Getting your pool plastered is a considerable investment since you’d want long-lasting results that can stand the test of time. Therefore, it’s important to get in touch with the best in the business, who can deliver high-quality services within your budget. If you’re living in Northridge, California, you may have fewer options to choose from. Nevertheless, we’re confident you can find the right people for the job. You can also check out the best pool cleaner to get your pool thoroughly cleaned.
That said, not all Northridge pool plastering companies have skilled and experienced technicians on their payroll. To be honest, this is one big project that could make all the difference between a gorgeous pool and a backyard eyesore.
We understand your concern, and that’s why we have compiled a list of tips that you must look through before getting in touch with any Northridge pool plastering company.
Without further ado, let’s get down to business.
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Tips Before Hiring a Northridge Pool Plastering Company
1. Check Years in Business
This is undoubtedly the first checkpoint. We’ve all heard of stories where companies have ripped off customers, only to deliver unsatisfactory results. Pool plastering not only requires the right equipment but also entails skillful renovation work.
This is especially important if you’re looking to remove old plaster and conduct patchwork in certain parts of the pool. Therefore, make sure to find a pool contractor with considerable years of experience and a trustworthy list of references. Don’t be lured into low price offers and discounts, as more often than not, the companies that offer such schemes are sub-standard and inefficient.
2. Compare the Quotes
Talk to at least three Northridge pool plastering companies to understand the ongoing prices and the services available. If a company representative fails to give you specifics or does not pay heed to your goals and expectations, it straightaway becomes a red flag that you cannot ignore.
For any project to succeed, communication between the client and the contractor is a key factor. Every time you want to incorporate customizations, it adds to the base cost. For instance, other than the plastering, if you want to add water jets, LED lights, and other features, the expenses will naturally go up.
So, it’s best to get a quote that includes the cost of everything and with a proper breakdown of individual service charges. Get the quotes in writing, because any company that refuses to provide a written proposal may not come good on their side of the agreement.
After getting at least three proposals, you can compare the costs, not just based on the numbers but also on the type of equipment they’ll be using, warranty, etc.
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3. Understand the Payment Schedule
Usually, most Northridge pool plastering companies ask you to pay for the services in installments. You might be asked for an initial deposit amount before the beginning of the project, and then subsequent payments as and when they reach agreed-upon milestones. Your schedule may include these particulars:
- Deposit for dig/layout/reinforcement
- Tile, plaster, and repair work
- Gunite, fiberglass, or shotcrete
- Plumbing and equipment installation
- Final payment
While this is a basic payment structure, different companies have their own terms and conditions regarding payments. Nevertheless, you should never pay more than 50% of the total cost upfront.
We suggest paying either by a check or credit card. In case the contractor is unable to deliver, your bank can help you pursue reimbursement.
4. Verify Organizational Memberships, Licenses, and Certifications
As you may already know, licensing requirements for pool contractors vary from one state to another. Cross-check with the local and state mandates to ensure that the company is compliant. If a company defies regulations, it could imply that they’re looking to cut corners or finish work in a rush.
Even if licensing is not a prerequisite, in case a particular Northridge pool plastering company hires subcontractors for plumbing and electrical tasks, make sure to check their licensing status.
Other than that, you can also check organizational memberships, industry trade associations, and certifications. This way, you can ensure that the company operates within the legal framework.
5. Verify Insurance
As we said, pool plastering is an elaborate and sophisticated job that requires expertise and top-notch equipment. Even if someone claims to have years of experience, things can potentially go south in many ways.
Long story short, any reputable pool company is covered with property and personal damage liability insurance. In fact, the employees also have workers’ compensation insurance, in case someone gets hurt on the job. Don’t settle for mere verbal confirmation; request verification before signing a contract or paying a deposit.
6. Clients Beware
Avoid scams like the plague by watching out for the following:
- Prices that seem too good to be true – Scammers often quote unusually low prices and count on you to not read the fine print or look for hidden charges.
- Unverifiable physical address – Some companies use a fake address, while others may not list an address at all.
- Refusing to take a check – This is highly unlikely, but if a company refuses check payments, you should not even consider them in the first place.
Therefore, make sure to find a reliable Northridge pool plastering service provider who can back up their claims and deliver desirable results.
Final Words
If you follow all the rules in the book, the chances of you falling victim to a scam or unprofessional dealings reduce greatly. In that regard, our checklist will help you separate the amateurs from the top Northridge pool plastering companies.
On that note, we have come to the end of this guide, and we hope we could help you get in touch with the right professionals. However, before we take your leave, here’s a piece of advice. Figure out your budget and the type of ancillary services you need first, so you can convey the exact nature of the project. This way, you can ensure that your expectations are met.
