With the extreme heat waves that have blasted our region this summer, there's no question that many local residents have leapt at every opportunity to cool off in a refreshing pool belonging to a family member or neighbor. Undoubtedly, the thought has at least crept into their minds that having one on their own property would be a welcome addition for their own enjoyment and for guests as well.

Believe it or not, now is the time to get the process going to ensure a full summer of entertainment next year, whether it's relaxing poolside with a cocktail or watching the kids splash around.

"We are still accepting pools for this year, but even if you want it for next summer, start the process now," says Nick Erman, the co-owner of Evergreen Pros. "It's beneficial for several reasons, No. 1 because it's first come, first served. It also takes time to get all the permits, and some towns now require a variance, which can take two to three months. Planning now is absolutely the best route to go. If you're thinking about it, then sit with us and we can start designing it and getting the permit approval."

That kind of foresight is just one reason to work with Evergreen, a company that thrives on being truly comprehensive backyard experts and walking with the client every step of the way from design conception to site cleanup, all performed by its own hand-picked team. When it comes time to conceptualize a project, Evergreen uses SketchUp, a 3D modeling software that allows its design team to create and manipulate designs of pools, outdoor kitchens, paver patios and much more.

"No one wants to be calling 10 different contractors so, whether we're putting in a pool, patio, kitchen, irrigation, all the way down to planting the sod, it's a one-stop shop," Erman explains. "From the irrigation and the pavers to the shrubs, you're dealing with one person, the main project manager, through the entire project."

Evergreen can even handle amenities like firepits and water features along with the landscaping and fencing. And if all of that is not in a homeowner's budget right away, they are happy to work in phases over several years to make it more affordable.

The ability to trust one contractor was the appeal for one recent customer who came close to hiring a company that only focused on the pool.

"A local pool company told him he was going to have to GC (general contract) his project," Erman says. "They weren't offering him any help with the pavers, the concrete or the landscaping. He decided to go with us instead because we do the entire backyard. Someone who is working a 9-to-5 job doesn't have time to GC their entire project. We can control everything for them, and they can just sit back and watch it progress."

It's not just convenience and streamlined communication that the Evergreen team offers by being total backyard experts, though: It's harmonious, thoughtful design and far-ranging expertise, too.

And while Erman is proud of the talent comprising Evergreen's team, they never rest on their laurels. A constantly-changing industry that's always touting new trends and technology means that ongoing education is critical.

"Our guys are trained every year through certifications," he affirms, noting accomplishments like Evergreen being named an Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute-certified paver installer. "We're very much up on today's building techniques with installing pavers, pools and porcelain, all the way to building fireplaces and firepits and everything else. That continuing education for our workers makes sure they're at today's level with their installation techniques."

An education-first approach extends to Evergreen's clients, too. A new state-of-the-art showroom that opened last year features various samples of pavers from top brands like Techo-Blok, Cambridge and Belgard, as well Italian Porcelain Pavers from International Porcelain Company. Visitors can also see outdoor grill islands, firepits, sitting walls and much more on display. The team can also detail the advantages of fiberglass pools, such as durability and less maintenance.

"We're very big on educating our customers," says Erman. "Not only do we educate them on the pools themselves and why they should choose fiberglass, but we educate them on what this body of water needs to be taken care of, including the chemistry involved."

After all, being at the top of their game means nothing without earning clients' trust, which Erman, who spent 27 years in law enforcement, knows all too well.

"There's a loyalty and a trust factor: People know they can get scammed by contractors, so we tell them right upfront that we're prior law enforcement, all we know is trust, honesty and integrity," he says. "People don't give us access to their homes because we're contractors, they're giving us that access because they can trust us."

For the Evergreen team, customer service that dazzles is all part of delivering the "Wow!" factor they strive for with every job.

"If the client isn't satisfied, I'm not satisfied," says Erman. "We want the husband and wife to both have tears in their eyes because they're so happy. It has to be everything they've ever dreamed of."

Evergreen Pros
Cologne, N.J.
(609) 214-8552
EvergreenPros.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 8 (July 2024)
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