that you get the most for your money, it’s crucial to resist the temptation to choose your builder primarily on price—particularly if it is significantly lower than other bids you receive.

Here’s why: Low-priced contractors are often the ones who cut corners on a variety of fronts.  For example, they may operate without proper business insurance, liability insurance, workers comp insurance, or property-damage insurance.  In states where a license is required, as it does in Arkansas, the low-ball firms are often those without one.

They may install cheaper equipment or brands with poor warranties.  They may use low-quality materials or skimp on the required amounts.  They may rely on crews and subcontractors who charge less—due to limited skills, experience, or an unfavorable reputation among local pool builders.

Sometimes a low-ball price is a sign of desperation.  A builder may sell a pool virtually at his cost.  Why?  While he may make only slim or no profit, he may be on a money treadmill; he will take the job just in order just to keep cash flowing to pay the rent or the bills on his last customer’s project. 

Remember: To make profit to stay in business, any good business needs to charge enough for their product or service.  The same is true for pool contractors. 

However, a contractor staying in business is important not only for them—but for homeowners too.  You want your contractor to be around to take care of any warranty issues that may arise!

Certainly, your budget must be a major factor in guiding what you purchase.  However, it should not be the primary factor in guiding you with whom to make that purchase.

Weigh factors such as local reputation, length of time in business, financial stability, scope and depth of insurance coverage, expertise of the designer, and the quality and scope of equipment offerings.  Above all, when shopping for a pool builder, seek overall, long-term value.

 

Tags: parrot bay pools, arkansas, Little Rock pool contractors, In Ground pools AR. Pool Designs, Custom Concrete Pools in Arkansas, swimming pool little rock, Larry Rogers

Somethings To Look and Watch For When Hiring a Pool Builder:

Posted by Larry Rogers on Fri, Mar 16, 2012

So your thinking about building an inground pool.  You may want to ask your prospective pool builder the following questions:
  • How long have you been building pools under this company name
  • Which type of pools do you build and how long have you been building them.
  • Are you an Arkansas Corporation, if so, when was your date of incorporation. (This is public record)
  • Where is your place of business.  Go there and look around
  • Do you have a financial reference, i.e, bank letter in good standing
  • Are you a member of the APSP (Association of Pool & Spa Professionals)
  • Do you build to their (APSP) Standards & Guildlines for Pool Contractors
Just to name a few.
 
Often you will find "pool" builders who perform other disciplines such as, concrete finishing, landscaping, carpentry, and even home building to name a few.  These contractors are what's referred to as "jack of all trades", master of none.  Beware of "pool" contractors who participate in multiple facets of operation.  Becoming a professional pool contractor takes experience and dedication, industry training, specialization in design and company structure set up as a bona fide pool company with a place of business.  This information is easy for one to validate.  With companies coming and going in and out of business these days, you do not want to be left holding the bag as they say.

Tags: Little Rock pool contractors, pool builders Little Rock, Pool Contractors, Pool Planning, Custom Concrete Pools in Arkansas, swimming pool little rock, Larry Rogers

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