When we promote our work as one of the best fiberglass pool installation companies in Northeast Massachusetts, we tend to highlight workmanship. We mention that Stefano’s Landscaping only uses products from premium manufacturers, that we double and triple-check details, and that we can help you build an entire patio instead of just the pool.

Customers love all of that, of course, but we recently found out they are reaching out for another very specific reason as well. What hidden advantage does our company offer? Clear, project-based, all-in-one pricing.

We never used to think of that as being a big deal. I’ve always taken it as a given that you should tell someone upfront what it will cost to finish the work they are requesting. Not every fiberglass pool installer works that way, though. Not long ago, we got a reminder of what can happen when things aren’t so clear and transparent.

In today’s post I want to walk you through a situation that came up, along with some advice you can follow to avoid nasty surprises. Then, you can make sure you’re getting a quote you can count on for your fiberglass pool installation.

Let’s start with the messy and unfortunate part.

 

A Fiberglass Swimming Pool for Triple the Cost?

As I’ve mentioned, this post and topic were inspired by a meeting we had with a new customer. He had decided to have a fiberglass pool installed on his property and started collecting quotes. After a few calls he found a local provider who offered what he thought was a fantastic deal. Papers were signed, deposits were paid, and work was set to begin.

Just a few days into the job, the salesperson or homeowner had dealt with got in touch. It turned out there were some “extras” that hadn’t been accounted for in the original proposal. The new suggested price didn’t just climb, it more than tripled.

The homeowner was furious and canceled his order with the company. Then, he went looking for a new fiberglass pool installer to work with and found our website. We sent one of our project managers to inspect his property, make some suggestions, and get him a quote that would actually cover the job from start to finish. We didn’t know it at the time, but we ended up giving him a figure that was actually fairly close to his original proposal price.

The hardest part of the process, ironically, was showing him that our fee actually covered everything he expected – the pool itself, excavation and leveling for the site, and installing some patio upgrades like accessories. 

We took care to point out the issues that could potentially have added up to 10% to his price, which amounted to unforeseeable challenges with the soil. We couldn’t know about those until we started digging. He was satisfied with that, but still felt suspicious there might be unknown hidden costs we weren’t telling him about.

Eventually, the customer put his (understandable) worries to the side. We signed an agreement and got the job done. Now he’s happier than ever with his new pool… and was pleased to leave us a great review. He just wanted solid work and a realistic all-in-one quote.

 

The Dark Side of Pool Quotes

It’s a shame, but my project managers and I hear stories like the one I shared all the time. It begins when a homeowner decides to start gathering prices for a fiberglass pool installation. Contractors are eager to get the business and give fast quotes that only include the materials themselves.

By only giving prices for the pools themselves, the salespeople these companies employ are knowingly holding back. Even putting a fiberglass pool into the ground (without any patio around it) requires site preparation and excavation, not to mention a crane that can cost more than $2,000 per day. It’s not fair to mention these expenses as “extras” after a quote has been delivered.

Also, it’s never really the case that a homeowner wants a fiberglass swimming pool on its own. We almost always end up putting in slides, patios, and decking (as simple examples) at the same time. That’s because the pool is meant to be the centerpiece for enjoyment and relaxation, not just a wet hole in the ground.

All of this brings me to the most important takeaway for this whole topic.

 

Check and Double Check Fiberglass Pool Installation Quotes

If you are a homeowner who is thinking about investing in a fiberglass pool, then make sure the quotes you are getting are accurate and inclusive. Ask about common installation costs, even when a contractor doesn’t list them as “necessary.” Figure out whether the number you have been given includes extras and accessories. Most importantly, talk about the backyard you want to enjoy and get a figure that includes all required equipment and labor, including contingencies.

In a perfect world every patio installation company would be upfront about exactly what they expect to charge for a project. That’s how we do business, and it has served us well for a long time. But since you can’t always count on honesty it’s good to ask extra questions and talk to former customers about their experiences. Then you can know if what you’re planning to pay matches up with what your fiberglass pool installation company intends to charge you. 

The idea is to arrive at a firm figure before you sign any documents or pay a deposit. And if you can’t get to a realistic figure at the start of the project you need than strongly consider working with a different contractor. It’s much better to make the switch and work with someone who’s transparent before money changes hands.

 

Looking for a Fiberglass Pool Quote You Can Trust?

At Stefano’s Landscaping in Saugus, Massachusetts we have built a reputation as being one of the premier fiberglass pool installation companies in the Northeast. That’s not just because we do great work that holds up over time – it’s also because we treat our customers the way we would want to be treated. That starts with giving them realistic and competitive quotes for every project.

If you’re thinking of adding a pool or improving your patio then contact us today to schedule a free at-home visit. There’s no obligation and we will be happy to make sure you walk away with the answers and figures you need to make good decisions.