Our Process
Our process begins with an onsite consultation with the homeowner that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the project and customer. This is an important part that we do not rush so we can make sure to meet all the customers’ needs. At this time, we will discuss what the customer’s wish list is, look at property conditions and constraints as well as discuss preliminary budgets. Ideally the customer has provided a survey at this point but if not, we will record any measurements needed for a base map to begin the initial design.
Our design process starts after the onsite consultation with the customer and focuses on how to best make the entire space function, flow, and work properly together with all the surroundings as well as complement with the proper landscape style. At this stage we are also designing the drainage, irrigation and outdoor lighting so we can give you a proper scope of what your project will cost from start to finish. For us it is more than just building a pool. We are building you a complete oasis.
We do not take a cookie cutter approach. We design each new pool, hardscape, and landscape specific to each unique property. The result is none of our pools are ever exactly alike. We use all the latest 3-D design software available to bring the project to life for you in the design process so you, the customer, can visualize our vision for your property. We also provide a full, to scale labeled paper copy of the plan.
Next, we will meet to go over the design and a very detailed proposal. This is where we are often very different than most pool builders. We do not give you a bottom-line number. We break down the project step by step, so you better understand how you are spending your hard-earned money. We are not only able to provide a detailed estimate for the pool but also for the complete scope of work for the entire project including additional hardscapes, complete drainage, landscaping, irrigation, lighting, and fence.
Once a design and proposal are agreed upon and contracts are signed the customer will have a project manager assigned to their project to guide them through everything needed to transform their backyard into a beautiful new oasis. This includes everything from picking all the materials to be used during construction to regular updates on progress and always being available to answer any questions and assist in any way possible. Dan Skelton Designs is one of the few pool builders with all the proper credentials and licenses to permit most all pools in the Northern Atlanta market ourselves in house. Once we have obtained all the proper permits a schedule will be created and updated regularly by your project manager to help you know what is coming next.
Payment schedule is an important aspect of any pool project that the customer needs to be careful with. Over the years we have heard some horror stories of very large deposits being required. At Dan Skelton Designs we require a small deposit, often under $10,000.00 and then there is a structured payment schedule based off completion of work so you the customer are always in control of the money.
Dan Skelton Designs excels in creating and building complex projects that include just about anything outside. Other than pools we also create custom landscapes, outdoor kitchens, patios, decks, and some of the most complex and beautiful waterfalls in the business. We would be honored to work with you and your family.