Recreational amenities are turning into a hot commodity here in Arizona. Residents are constantly looking for pickleball courts, upgraded playgrounds, outdoor structures, and more. Whether it’s multifamily housing or a senior living facility, recreational amenities play a vital role in building stronger communities.
The amenities you offer can help increase rent and attract residents. However, if they are not installed properly, there could be many issues. Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to liability issues, unshaded equipment, heat and UV exposure, and even poorly engineered shades that can fly off during the first monsoon. There are many risks that come with hiring the wrong contractor; therefore, it’s critical that you vet to find the right one to protect yourself and the safety of those who use it.
Check their credentials
Too many communities spend thousands of dollars replacing amenities that were installed incorrectly the first time. Before you hire anyone, verify their licenses, insurance, and experience. Installers should have a commercial license for public parks and commercial spaces and a general residential license for background installations.
To protect yourself from liability and property damage, your contractor should carry workers’ compensation. This is required by state law for any contractor that has one or more employees. It absorbs the cost of any potential injuries while the amenity is being installed. This helps you avoid personal injury lawsuits, regulatory fines, and medical liability.
Commercial auto liability is critical because it covers any company vehicles used on your property. Commercial General Liability is also important because it covers any property damage or third-party injuries that happen during the installation process.
You can check the company’s licensing with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors.
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Pick a company you can partner with long-term
Many people think these installations are a one-and-done project, but the truth is that anything can happen. A court can crack, something may need repainting, or a piece of playground equipment may break.
Don’t just choose the lowest bidder. You want to work with a company that offers a warranty and lets you call when issues arise. Don’t go with somebody who’s in town doing contract work for a brief period of time, or hire an out-of-state company for a project. Look into how long the company has been around and get a feel for whether they will be around for a while.
Ask them what their process is when maintenance is needed, or a piece of equipment breaks down. This will give you an idea as to how the company handles those things.
Check their reputation
The company needs to have a good reputation. Installing amenities like playgrounds is a lot more than just sticking equipment in the ground. This is an entire construction project that requires accurate engineering. If the wrong person installs a shade over the playground, it could fly away and seriously injure somebody. Every recreational amenity, from basketball courts to playgrounds, comes with risk if not engineered correctly. Therefore, it’s critical that you research the company.
Check online for reviews. Make sure there aren’t many negative experiences with the company or its amenities after use. Maintenance issues will come up, but if they’re constant, that is a red flag.
Look into their previous work history and check their experience with the specific amenity you’re installing. They should have some examples on their website and a list of projects they’ve done. This will give you an idea of their experience and how often they’ve done the project you’re asking them to do.
Find a contractor that understands your budget
Look for a contractor who understands your budget and its constraints. Find a contractor that, rather than focusing on selling the biggest package, will help you find the best solution for your available funding.
If the budget is tight, ask if they’d be willing to work out a long-term plan. An example is installing a smaller playground structure today and planning for a future expansion. Other times, it may be as simple as adding painted games, sensory paths, or activity markings to transform an ordinary concrete area into a fun play space.
The best contractors listen first. They understand the customer’s budget, priorities, and long-term goals, then help develop a solution that delivers impact. This shows that to them, it’s not about selling amenities, it’s about creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
Whether you’re a multifamily housing property owner or manage a senior living space, recreational amenities are great for creating community, enhancing the resident experience, and improving ROI. However, a sparkling new pickleball court or a beautifully shaded playground is only as good as the team installing it. Cutting corners on your contractor isn’t just a financial gamble; it’s a major safety hazard. By checking credentials, prioritizing long-term partnerships, and vetting a proven local reputation, you can protect your investment and provide activities that your residents will love.
Author: Bobbie Romo is the owner of Sport Lines Athletics & Recreation. The company has been installing recreational amenities since 2004.
