Pool Contractor in Phoenix: Top Five Things to Cover

1. Pool Contractor in Phoenix: Top Five Things You Need to Cover Before Signing a Contract © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.

2. Pool Contractor in Phoenix Before you select a pool contractor in Phoenix, you have some homework to do so you make the right decision. First, you need to research possible candidates for your project. At a minimum, this step requires asking people you trust for references, going online and reviewing contractors that fit your requirements, visiting referral sites for reviews and tapping into trade organizations for additional guidelines. After collecting the information from your research, you can start to narrow down your list of viable candidates. © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.

3. Pool Contractor in Phoenix To get the best pool contractor in Phoenix for your project, you need to meet with each of your prospects face-to-face. You need to treat this meeting like an interview – you’re hiring someone to work for you, so you must put in the time and effort necessary. This presentation focuses on what you need to ask a prospective pool contractor in Phoenix during your interview. The goal of these meetings is to judge each company’s business, competence, commitment to your project and credibility in the market. You also need to carefully evaluate the contract terms with each contractor. You might love a contractor, but not be able to live with the terms they set forth. © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.

4. Pool Contractor in Phoenix The examples below show questions you must ask your pool contractor in Phoenix. • The Business of the Pool Contractor in Phoenix • How many years has the company been in business? Although many competent contractors start a business and don’t yet have the history behind them, you may not want to be the guinea pig. Companies that have been in business for several years have a track record and customer testimonials you can evaluate. • Is the contractor licensed and bonded? Visit the Registrar of Contractors for further information on the benefits of selecting contractors with these credentials. • Does the contractor have insurance, and if so, what type? This is a critical area to make sure you cover all your bases. Property damage, workman’s compensation and personal liability need to be covered by the pool contractor. © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.

5. Pool Contractor in Phoenix The examples below show questions you must ask your pool contractor in Phoenix. The Business of the Pool Contractor in Phoenix • Does the contractor have an office and showroom? Having a physical location you can visit calms the nerves of many homeowners. Chances are, they’re working with a stable pool contractor in Phoenix with strong ties to the community. • What organizations does the contractor belong to? Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau? What about the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP)? • Always ask why you should do business with the contractor. Your pool contractor should have no problem answering this question and providing evidence of a solid track record to back them up. © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.

6. Pool Contractor in Phoenix The examples below show questions you must ask your pool contractor in Phoenix. Contract Terms • What warranties are provided? You absolutely must get a warranty. If not, keep looking. Carefully evaluate the terms of your warranty so you know exactly what is covered and not covered. And remember to work with stable companies. If your pool contractor goes out of business, your warranty is worthless. • What does the proposed price include? Could there be additional costs and what might those be? You need to know exactly what you’re paying for and every service and equipment cost needs to be spelled out. © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.

7. Pool Contractor in Phoenix The examples below show questions you must ask your pool contractor in Phoenix. Service • Will the pool contractor in Phoenix do a final site clean up? Is this service included in your contract price? • Will the pool contractor give you a training session? You need to be taught how to use your pool equipment and how to maintain your pool. • Who’s going to be doing the work? Are they employees of your pool contractor in Phoenix? Make sure you know what work may be subcontracted. Who will be responsible for the performance of these contractors? Pool Equipment and Building Techniques • What brand and type of equipment will be used in your project? Is it top-of-the-line and proven in the market place? Is it the latest technology?   © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.

8. Pool Contractor in Phoenix The examples below show questions you must ask your pool contractor in Phoenix. References • Can your pool contractor provide a selection of finished projects for you to contact the owner and/or visit? You want to see first-hand the quality of their work and how they treated their customers. Get a list of dozens of names you can choose from and talk to at least five former customers. • Ask about supplier references. Customers often overlook this reference check. Good supplier relationships mean your pool contractor in Phoenix has paid its bills. Installing a pool is an exciting process, if you select the right pool contractor in Phoenix. With the right company, the project will go smoothly and you’ll be enjoying your new pool in no time! © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.

9. Pool Contractor in Phoenix About the Author: Jim Lucas is Vice President of Design at Creative Environments, the largest and most respected landscape and pool design company in Arizona since 1950. For more information about Pool Contractor in Phoenix, visit our website at http://www.creativeenvironments.com. © 2012 Creative Environments. All rights reserved.