For some, removing a swimming pool may seem like removing a house. Once you realize it can be done, you may be thinking...but how? How can a huge, concrete based pool that takes up my entire yard be removed safely and efficiently? All kinds of questions may be going through your mind: Will we disrupt the neighbors? How will they get a bulldozer into my yard? What if they hit a gas or water line? Lets face it, fear and anxiety are the emotions we feel when faced with the unknown. These are the emotions that make scary movies, giant roller coasters and haunted houses so compelling, but when you are hiring a pool removal contractor the last thing you want to feel is fear. So how do you handle this process? How do you hire a pool removal contractor in the bay area or anywhere else? The best way to do it is to simply eliminate the unknowns.
When it comes to hiring a swimming pool removal company here is the best advice I can give you: Hire a company that has removed a lot of pools. That's it. It's just that simple. Practice really does make perfect. Plus, there's a reason why a particular contractor has done a lot of work. People trust them - they have a track record. It's no different than if you needed brain surgery and you were interviewing surgeons. If the doctor told you it would be his first, but another other one had done a hundred procedures, who would you pick? You'd probably be concerned about the outcome if you chose the first doctor. Same goes for pool removal. Pick a contractor that knows their stuff!
So, you have started the search. You are calling contractors and talking to friends. How much experience should your pool demolition contractor have? One hundred pools or more certainly would be a high benchmark. If a company has removed that many swimming pools, they understand all the pitfalls and problems that can arise. That makes it much more likely your job will get done right and in a timely manner. It's an important job, one you want done right. Going with the right contractor could mean the difference between getting it done cleanly and simply in just a few days versus it taking weeks and potential legal hassles. Keep it simple.
Here's another bit of advice: Always check the references of pool removal contractors. People have been getting burned by contractors of all types for years because of not following this step. You especially want to do this if you live in an area where there aren't a lot of in-ground swimming pools. The chances of any one contractor having a great deal of pool removal experience won't be high. The important thing is that you can verify the jobs they have done, and see if their customers were satisfied with the contractors work. Do yourself a favor, check them once and check them twice - call at least 3-5 of their former customers. See what they thought of the work performed. It could save you a huge headache later.
The other thing I always tell people concerns money: Be very leery about giving a contractor money in advance. Did you know that most states have laws about how much money a contractor can ask for up front? Its true. It seems that people have been getting burned by contractors for so long, that the government finally had to step in. If you are serious about your pool removal and want to do it right, you might make it a point to know what your state law is regarding this. Generally, it's a very small percentage of the contract price. In cases where permit fees are high and it takes a long time to get approval, contractors may want the customers to cover those costs. Bottom line: If a contractor asks for a lot of money up front, do yourself a favor: don't do it!
The main point I want to get across is this: do a little home work before hiring a contractor. A pool removal is a big deal. It can be expensive. You really need to ensure that it is done professionally, and at the right price. Whatever you do, don't go with the first bid that comes your way. And if a particular contractor seemed a little shady - trust your instincts, they probably are. Keep looking! When you have confidence that your contractor can deliver, then you can relax and actually enjoy the process. Think about it: your new backyard and new lifestyle are waiting!
If you need help finding a pool removal contractor contact me at verdell@poolitout.com. I would love to help you!
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