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In many cases, an inground swimming pool is a dream, but an affordable one. The trick is to be aware of prices and to stay within one's budget while making the decisions during construction. Here are some tips for avoiding a financial disaster as you embark on the major investment of your own home swimming pool.
First of all, always get several estimates from different contractors. Look at those bids carefully. Don't assume the lowest one is the best. Make sure each has enumerated and listed exactly what materials will be used, including the quality and colors. Ask for references, too, and be sure to check them out. Make sure the contractor is properly licensed and insured.
A good contractor should know about zoning laws as well as what soil tests need to be done before installing your pool. He should also know how to evaluate a site for the pool in terms of sunshine, wind, soil quality, etc. Find out if the contractor himself will be supervising all aspects of the job, or if some aspects of the job, such as tiling, will actually be done by subcontractors. If subcontractors are used, try to get references on them, as well.
To protect yourself, do not pay cash up front. If you don't need to finance the pool, at least pay with a check so that you have proof of your payment. If you have to finance the pool, shop around for the best rates from various lending institutions, including the builder if he offers financing.
Before signing any contract with a builder, you should understand everything in the contract. Make sure you have in writing who will be responsible if something goes wrong. Get all warranties on materials in writing, as well as warranties on labor that will be done. Even with all that in order, take your time and do not let anyone pressure you into signing a contract to have a pool installed until you are sure you are ready.
One more step prospective pool owners should take, perhaps before even talking to contractors, is to take a thorough inventory of their family purposes for wanting a pool. The best type of pool for you depends a lot on how you will use it. You may find that you would be just as happy with a less expensive style of pool as you would be with a larger or more expensive pool.
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