A question that comes up much more than many people realize, the debate as to whether to purchase a home with an existing pool or install a new one after moving in presents many dilemmas. Whether it’s cost, finding the best spot to locate a new pool or other issues, it is a question that should not be taken lightly. If you are currently facing this question in your homebuying quest, keep these points in mind. Additionally, share this article with whomever you are making this decision with as well so you both are on the same page.
A More Affordable House
Though homes with pools are typically more expensive than that of a house without a pool, the cost of installing a home is typically more expensive than the extra money you’ll likely be paying if you install it later. Since pools are just like a roof, appliances, and other things in that they depreciate in value over time, you should be able to use this to your advantage when negotiating a purchase price. However, remember that once you get a pool that has some years on it, you will need to give it some TLC and eventually replace it, which could be a bigger expense than you desire. With that in mind, buying a home with a pool that needs repairs may be more expensive than just installing one.
Get a Pool Inspection
When you are working with the best realtor in your area and discussing the home specifications, you can work with the realtor to arrange for an inspection for your property as well as the pool. By doing so, this inspector can look at the pool’s condition, age, decking, pump, electrical systems, and other components to determine how much life it has left. If the pool is in bad shape, you may want to reconsider.
Shop Around When Adding a Pool
If you decide to buy a home and install a new pool soon after you take ownership, you should make it a priority to shop around and get multiple quotes from several pool contractors. Should you have your heart set on a new in-ground pool, this can be a very expensive home improvement project. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from as little as $10,000 to as much as $50,000 or more for a new in-ground pool.
New Construction Homes
If you choose to purchase a new construction home that is just starting to be built, you can save thousands of dollars with the excavation of a pool. Since everything will be built at the same time, you can work with the developer to have the pool constructed exactly to your specifications. After all, since the developer is digging a hole for your new house, digging one for a pool is easy to include as part of the project.
By deciding early on which path you will take to getting a home with a pool, you’ll avoid making mistakes that could cost you thousands of dollars.
