Miami’s large pool construction market creates a breeding ground for fraud and unreliable contractors. These bad actors can take your money upfront, do shoddy or incomplete work, and leave you with a financial and aquatic nightmare. But fear not! Here’s how to ensure your pool contractor is the real deal:
· First, check for a valid license. Every Miami pool contractor must have one, and the qualifier, (the person with the actual license), should be readily identified. Ensure that the business you are contracting with is legally qualified by the license holder. You can search the business name and its qualifier with ease using these links:
o https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp?mode=0&SID+
o https://wwwx.miamidade.gov/Apps/RER/BCCOContractorMenu
· Look for a Google Business profile with positive reviews and testimonials – a legitimate company will actively cultivate customer satisfaction. Also, make sure the business has a legitimate location and phone number at which you can reach them, posted to their Google Business profile. Many unscrupulous contractors will use P.O. boxes, illegitimate addresses, and spoofed phone numbers in order to avoid being tracked/found when problems arise.
· Finally, verify they hold BOTH general liability and worker’s compensation insurance policies written directly to the business name, and confirm they’re current by calling or emailing the insurer with the policy number. Many contractors have what is called a “workers compensation exemption certificate” which exempts Owners of the company from having insurance on themselves. However, if there are any employees of the company who are not Owners, they must by law carry workers compensation. Additionally, if the contractor uses any subcontractors (very normal in the construction industry), all of them must carry both a current general liability policy and workers’ compensation policy.
Remember, as the saying goes, “low prices are low for a reason. Rarely are you getting a deal.” Do not hesitate to ask for this information up front, as it is all standard practice. Any legitimate contractor should be able to provide it to you immediately and take no offense in doing so. By prioritizing these factors, you’ll be well on your way to a sparkling pool built by a reputable contractor.