It's happened before - homeowners spending a large amount of money and time constructing a custom home and then choosing a pool contractor without enough preparation and research. Many prospective pool buyers select builders based on first impressions and cost assessments from salespeople without construction backgrounds. Reece Jackson, owner of Austin Waterscape Design, says this can be a costly decision and inadequate planning could result in cut corners and lower quality.

Jackson provides this analogy: "You wouldn't buy a house solely based on an overhead view of a floor plan, and you shouldn't select a pool builder based on an overhead birds-eye view. There's more to be considered."

Homeowners should approach the process with strategic planning to avoid common pitfalls. "It's about changing the homeowner's mentality in purchasing a pool," he says. Implement Your Personal Style Pools aren't one-size-fits-all and should be as unique as the individual homeowner. Custom tiles, natural stones, and other materials blend seamlessly with home design. Water features shouldn't create imbalance but should blend together with other elements to unify the project,
creating soothing sounds and project symmetry for a total sensory experience. The collective scene becomes an oasis of solitude and luxury that always feels new and exciting.

Jackson creates one-of-a-kind pieces of art that capture the ome's essence. "I conduct short, informal interviews with clients to determine architectural style, taste and functionality requirements to create a personalized design that pushes the bar way past ordinary," says Jackson.

Jackson designed Jim and Kathy Field's pool, inspired by a creek on their property. With a mix of natural stones and boulders, more than 15 different fountains and multiple tiers, the pool mimicked the natural flow of water. He also included a centrally located walk-up bar with stools.

"Reece had the uncanny ability to ‘get inside our heads' to design a unique pool perfectly suited to our needs," says Jim Field.

Don't "Car Shop"

It's easy to get swept up in a sales pitch, accepting "a deal" without understanding what is entailed. In most cases, sales personnel's only training is in closing the sale. Some tell customers what they want to hear but the rhetoric has no real impact on project results. Though the design looks good and meets size requirements, function, and price, there's no guarantee regarding minimum construction
standards, thus creating too much ambiguity in the agreement. This is especially important in Texas where no licensing is required for pool builders.

It's imperative homeowners complete construction bid plans or have basic structural standards for pool construction. A cosmetic review, electrical plans, plumbing review and sizing can ensure prospective buyers "apples to apples" bidding and protect themselves in the long run.

"I provide one-stop-shop convenience with my design, construction and engineering background. My comprehensive bid plans provide client understanding and education for discussing construction methods with the contractor," says Jackson. "I don't build pools to last six months - I build them to last 100 years. "Reece was hands-on on site everyday," says Field. "His expertise and imagination made our pool a personal paradise."

Beware of Blind Faith

Follow specific guidelines to thoroughly investigate potential builders before setting an appointment instead of blindly trusting builders because an acquaintance liked their work or they won an industry design award. Such naiveté could lead to unsatisfactory results, and this is an unnecessary risk. Perform due diligence, questioning potential builders about business history, qualifications and references, including:

• Letters of good-standing from suppliers and main subcontractors
• Release of lien
• Previous bankruptcy
• Referrals
• Certificate of liability insurance
• Established pay schedule
• Warranty

"These are significant indicators whether the builder is a legitimate option and can help you narrow down the choices," says Jackson.

Create your unique oasis today. Call Austin Waterscape Design at
512-401-8800 or go online to www.austinwaterscapes.com.