Everybody loves a beautifully designed luxury swimming pool, especially during the warmer months. For Texas homeowners who want to lounge around in the back patio, throw a huge backyard barbeque party and enjoy a refreshing swim in a new, luxurious swimming pool this summer, now is the time to start searching for professional pool builders in Houston to build your Southern oasis. But how does one choose the right pool design and construction company for the job?

There are many factors to consider when hiring luxury pool builders. Some homeowners are lucky to have friends or family members with pools who have worked with a good custom swimming pool company in the past and who can provide references, but not everyone has those connections. For those who must blindly pick a swimming pool designer from the Internet or the phone book, here are some basic questions to ask when comparing pool and contractors.

1. Do the Builders Have Photos of Real Projects and a Showroom?
The first thing to look at when comparing custom swimming pool design companies in Houston is their portfolio of construction projects completed for past customers. Brand new pool construction companies will not have anything to show, so they might resort to using stock photos of swimming pools and custom luxury spas on their websites. When researching luxury pools and construction firms, be sure to ask if the photos of pools on their websites are from actual clients they have served.

Some companies will also have a showroom where potential customers can come in to see many products firsthand, such as custom hot tubs, pool cleaning and maintenance equipment, pool covers or deck construction materials. It is one thing to look at photos of pools and materials in a catalog or online, but it is another thing entirely to see them in person to judge their actual size, durability and colors.

2. How Many Years of Experience Does the Pool Builder Have?
Any reputable custom pool design company will have designers and builders with several years of experience working in the swimming pool installation business or in related industries such as landscaping design, carpentry, agriculture and home construction. Houston homeowners should not hesitate to ask for specific details about the owner’s or manager’s professional construction experience. Designing and building a custom spa or luxury swimming pool is a massive project requiring a lot of knowledge, skills, experience and resources. Never hire a builder with no experience. This is not a project for amateurs.

It is also a good idea to work with builders who are committed to continuing their education and keeping up with the latest trends in outdoor living, pool and spa design, modern landscaping and luxury outdoor deck construction. New building methods and materials are constantly being developed, and the best luxury pool design team will keep its finger on the pulse of the industry.

3. Do They Have Positive Customer Reviews and References?
Experienced custom builders in the Houston area will also be able to provide new clients with references from happy customers that they have worked with in the past. Any reputable company with years of experience and a solid track record should have no problem with this.

Positive customer reviews are also a good sign. There are many outlets where customer reviews can be found, such as Facebook, Google, Yelp and Angie’s List. Be sure to check multiple review platforms. The more reviews a business has online, the easier it is to accurately judge their relationship with past customers. Many successful companies will also have testimonials from past customers on their website, so be sure to look for those as well.

One last place to check the reputation of custom swimming pool builders—and this one is very important—is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This organization has strict standards by which they rate various businesses throughout North America—from Los Angeles, California to Houston, Texas to Miami, Florida—giving them a letter grade of A through F, just like in school. If the luxury pools company in question has a D or an F rating, it would be wise to skip them and move on to the next swimming pool company. On the other hand, one with an A rating would be an excellent choice.

4. Are the Pool Builders and Contractors All Licensed and Insured?
The last thing anyone wants is to hire a pool design company for a big swimming pool construction project like this, only to have it cut corners and do the work in a sloppy manner. But even with quality contractors who are careful to do the job properly, problems can arise. One simple accident could potentially result in thousands of dollars in damages to property or personal injuries that are outside the budget of the project.

Who will pay for that? And how will they be able to pay?

The building company should accept full responsibility for situations like these, of course. That is why it is important that any builder or contractor working on a pool project be fully licensed and insured. In some communities, the Home Owners’ Association (HOA) will first require approval from its architectural committee before allowing installation of swimming pools and spas, and it will not approve any luxury pool builders who are not licensed and insured.

5. Do They Belong to any Professional Industry Organizations?
Another question to ask when looking into potential pool and spa builders in Houston is whether or not they belong to any industry associations and professional organizations. These might include the local Houston chamber of commerce and swimming pool building associations as well, such as the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). These groups have strict standards for quality and reputation that businesses must maintain in order to maintain active memberships.

Another related question to ask is whether the company in question has won any awards for their swimming pools and spa designs. The best luxury pool builders in the area will often have received some type of recognition and acknowledgment for their artistry, innovation and craftsmanship.

6. Will Everything Be Accounted for in the Contract and Invoice?
Lastly, it is important that the entire project be covered thoroughly in the paperwork. The initial estimate on a large project such as this will likely need to be amended from time to time as the work progresses. It is important that all design changes are discussed and approved by the homeowner as they come up. Nobody wants to be shocked when they receive the final bill.

Speaking of which, it is important to go over all details of the contract and final bill point by point with the swimming pool builder that is chosen to put in the swimming pool. This will ensure that the project is completed to the customer’s satisfaction and that no charges are added by the pool builders by mistake.

Creating a custom luxury swimming pool and jacuzzi with surrounding landscaping, decking and gazebo is a monumental task, and choosing the right Houston construction company to head the project is a process that needs to be taken seriously. There are many variables that can affect the outcome, so following these six tips and thoroughly questioning potential construction contractors is a necessity.

If you are ready to begin your quest for the perfect Houston swimming pool construction company to build your luxurious backyard waterscape, contact TLC Outdoor Living today. We have been serving the greater Houston area for over a decade. We have an A+ rating by the BBB. We have received multiple industry awards our artistic vision and pool designs, and we are eager to create the luxury pool and spa of your dreams. Call or email us today to schedule a consultation or just stop by our Tomball, TX, spa and pool luxury design showroom at your convenience.

