Avoid These When Looking for a Pool Builder
First things first, far too many people rush the process of choosing a pool builder.
Builder selection is the most important step in a pool or spa building project. Slow down, it’s not a race.
1: Appointing a Pool Builder Who Isn't Properly Registered / Licensed or Insured
Your builder must be registered with the State Building Regulator (links at bottom of our homepage). There are also multiple ‘unlimited’ and 'limited' registrations as well as builder 'classes' (eg: pool builder domestic, commercial, structural landscaping, etc). It's essential your builder's registration is appropriate for your specific project. If the work completed hasn't been done by a correctly registered pool builder, it is illegal.
Additionally, depending on the State where you live, there are mandatory insurances. No matter where you live, pool builders are compelled to provide some form of consumer protection to protect you if things go poorly. Check with your State Regulator as to what the mandated insurance are - know your rights - don't rely on others.
Also, don't confuse State mandated building insurance with other kinds of insurance. Even if your builder says 'it’s OK, I’m covered’ or that they ‘have insurance’, they may not necessarily have the compulsory cover. Ensure your Building Inspector, Surveyor or Council confirms that all policies are in place before works begin. NB: It's essential you have a physical or digital copy of the mandatory insurance before you allow the pool project to commence.
Swimming pool builders should also hold a range of additional insurances such as: public liability, contract works insurance, theft, etc. Also, by law (determined by State regulation) you must have a written major domestic building contract – only registered / licensed builders can complete these contracts.
If you use an unregistered pool installer, without insurances, mandated contracts, permits, etc, you have a major problem - serious penalties apply.
2: Only Getting One Quote
Your sparkling new new swimming pool may be one of the largest financial undertakings of your entire life, don't rush the quote phase.
Get as many quotes as possible. Six or eight is better than one or two. Granted, it can be difficult to obtain quotes from pool builders - particularly now - we strongly recommend that you persevere.
Homeowners can also be shocked by large variations in prices provided by pool builders. Be aware that some operators aren't keen for the work and inflate quotations. The only way to benchmark the cost of your project is to obtain several quotes from the same drawings.
Investing time now to assess you prospective pool builder will pay off in the long run.
3: Signing a Contract You Don't Understand
Too many people sign a pool construction contract without understanding what it means. Never sign a contract without having an independent lawyer – specializing in construction law – assess the documentation.
The reality is that there are several thousand new formal pool building disputes recorded in Australia every single year. These disputes slowly churn through a range of courts and dispute resolution processes; it’s stressful, slow and expensive.
Be aware also that when a significant building dispute occurs, work often stops on your site. The owner suffers the delay, the pool builder simply moves onto the next job. Terminating a contract after works have begun is generally difficult and expensive. Keep in mind also that few pool builders are prepared to finish incomplete works – it’s far better to get the contract details right in the first place.
4: Signing a Contract 'On the Spot'
Don't let the pool builder, or their sales staff rush you. Pressuring consumers to sign a contract or pay a ‘holding deposit’ to secure a ‘special discount’ is unprofessional and often leads to bad outcomes. Please, take your time.
5: Giving in to Pressure Tactics
Some pool builders use unscrupulous sales tactics that may not technically break the law can cause significant financial pain. Unethical tactics are a sign of a business not competing in the marketplace on its merits. If you're feeling pressured to hand over a deposit, or sign a contract on the spot (which is illegal in some States) because you're told ‘material prices go up next week’ or if you’re offered a 'free solar panel' or anything ‘for a limited time’ – you should be skeptical.
Finally, ethical builders will promote the merits of their expertise and past successes, they will not denigrate other pool builders.
6: Becoming an Owner Builder
Be extremely wary of so-called pool builders who ask you to become an ‘owner builder,’ or builders that suggest that you arrange the building permit (and they do the building works). Throughout most of Australia, only registered or licensed practitioners can obtain a permit. This request may be a sign that: the builder doesn’t have registration, their registration has lapsed or has been disqualified - stay away from these operators.
7: Choosing the Cheapest Quote
If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. If you gamble on the irresistibly low quote don’t be surprised if you get delays, variations and poor workmanship. In many instances too-low quotes are later proven to have left aspects of the project out or have underestimated the labour required to complete the build. If you contract isn't bullet-proof this then leads to a dispute, and very often the homeowner ends up having to pay more than they've budgeted.
by Brendan Watkins
We've helped hundreds of Australians complete their due diligence with our unique range of credit rating, defaulting, company & court records. We also search hard-to-find regulatory, insurance, social & government records to ensure our clients avoid repeat-offending builders. If you're about to build, or extend credit to builders, we'll do your homework for you.
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