Avoid building mistakes with good communication, planning

Building a custom, in-ground residential pool and spa is a major construction venture. With more than 18 years of experience designing and constructing pools and spas in the Las Vegas community, I have come to realize that some homeowners make the process even more complicated than it need be.

Here are the most frequent mistakes I see homeowners make in building a pool and spa.

1. Owner building a pool and not following the guidelines as outlined by the Nevada State Contractors Board. Homeowners have the right to build their own pools or spas. However there are additional liabilities, obligations and requirements the homeowner must follow when he or she selects to go this route.

The NSCB does require homeowners to submit and comply with an owner-builder affidavit of exemption when constructing their own pools. Forms are available at the Web site, www.nvcontractors board.com under consumer information.

2. Using an unlicensed contractor. Homeowners who choose to work with any contractor that does not have a valid contractors license is definitely looking for trouble. The homeowner will not have any recourse if problems arise either during the construction or years down the road. The “friend-of-a-friend who does it on the side” scenario is not the way to proceed with any construction project, much less an in-ground pool or spa.

3. Insufficient timeline. Not allotting a sufficient timeline to build the pool to enjoy it for the summer swim season can become a major disappointment for the entire family. Construction is not a race!

Allow 10 to 16 weeks to complete the pool project depending on the complexity of the design. Allot two to four weeks for research, design and permitting and eight to 12 weeks for construction. Therefore, if you wish to swim in May, you need to begin the process in February.

4. Planning a major event around the completion of the pool and landscaping. Major construction always has an element of the unknown when it comes to time lines. Any number of scenarios can delay a project including weather. Mother Nature cannot be controlled by anyone and is a constant cause of construction delays. There are numerous phases of construction that cannot occur during high winds, heavy downpours or freezing temperatures.

Therefore, planning a major backyard activity such as a wedding, significant soiree or fundraiser on a tight schedule may not be the best course of action. This will only create additional stress and pressure between the contractor, landscaper, homeowner and event planner.

5. Not designing the entire pool and yard at the same time. Even if the budget does not allow the installation of a dream backyard immediately, planning ahead can save time and expenses. Stubbing gas and electrical lines for future installation of barbecues, fireplaces, lighting and entertainment areas may save homeowners from ripping out walkways, decking and landscaping at a later date.

6. Not obtaining referrals. Going with a builder simply on the basis of price and not obtaining any qualified referrals about the builder is an unwise consumer decision. A qualified referral can come from any number of resources: friends, family, business associates, home builders, architects, Realtors and professional organizations.

Other excellent resources of valid information about pool builders can be obtained from the Nevada State Contractors Board, the state regulatory agency tasked with overseeing construction related activities, and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (www.theapsp.org), the pool and spa industry’s professional trade association.

7. Getting too many bids. While comparison shopping is a good practice and highly recommended, one can become overloaded with information. Narrow the selection to a few qualified builders and make a comparison chart itemizing the different options and costs associated with each amenity.

Furthermore, do not disregard your instincts. If you feel confident about a builder, go with that instinct. This usually means that you are communicating well and that is an important factor in achieving your goal.

8. Allowing kids and pets into the job site. Remember this is a major construction site; the safety of children and pets should be in the forefront of the homeowner’s mind.

Homeowners should provide alternative areas in the yard for play and dog runs throughout the entire process. Unauthorized activity around the construction site may also cause damage to open trenches, elevation levels, rocks, tiles and piping, incurring further costs to the homeowner for repairs.

In addition, many construction companies have a policy whereby their employees do not enter a yard if dogs (especially large canines) are not fenced in or on a leash. Again, this will cause additional delays in the construction timeline.

9. Unrealistic budgets. Anticipating a pool and spa with all the bells and whistles on a limited, tight budget is not realistic. Don’t be afraid to share your budget with a designer. A competent designer will attempt to merge your wish list with your budget within reason.

10. Flawed designs. Some homeowners attempt to put too many amenities on or around their pools and spas. Not all designs or yards can accommodate water features, fire elements, swim-up bars and slides.

Some of the simplest designs I have created are among the most admired. People remark at how perfectly the pool appears in the yard. Yet there were no giant waterfalls, fountains or other dramatic amenities. What made them appealing was symmetry. The designs were architecturally correct, meaning that the lines of the pools flowed with the surrounding architecture. The pools also were aesthetically pleasing, indicating that the colors and textures work in harmony.

In addition, design incorporates the proper use of space, allowing for other features in the backyard to co-exist. One of the most desired pool designs today is the negative edge or infinity pool. However, building this style of pool in a flat lot surrounded by brick walls would be a design faux pas.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you and your builder design the pool best suited for your lifestyle, budget and yard in a timely and efficient manner.

Joe Vassallo is the president of Paragon Pools, a certified building professional and on the boards of the local, regional and national Association of Pool and Spa Professionals organizations. Send questions or suggestions for column ideas regarding pools and spas to him at jvassallo@paragonpools.net or 251-0500.