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Swimming pools are very popular in Phoenix, AZ, thanks to the arid climate. At the end of the day, it’s nice to have a backyard oasis to relax and cool off. It also makes a great focal point of your backyard and gives you space to entertain friends and family when they come over. There’s nothing more relaxing than hanging out poolside with your manicured yard serving as a beautiful landscape.
Since it tends to fall in line with landscaping, it begs the question: when shopping for pool builders in Phoenix, AZ, is it better to go with a specialty company or to find one that offers multiple services in one?
Conventional wisdom might say, hire a company that specializes in pools, that’s all they do, they’re the experts, they have more experience, etc. There is some merit to that thinking.
On the other hand, you might think, if you hire the same company to do your pool and landscaping, you’ll get a better deal because you’re buying everything from the same company. That could also be true.
At Straight Line, we look at it from the overall experience of the homeowner and the desired outcome: quality work, finishing on schedule, and on budget with minimal inconvenience. As a landscape contractor in Phoenix for over 15 years, we’ve seen it done in different ways, with mixed results. In our experience, here are the things you should consider as a homeowner looking to hire a landscape and pool company.
It can be tempting to go with a company that specializes in pools, because who better to install yours than an expert? The truth is, an inground pool is just one part of your backyard. Once that’s installed, you’ll need to landscape the surrounding area. The problem is, if you work with two different companies, you might not get the overall look you’re going for.
That’s why it’s important to choose a landscaping company that works hand-in-hand with pool contractors in AZ as well. For example, Straight Line Landscaping works with reputable companies in the area that follow specific plans so the end result is exactly what you’re looking for.
Additionally, there tend to be beneficial cost savings when you work with a landscaping company to create your entire backyard. A separate pool company in Phoenix, AZ is also going to protect their interest, which means they are usually going to build it at a higher elevation. When the landscape contractor comes in afterward, they’re going to have to build everything else around the custom pool high as well, an extra cost to the homeowner.
When you hire a landscaping company, there’s also no need to hire out extra work like electricity or gas lines to go around the pool, because your in-depth plan will include all of these components.
Quality is important when choosing a landscaping and pool company. But how can you tell — other than price (which is not a be-all, end-all for quality) — if a company offers quality over quantity? There are a few steps you must take:
In-depth research is necessary. Don’t rely on customer reviews alone, which can be bought and paid for. Instead, look at formal complaints with authorities.
What are the complaints to look for? Most revolve around contractors walking away with money and/or doing shoddy work or failing to complete the task as previously contracted.
One of the best places to start with research is to look at prior work a company has done. Take those that have passed the “complaints” step and dive deeper.
A portfolio is a landscaping company’s business card. It gives you an idea of the quality, style, and materials they’re capable of working with. You can take these galleries and use this to further develop your design ideas for Straight Line to put into action.
One of the greatest testaments to a company’s capability and success is the referral of prior customers. If you know someone who had their landscaping done and you’re in love with the end result, ask them who they used and what the process was like.
Another great source is to use a third-party website or authority that lists companies and unbiased reviews. Angie’s List is one such resource. Customers have to join to use the site and and as such, are likely to leave more honest reviews.
Most times, price is at the forefront of a project, and for good reason. However, it shouldn’t be the only consideration — there are others to keep in mind.
One thing to observe is how involved is the design process? The more involved, the more likely you’ll get exactly what you want when it comes to your landscape and pool project. Speak with the company about its processes before you ever sign a contract. It’s important to know that your thoughts and ideas are taken seriously and it should be laid out in a rendering, at the very least, before any work is slated to begin.
Straight Line has a very intricate design process. There are a number of steps before work even starts, so the outcome fulfills the customer desires.
You’ll also want to at least meet the team you’ll be working with. It’s important that you mesh because it makes the process smoother and contributes to a good experience. Our team is outstanding and experts in all they do.
As a homeowner in the middle of a landscape or pool project, you want to be communicating with one person who is in charge of the project. There are often questions, sometimes problems, and always communication that happens throughout the project. You don’t want to be the middleman between the pool and landscape companies.
Hiring one company you’ll have the advantage of having one person in charge of the entire project, one person to call and no passing the buck.
Look at the competitor work versus SLL work. Notice the details, where others fail (intricate detail/garden/plant work), SLL fills in for a complete back or front yard. [link to full landscape projects page here]
Many companies cut corners by using less than stellar materials. SLL does not. Quality is first and foremost.
When you’re investing in your landscape, especially one that involves pool construction you should expect consistent quality of materials and craftsmanship throughout your project. When you hire two separate companies, this can become a problem.
For example, a separate swimming pool builder will often subcontract coping and masonry work around the pool. The landscape company coming in afterward will need to then match both the materials used and the quality of craftsmanship.
If the pool company hires a second-rate mason, the work your landscape contractor does is going to make the pool guy’s work look bad. Likewise, if they use poor quality coping, you’ll be forced to sacrifice the quality of your decking — or see different materials in the final product.
When you’re investing in a pool build and landscape, you don’t want to see a difference.
At Straight Line Landscape, we’ve worked with the best pool builders in Phoenix, AZ, and we’re very particular with who we bring to our clients’ homes. Our preferred builder is Legacy Pools, who we have a great working relationship. That means open communication, clear expectations, and understanding our quality standard.
Think of it this way: we’ve vetted a lot of pool contractors in Phoenix, AZ, so you don’t have to. What you know is that you’ll get the Straight Line quality standard and you won’t have to worry about whether your pool design is going to work with the rest of your landscape — or if your pool guy will hang you out to dry.
"The primary source of our business has been organic referrals — from the neighbors and friends of our customers who see the quality."
Start by asking for a quote, then we'll coordinate a time to meet at your property.