Summer 2021 was the 3rd warmest on record in New Jersey. Annual temperatures have increased by 4°F since 1900, and let's face it, even back then, summer in New Jersey was pretty hot and sticky.
How can you keep cool and enjoy your home to the max? A concrete pool is the way to do it. Create your own backyard oasis that will be a magnet for friends and family or a private sanctuary after a long, hot day at work.
To make this dream a reality, you need to track down the best New Jersey pool contractor you can find. Let's take a look at 5 important tips to help you make the right choice the first time.
A slick website and a helpful salesperson are essential parts of the picture. But you need to start with former customers when you're sifting through New Jersey pool contractors and trying to find the best.
Word-of-mouth promotion is still the form of marketing we trust the most, with 86% of us preferring it. The people we trust the most are our friends and family.
Put a message on your WhatsApp status or on Facebook asking your contacts for recommendations. Most of them probably live in the same area as you do and will have something to say about the pool contractor they used. At this point, you might also be able to start identifying pool contractors in New Jersey that you definitely do not want to use.
In the midst of the flood of information you get back, there'll be some great recommendations. Why not make these the starting point for your search? A list of three to five concrete pool contractors is enough to start with.
Sure, we don't trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. And you need to know how to read them. If there are negative reviews - which let's be honest, are to be expected - see how the contractor responds to them.
A polite, courteous response shows that they value customer satisfaction.
As you start to focus on a few contenders, take a look at the testimonials on their website. You can take this a step further by asking the company if there are any completed projects you could visit for yourself.
Ask questions like:
This can help you to feel confident that you've made the right choice.
Building a pool from start to finish takes about three months, depending on the complexity of the design. That doesn't include the design and preparation process. So for several months of your life, you're going to have a close working relationship with your concrete pool contractor.
You need to feel comfortable working with the main contractor and their team. You may also need to turn to them for maintenance and repair for years to come. The only way to find this out is by meeting with them in person or at the very least, talking with them on the phone.
This also gives you a chance to gauge their level of experience. Are they happy to talk about previous projects or are they a little cagey? This could be a warning sign.
If you're not comfortable with the contractor at this stage, it's unlikely that you will be several months down the line. Take the chance to find another before you sign on the dotted line.
Once you know exactly what you want, you can request quotes from the companies.
Make sure that you're definitely comparing like-for-like quotes. Concrete pool contractors may offer different types of contracts, including:
All of these types of contracts have their pros and cons. When evaluating pool contractors, make sure that you're comparing the same types of contracts. For example, with time and materials, you will want to fix a guaranteed maximum price so that costs don't spiral out of control.
The cheapest quotation may be the most tempting but try to find out that offers the best value rather than the best initial price.
Pool contractors in New Jersey need to be licensed and insured. Take a moment to check their website. Look for their license number and any associations that they are members of.
This may include:
You can check that their license is valid online. Membership in professional associations tells you that they are established New Jersey concrete pool contractors. They care about their profession and their standing within it.
You can also look them up on the Better Business Bureau website. You'll be able to find out how long they've been in business, their current rating, and read customer reviews.
The contract protects both sides and should be a detailed document.
It should outline what will be done when and include a payment schedule that you are comfortable with. Early in the process, you can ask to see examples of previous contracts to see how they operate. It's normal to be asked for a downpayment but never pay in full up-front.
Make sure there are no caveats or loopholes that would allow the pool contractor to bill you extra later. The contract should include every part of the process, including any extra landscaping, decks, or features that you have requested.
Only when you're completely happy with the contract and the payment schedule should you sign. For peace of mind, you could have your attorney review it first to check if there's anything you've overlooked.
Concrete pools are the ultimate backyard luxury. Follow the tips above, and you'll have a concrete pool that beckons you every day when you come home in summer. It's also the perfect focal point for family fun.
At Dell Outdoor, we have 38 years of experience in transforming our clients' lives with our concrete pool installations. We will guide you through every part of the design process, so you get exactly what you're looking for.
For a free consultation, estimate, and references, call us at 1-888-909-3355 or fill out our online contact form today!
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The crew at Dell is highly professional and expert at pool and landscape construction. All of the team from Anthony, Rich, Darek, and all are a pleasure to work with. The work is meticulous and they stand by their work. I highly recommend them for a backyard pool and landscaping project.
It is/was the best decision we have ever made regarding home improvements on any level. From the planning, approvals, construction, and clean up went exactly how it was supposed to go. No surprises, no hidden costs, no disappearing acts, and perfect execution for the entire project.
Several times over the project, a team member would pull us out side to recommend how something should look or how it could be improved. Not only did this help the vision of the project but most of the times it actually cut costs. What contractor would try to cut costs?!? These guys really look out for the home owner. Whenever the next project comes along I now have only one phone call to make and that is to the team at Dell. My family cannot thank you all for creating this amazing paradise for us.
Dell build me a backyard that is so nice I never want to go anywhere else! The pool and landscaping they designed for us is amazing. The entire staff, from Anthony to the team installing the pool and pavers, were wonderful to work with and extremely professional.
We had Dell install our pool and it turned out better than we thought it would. Anthony laid out his plan for us in the first consultation, gave us a price that included everything so there were no surprises. His workers are highly skilled and genuinely nice people. I highly recommend this company.
They were great - very responsive over phone, undertook a complex spa installation within few days while the owner was not present at home. Would highly recommend!
I have always used Dell Landscaping for my pool or landscaping needs. Most recently I had Dell landscape a small courtyard at my townhouse in Mahwah, the job came out amazing, all my neighbors pass by and cannot believe what a beautiful detailed job was done in this little space.
Respectful and dedicated workers. Although the job ended up costing more than I was quoted It was worth the "extras" and the extra money I paid for the pool. Would definitely recommend this company and their workmanship.
