3 Crucial Steps to Select the Best Pool Builder in Orange County California

In actuality you can use these same steps to choose the best pool builder for your project in any location.

You can also use these steps for any major home construction project where you will use a professional builder. The initial step is to take the time to understand how the builder works.

  • What “systems” or process does the builder use to understand what you want.
  • How much of the work, what jobs, does the builder normally do and what jobs are sub-contracted.
  • How does the builder manage the project and job site to ensure safety, security, the provide for the least disruption to you and timely completion of the project.
  • How often is the builder or his project manager actually on the job or project site.

Go see their completed projects that are similar in features, scope and project cost to yours.

  • View at least three, more, even eight to ten if you can.
  • Know how long each project you visit and inspect has been completed and used.
  • When you are inspecting the project look not only at the appearance, but more importantly how is it ageing.
  • Are there any cracks, are the patios still level and aligned?
  • Are the tiles all tight against each other and still sealed.
  • Does the brick or stucco work still look good.
  • As for outdoor kitchens check the installation of the counters and cabinets and appliances.

In short be as complete and use a “critical” eye, like you were doing an inspection of a project you were paying for. Take your time, don’t talk just look closely. Make a list of observations and/or questions as you are inspecting each project. Remember you may be having this pool builder creating a similar pool for you. Now you can talk to the owner of each of the projects you inspected. Without the builder, just you and the owner. The most important questions;

  • If you had this project to do over, would you choose the same builder?
  • If you were to do the same project again, what would you change or do differently?

After those, then ask the detail questions resulting from your inspection. Keep notes as to the answers, those answers could significantly influence your choice of builder as well as the design and feature elements of your project.

The process above may seem cold and analytic, but you will be spending a substantial amount of time and money on your project. Plus living with it for many years. Shouldn’t the process be as objective as possible while assuring that you can also learn what is working best?

Four Reasons Why You Should Choose a Custom Pool, Backyard and Landscape

Whether you want to build your family’s dream pool and backyard or just want to improve the value of your property, custom swimming pool and yard design is the way to go. Pools are a great addition to any backyard, especially if you frequently host gatherings for family or friends.   Aside from their potential entertainment value, pools can also significantly improve your landscaping and overall visual appeal. While stock options can be good enough for some neighborhoods, increasingly in Orange County with our unique home sites, topography and residential design it requires a custom pool to get the most out of the space available. Something only a true total custom design and build can provide. Custom pools are often considered a much better investment than stock designs. This is primarily because they are better able to suit the homeowner’s particular needs by considering all the relevant factors, such as the amount of free space available, estimated number of regular users, and, of course, the homeowner’s design preference.

Here are four strong reasons to choose a custom pool:

  1. Custom pools let you take full control of your project. You’ll be able to choose whatever shape, size, and design you want for your backyard. Just imagine the possibilities. You can have your pool shaped as a dolphin, palm tree, guitar or whatnot. You could even install various water features like a slide, diving board, and waterfall.
  2. You can overcome landscaping issues and lot shapes. Don’t let the terrain beat you into submission. By opting for a custom pool, you’ll be able to design a feature that can easily adapt to the particular terrain you live in. You can build on flat or sloped ground, take twists and turns, or fit the entire pool in a very tight area.
  3. You’ll be able to supervise the pool and backyard construction and landscape process. Your ability to customize doesn’t stop with the pool itself.As you see the construction process take place you can be involved in the many details that will make it, when finished, just what you want.
  4. You’ll also be able to choose the contractor that you want to work with. Do note that your choice of contractor can make or break your project. So, it’s highly recommended that you choose carefully. Though you may need to consider several factors, the contractor’s level of skill and length of experience should be prioritized. Experienced, highly skilled contractors, like Dreamscapes by M.G.R. of Orange County may cost a bit more, but you’ll definitely get more than your money’s worth with a high quality custom pool designed for your family and home.

Call us or send us an idea of your project today!

Thinking About Solar for Your Orange County Swimming Pool

Have you been toying with the idea of installing a solar pool heating system to your Orange County swimming pool? It’s not just about solar panels, anymore. Technology has created great advances in solar power, and you may be surprised by how easily alternative energy sources can be added to your Orange County swimming pool.

Depending on your situation, installing a solar swimming pool system may greatly reduce the cost of heating your pool. Upgrades come in a variety of solutions, from installing a series of solar collectors to putting in an energy efficient heater or possibly a swimming pool cover, but the end result is a lower swimming pool heating bill and an extended swimming season, which is something ALL Orange County pool owners can appreciate.

Depending on your area and the amount of sunlight hours your Orange County swimming pool receives, you could probably save enough for a complete pool remodel (not really, that was just to make sure you were paying attention). However, you would see a marked savings immediately since the heat is free once your system is installed and pay for the system within 3-4 years, based on a six month cycle of use.

Dreamscapes by M.G.R. offers a variety of systems to control your solar pool temperature to the degree you desire. As a licensed swimming pool contractor, we can outline options to help you as you strive to save money and the environment. If you are an existing Dreamscapes customer, we can help you upgrade your systems to solar, as well. Give us a call at 800.446.1281 to see how you can be more energy efficient while still maintaining beauty in your Orange County landscaping!