How to choose a pool builder that’ll get the job done
Here at Cronulla Pools, we love working with our clients to build pools that bring joy and entertainment to their lives. Helping them achieve the dream they’ve worked so hard for is really rewarding stuff. Of course, the process is always a team effort, and both parties have responsibilities. As a client, your very first responsibility is to do your research when choosing a builder. Here, we’ve provided a list of the essential information you should know before accepting any quote.
Does your pool builder hold a current license?
If the work costs more than $5,000, the person or company doing the work must hold a licence issued by NSW Fair Trading for building or swimming pool building. The name on the contract must be exactly the same as the name on the licence. Do a licence check to find out if your builder’s licence is valid and suitable for the work you want done.
Are there other insurances that are required for my pool build?
It is also strongly recommended that you take out public liability insurance policies covering your own and neighbours’ properties.
For your own protection, check that all the people you engage to undertake any part of your building project have the necessary insurances in place and that the certificates are current. Visit the NSW Fair Trading insurance page for more information.
Do I need a contract with my pool builder?
By law, your chosen builder or tradesperson must give you a written contract for all residential building work, including swimming pools, if:
the contract price is over $5,000 (including GST), or
the contract price is not known, is for the provision of labour and materials by the contractor the reasonable market cost of which is more than $5,000 (including GST).
Who is responsible for obtaining Home Warranty Insurance?
If your pool construction or renovation project costs more than $20,000 including GST, your pool builder needs to provide you with a certificate of cover under the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) for the construction and warranty periods.
The pool builder needs to obtain HBCF cover before starting work or requesting any money. Cover is also required if the contract price is not known, but where the reasonable market cost of the labour and materials involved is over $20,000. HBCF cover is also required where a builder does work for an owner-builder.
HBCF cover protects you as a last resort if your builder or tradesperson is unable to complete or fix the work. You can make a claim if your builder has died, disappeared, becomes insolvent, or had their licence suspended for failing to comply with an order of a Court or Tribunal to compensate a homeowner.
Get References
Inspect one or more pools built by your preferred builder and talk to the owners about their experiences working with the builder. This is an important step in choosing the pool builder that's right for you.
Shop around – Get three quotes
We’re not here to force you to engage us, we want you to get a few quotes. But we encourage you to compare them, the quotes should include the exact same pool equipment and all works, including moving any service lines and disposing of excavated materials and building debris. Also consider the costs associated with landscaping and additional pool surrounds.
Now you know the basics of how to choose a pool builder, you can feel confident about the process. And, once the project gets underway, you can have peace of mind, knowing that the experience will be an enjoyable one without any nasty surprises.
At Cronulla Pools, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality service that matches our high-quality pools. To find out more about our process or organise a quote, get in touch with our friendly team.
We’ve sourced all this information from Fair Trading NSW.