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Look beneath the surface when searching for a qualified builder of tennis courts or tracks. A tennis court is not a parking lot. A running track is not a street. These statements should be so obvious as to not even warrant mention. But, evidently, they’re not obvious to many people embarking on new facility construction. Too many instances occur of tracks and courts being built that don’t meet the recommended specifications for their construction. Why? To anyone unfamiliar with the nuances of court or track construction, they seem simple to build. However, these are surfaces designed for specific activities and for competition at specific levels, and are thus expected to conform to certain standards regarding size, slope, marking and equipment. A specialty contractor – a person with expertise in the construction of courts and tracks – will have the knowledge to make the process a success. There’s no magic formula for finding the right contractor. You must simply be diligent in your research, and ask the right questions. While what follows will apply to finding any type of contractor – use the same basic method to hire a qualified tennis court contractor as you would to hire a contractor for your home – it is especially vital in a corner of the industry in which anyone owning paving equipment will claim to be qualified.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n#1. ASK AROUND.<\/h3>\nColleagues who have built or renovated a tennis court <\/a>could be your best source of information. Seek out someone who has a facility similar in scope to the one you are planning, and come prepared with a list of questions. Was your contact happy with the completed project? Did the contractor deliver the project on time and as promised? Were there any unforeseen delays, complications or hidden costs? Did the contractor return calls promptly? After the project was completed, was the contractor available to answer questions and attend to punch-list items? Would your contact recommend this contractor, based on his or her experience? “Word of mouth seems to work well for gathering information regarding the specialty tennis construction industry,” says Lee Murray of Competition Athletic Surfaces Inc. in Chattanooga, Tenn. “Coaches, athletic directors and facility managers all have professional peer groups they can tap for recommendations.” Many people are proud of their new facility, but perhaps not always 100 percent satisfied with the service they got after it was finished. Therefore, don’t just ask the advice of owners or managers of new courts; approach people whose facility has been around for a few years. Find out whether they’ve stayed in touch with their contractor for seasonal maintenance, regular repairs or resurfacing. Has the contractor been responsive to their needs? Has the facility held up well? No facility stays new forever, but a good relationship with someone who provides quality workmanship will go a long way toward keeping a facility performing at its best for years to come.\n\n<\/div>\n