Looking around at fiberglass pool installation quotes? You might notice that patio contractors will often give you a range, or a specific price with a small degree of flexibility. That little bit of uncertainty can make homeowners feel understandably nervous.

I’m often asked why it is that a fiberglass pool installer can’t just give a simple, rock-solid price that covers everything. There are three honest answers to that question:

  •     First, we could quote one price, but it would probably be higher than is usually necessary
  •     Second, there are some things that can come up during an installation that cost more and can’t really be perfectly predicted
  •     And third, there are some contractors who use that as an excuse to quote low, unrealistic prices and then add on all kinds of charges

In today’s post I want to explain why it’s so hard to give a single quote that is guaranteed to stay constant. Then I’ll show you why that’s not something you should normally worry about. And finally, I’ll share an important tip that can help you avoid being overcharged. 

Let’s start with the hardest part of the process.

Why Fiberglass Pool Prices Can Change
It can be frustrating to ask for a price for your landscaping project and receive a less-than-specific answer. But at the same time, it can be difficult to give a quote that accounts for every penny because there are some things your contractor won’t know at the start.

There are two big unknowns in particular that matter. The first is how likely you are to change your mind, or your plans, once work begins.

Most homeowners don’t realize how common it is for small changes and upgrades to snowball. We might begin with a design brief that includes a fiberglass pool, a deck, and a few accessories like umbrellas and chairs. But once excavation begins and the customer starts thinking about all the things they could do with their new back yard, they include walls, structures, and outdoor kitchens. These sorts of upgrades increase the price as we go.

The other most common obstacle is a literal obstacle. By that I mean that a patio contractor starts excavating the ground and runs into large amounts of stone, excess dirt, unstable ground, new drainage requirements, or very heavy tree roots. Suddenly we need to bring in more equipment or manpower that wasn’t expected. 

The hard part about these two kinds of setbacks is that they are so difficult to predict. We can’t tell what’s in a customer’s mind, and don’t always have the ability to evaluate a plot in a way that will tell us what sits several feet underground. 

Other smaller cost issues might have to do with getting access to a property, working with utility companies, or applying for additional permits because the plan has changed. These don’t normally amount to large expenses, but they do all add up over time. 

Does it seem like there is a lot of bad news and unpredictability in the pool installation process? Don’t worry, I have some good news to balance things out. 

How to Keep Fiberglass Pool Installation Costs Under Control
The possible cost adjustments I’ve just laid out are all legitimate. And they can appear to come out of nowhere. But that’s hardly ever the case.

When it comes to customers changing their minds, a good fiberglass pool installer will ask lots of questions, and show lots of photos and ideas, before they give a final quote. That doesn’t guarantee a customer won’t change their mind on a major feature, but it does make it less likely. After all, if they’ve seen their options from the start they can make better choices. That means fewer mid-project adjustments to plans and budgets.

The same can be said for site preparation. Often, when fiberglass pool installers and patio renovation teams are surprised by obstacles, it’s because they don’t have a great amount of experience. They simply haven’t seen as many local properties. 

For example, we usually know what we’re up against when we visit a homeowner in our area of Massachusetts. After two decades of work, we’ve come across just about every type of soil, root, and stone you could think of.

Don’t get me wrong: there are still times when we encounter something unusual. For instance, we recently completed an excavation that was held up by the existence of a previously hidden bomb shelter in a customer’s back yard. There is always a potential for surprise. 

In general, though, a bit of planning and foresight will remove the unknown from a pool installation project. We ask lots of questions, talk to customers a bit longer, and spend extra time on surveys. Then we account for a few more man and equipment hours than we think we’ll need. 

We also talk our customers through specific scenarios so they know exactly what kinds of costs will come up if and when there are setbacks. That way no one is surprised. 

We do all of these things because we have completed enough patio renovation and fiberglass pool installation projects to understand the kind of difference they make. That’s really the point. The best way to avoid unexpected cost overruns is to work with a seasoned and trustworthy team that can give you a very good estimate from the start, along with small variations of what to expect if and when the plan changes.

Looking for a Fiberglass Pool Installer You Can Trust?
The easiest way to avoid delays and cost overruns with your fiberglass pool installation project is to work with a contractor who knows the business, knows the area, and tells the truth. At Stefano’s Landscaping in Saugus, MA we check all three boxes… and have 20+ years’ worth of customer success stories to back it up.

If you’re thinking about having a fiberglass pool installed on your property and want great insights and clear pricing, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at your home. We will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a no-obligation quote.