Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Tips For Hiring A Contractor For Pool Installation Oklahoma City Residents Should Remember

By Karina Frost


The construction of a swimming pool on one's property is a fairly sizable investment, so it's important to ensure that it is installed in a professional manner that will provide years of enjoyment and few problems. When it comes to selecting just the right contraction for the pool installation Oklahoma City homeowners need to keep these important guidelines in mind.

A good way to start one's search for a skilled swimming pool contractor is to ask friends and neighbors if they can recommend someone, landscape architects may also be of some assistance in this regard. Next, one should visit the showroom or office of each of the companies and ask the sales reps for several references. Calling these people and asking them if they were happy with the pool installer's work should be the next action.

Some companies provide the labor and equipment through a second company which they have subcontracted, and some of these can also do a quality job, however it is generally thought that those which do their own work with their own supplies and machinery are a better choice because they have more say in how well and quickly things get done. The homeowner needs to pick three or four companies that seem like the best candidates, and then request a bid from each.

The quote presented by each prospective contractor needs to itemize all associated costs and identify what is and is not included in the proposed amount. Contractors should not pressure a customer to sign a contract, and this should be seen as a red flag if they do. The homeowner should be provided with a reasonable period of time to accept a bid, but not so long that the same offer may no longer be feasible.

A comprehensive contract plays a critical role in this process. It must clearly specify exactly what is being done and is not being done and state the agreed upon price. It's important that the customer "read the fine print" before signing anything and he or she must ensure that it covers the following key aspects.

Attached to the written contract should be a pool "blueprint", or scale drawing accurately depicting the shape, dimensions, and placement of the structure, as well as a list of all related equipment or features to be installed with it. If it is a gunite pool, there should be a clause stating which size percentages and their associated prices are acceptable, since it is not possible to build these to exact specifications.

It also needs to state a full description of all labor to be completed, and give starting and finishing dates. Materials used and equipment installed, complete with make and model information needs to be listed. Costs associated with preparation of the site and removal of debris should be noted, and conditions for possible suspension, arbitration, and termination must be covered too.

The cost and schedule of payments needs to be plainly stated and fully understood by both parties, so no discrepancies arise. Legal issues such as responsibility for zoning requirements and permits, lien releases, liability insurance, and guarantees on equipment and workmanship should also be included in the contract.




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