A resort-style house backyard, sporting a beautiful pool custom inground pool or spa, has been your goal for some time. You have finally arrived and are ready to choose a custom pool builder to create your dream design! You worked hard, and now it is time for you to reward yourself and your family with that long-wished-for custom build design pool. You are not just building an inground pool, you have a special swimming pool in mind, your dream swimming pool, and it will require a builder who can understand your vision for your oasis, and build it to perfection. It will be a place of luxury for your clan to gather and relax, swim, entertain friends and family with barbecues, parties, and get-togethers. It will be a place to have swimming parties and to celebrate anything or nothing at all.

Only the best custom pool builders will be able to bring your pool dreams to life. If you are searching for an outstanding custom pool and spa designer and builder in the Houston and Dallas areas, you are in luck.

When a custom pool builder designs and constructs your customized dream inground swimming pool or spa, it is invariably a complicated process, as there are many issues to consider. Proper custom construction is also necessary for the inground pool to last for years of swimming pleasure. Each custom design type has its own set of construction requirements and so it takes a knowledgeable designer to include all of the features the client needs in the design. Choosing a builder is the most important part of the process, for tt can make or break a swimming pool project. That is why it is always best to hire a custom inground pool builder to complete the design project.

Here in Houston, TX, custom pool builders will put a lot of passion into delivering the design that you choose. That is why putting in a sufficient amount of research on a pool designer, choosing from the best pool builders in Houston is paramount if you intend to realize your “backyard dreams”. This is also true when considering a builder for a backyard spa. You will be using it for a long time, so it is essential that your spa is just as you want it to be.

Building a Pool is an Expensive Proposition

Building your private oasis can be very costly and requires extensive planning, which is best completed by professional custom pool builders. Specialized assessments including the design layout of the proposed area, ground considerations, possible complications with construction and other issues require a builder highly competent to deal with them. Any misstep in the process can result in dissatisfaction with the end result and added costs to fix mistakes. In some cases, you may have to find another design altogether if your builder cannot do it correctly. The worst-case scenario: You could absolutely hate the results, which would be a real heart-breaker. You may even have to find another builder to fix the mistakes.

Training is Key

When exploring custom pool builders in Houston, it is always best to check into their pool contractor’s license and verify their training credentials to ensure that it is valid and that their insurance certificate is in good standing. A properly trained custom pool builder will know the specifics of how the digging for your desired shape pool should be done. They know the pitfalls that can occur in any pool job and are prepared to adjust and fix the problems. On the other hand, a pool builder who is not properly trained and accredited can cost you a ton of money.

A couple of ways to determine the status of your pool builder’s credentials is to verify that they are a member of the Houston Better Business Bureau. Any complaints against the contractor will be available there. Another question that is important to ask is whether or not the builder is a Certified Building Professional through the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. A well-trained pool construction designer will know the proper way to dig for your desired pool shape, will be able to ascertain any problems that may happen along the process and will be knowledgeable about the best construction products to use, so your dream pool will be durable and beautiful for years to come.

Ability to Acquire Permits, Raise a Professional Crew

No construction on your dream pool can begin unless your chosen pool designer can apply for and obtain the necessary construction permits. Once these are obtained, a good custom pool builder will already have a highly-trained and dependable construction crew available to install your private oasis. Remember, these workers will be all around your property during the pool construction, so a builder that performs background checks is preferable to a builder who doesn’t, making this an excellent point to check when choosing your builder.

Has a Network of Equipment, Tools, and Material Suppliers Readily Available

Custom pool builders must employ heavy equipment for digging, cement mixers, and numerous other pieces of equipment and tools. If the designer/builder has a network of suppliers to draw from readily, it goes a long way toward avoiding delays to the completion of the project. Also, the best builder will be able to obtain the highest quality tools, materials, and equipment, which help to ensure you get the best quality, most durable pool possible.

Pool Design Portfolio and Satisfaction Guarantee

The next consideration you should make is to review the design portfolio which has pictures of prior constructions for any contractor you are considering. This will give you an idea of whether or not the contractor can deliver the particular custom design you desire. Read reviews of the designer’s work. There are a few things that can tip you off to a bad actor or an untrustworthy builder. One bad sign is that the builder is not listening to your wants, instead substituting their vision of what your pool should be. Another sign is that the contractor pushes the idea that he can underbid everybody. This usually means he is going to use sub-standard workers and materials.

In any construction project, delays and unexpected situations arise. It is always important to discuss these possible issues with your contractor and find out what is their typical course of action in this case. Will he still be able to finish on time and within the budget? Ensure that your builder will use the highest quality materials and not cut corners, which will dramatically shorten the life of your pool, or significantly alter the appearance or quality of the finished project.

Any good custom pool builder will guarantee his work. He will work with the customer to realize his dream pool and will “make things right” when he fails.

Nothing Substitutes For Experience

The final and most important issue you must address with your builder is “How much experience do they have?” An experienced custom pool designer will be able to assess how well your desired pool will fit the size, shape, and topography of your land. An inexperienced designer may “give you what you want” design-wise but not be able to execute the plan due to placement, material or engineering issues that an experienced contractor would have picked up on. This would cost you money, maybe even blowing the budget. Inexperience costs time, money and often satisfaction with the results.

The most creative and best pool builders are, in general, also the most experienced. Experience introduces the designer to newer and newer ideas, which all become incorporated in the designer’s overall style. They become attuned to what clients are looking for and able to see the client’s vision for the project, and all of this comes with experience also.

If you live in the Greater Houston area and are considering installing a custom pool in your yard, TLC Outdoor Living has the answers to all of your pool-related questions. They have served the Greater Houston area for 10 years and are highly trusted designers and builders of custom pools, as well as outdoor designers. Get in touch with them and let them help to make your backyard dream inground pool or spa a reality.