Building a swimming pool in the backyard represents one of the most financially substantial home improvement projects. Meticulous planning includes choosing the right general contractor to manage the project. Despite your intensive research, the general contractor chosen for the project makes several mistakes that force you to take action to remedy the many issues surrounding the failed project.
How you handle a poorly constructed swimming pool involves taking several steps, including getting legal support from an experienced construction attorney.
Work with an Experienced Construction Attorney
A construction lawyer provides you with legal support and resources to persuade the general contractor to implement measures to fix the issues that define a poorly constructed swimming pool. Unlike a Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing that includes feedback, a general contractor cannot refuse to be a part of a civil lawsuit that seeks monetary damages. Simply the possibility of facing a civil lawsuit might persuade the general contractor to work with you in resolving the legal conflict.
Refer to the Contract
All roads that lead to a poorly constructed swimming pool start with the contract you sign with the general contractor. If the swimming pool construction project deviates from the terms and conditions of the business contract, you might have a strong enough case to take legal action. To ensure you receive legal protections, consult with a construction lawyer to determine whether the contract you are about to sign with a general contractor follows the standard legal principles covered by business and commercial law.
Be Flexible
Not every swimming pool construction issue concerns the design and building of the home improvement amenity. A home construction dispute might involve timing, as the general contractor falls behind on the schedule agreed to by both parties. Falling behind the construction schedule should not be a reason for you to take legal action. Work with the general contractor to amend the schedule outlined in the construction contract.
Turn Off the Money Spigot
One of the most important clauses written into the contract for a home improvement contract is defining how and when a general contractor gets paid. Adding a provision into the home improvement contract that establishes what the contractor needs to accomplish to meet each milestone can prevent the type of construction issues that derail a swimming pool construction project. One effective strategy links milestone payments to the terms created with a home improvement loan.
Responsive Communication
Keeping communication channels open with a general contractor informs you of any potential issues that arise during the construction of a swimming pool. Before you sign off on the construction contract, establish how often you should receive project updates, as well as your preferred method of communication. You can opt for receiving daily emails or meeting once a week with the manager of your home improvement project.