When you sign your pool contract, you want to feel confident that the cost of an inground pool isn’t going to change mid-project. While working with a reliable company can provide some assurance, there are external factors that can impact the budget. Understanding these factors ahead of time can help ensure a smooth process.
Understanding Your Contract with Your Pool Builder
When you start working with a company to plan your pool installation, professionals will lay out a pool construction project covering all the important details. Everything from design specifications to materials and labor goes into determining the cost of an inground pool. Your contract will also detail the timeline so everyone is on the same page.
However, that doesn’t mean that your contract is immune to changes. Like any other construction or renovation project, conditions are included in the contract to accommodate certain situations. Also, anything outside the original agreement can incur additional costs.
Any contract from a reputable builder will have specific clauses that address potential changes. These clauses will lay out how any changes will be decided, documented, and billed. Having this transparency from the start can prevent disagreements over the cost of an inground pool later in the construction process.
Why the Cost of an Inground Pool Can Change
There are many potential reasons why the cost of an inground pool can vary over the course of the project. Pool construction is a complex process with many moving parts, and external factors can often impact the final price of your pool.
Material prices are some of the most common examples. They can shift unexpectedly due to market trends or supply chain disruptions. Materials from concrete to tile have varying prices that can impact your budget, especially during busy construction seasons. Recently, concerns over tariffs have only increased this uncertainty.
Design changes are another factor that can drive up prices after the initial contract signing. If you decide to make changes to the design in the middle of the project, whether adding a space or choosing to upgrade the finish, then that requires additional labor and materials. If you make a lot of changes, the cost can expand quickly.
There are certain unforeseen site conditions that contribute to higher costs. An initial quote may not take into account hidden problems such as large rock formations, unstable soil, or drainage issues. These require additional design work to resolve, along with additional materials and labor.
One of the main reasons you should work with a local Gulf Breeze builder is to avoid unexpected permit costs. Any standards or zoning requirements that weren’t accounted for from the start can increase the cost of the project. Instead of having to rework certain features, find a local builder who knows what you need from the start.
How Change Orders Work
If you do find yourself in a situation where the cost of an inground pool is going to change midway through the project, then a change order is required. This is a formal, written agreement that alters the original contract. Any changes in scope, materials, or timeline will require such an agreement between both parties.
You don’t want to rely on verbal agreements during such a potentially costly process. Instead, rely on change orders to ensure accountability. You can avoid any disputes caused by misunderstandings or overlooked details. Signing a change order confirms that all parties are aware of changes and have agreed to the new terms.
A common example of a change order is when the homeowner wants to go with different materials or add features partway through the project. However, they can also come on the part of the pool builder. Changes to materials due to shortages or increases in scope require a change order to lay out the new plan.
Ideally, you’ll want to have the pool company draft and agree to change orders as quickly as possible. This helps minimize disruption and avoids unnecessary delays to your timeline. Don’t wait until the next major project milestone, as this can allow the project to drift further off course and incur additional costs.
Steps to Ensure a Consistent Budget
Some factors are simply out of your control when you are building a pool. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of unnecessary changes to your project scope, timeline, and cost.
Step 1
When getting a quote, make sure that the pool company actually comes on-site to evaluate your property. This can identify potential issues such as soil instability and natural barriers that could require additional work. Having these factored into the cost from the start means no unexpected surprises later on.
Step 2
You should also lock in your materials as soon as possible. Delaying decisions on finishes and pool equipment can have your costs spiral out of control later in the project. There’s also a risk of supply chain issues making materials unavailable or more expensive if you wait too long.
Step 3
Every budget should include a contingency, whether for installing a pool or for any other type of construction project. Even the most carefully planned budget can have unexpected expenses. A margin of 5 to 15% is good for this type of project, giving you the necessary flexibility to address any unforeseen problems.
Step 4
Consistent communication with your pool builder is also essential. Having regular check-ins can prevent problems from getting out of hand without your attention. A dependable builder will give you regular project updates so you know about any changes or delays sooner rather than later.
Step 5
Of course, you should also thoroughly review your contract before signing. Take a close look at any clauses related to project scope and cost adjustments. If you believe there’s any issue, don’t hesitate to ask the pool builder for clarification.
Keeping Your Pool Project Predictable
Even in the best-case scenario, there is always a risk that the cost of an inground pool can change. Working with a trusted local pool builder can minimize that risk and keep your project on track. Start planning your new pool in Gulf Breeze and ensure lasting peace of mind by reaching out to the professionals at Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf.