I have been lurking for awhile and getting ready to make the dream a reality. I live in South Carolina, across the river from Augusta Georgia. I do need to start my build soon as the lot next to me is pending and I really want to be able to access my lot from that lot to minimize damage to my yard and driveway. I have decided to go with a gunite to get the most swim area in my small yard that has a drain field, septic tank and detached garage to compete with.
So the first struggle is finding a pool builder, really only two that do gunite, one sent me their price list and cost of common upgrades. I called for a consultation but they said they are booked solid and really not interested in my business, mind you I am twenty minutes away. The other builder is the big builder in my area and communication with them is great. They also have a standard price list with standard upgrades listed. They did a site survey today, and though I did not sign a contract a did have to pay $1000 for design fees. They have good reviews and are well known in the area, but I fear it will be hard to negotiate upgrades, changes or add ons, as they are more on the expensive side, also they estimate build start end of January. It is especially busy for those who rent out their homes for The masters golf tournament. So basically I have one choice. They use Pentair equipment, I am going to get my own robot so will not need their Polaris 360 and do not want the diving board, so will try to get them to upgrade their on white light to two color LED lights. The pool will be around 32x 16 those packages start at $42,500. he is going to do two designs, one free form and the other a L shape with raised beam. I wish I had more PB to choose from to get the price down alittle, but supply and demand here is on the side of the builder. Thanks for your input and should have the designs by the end of the week to post
So the first struggle is finding a pool builder, really only two that do gunite, one sent me their price list and cost of common upgrades. I called for a consultation but they said they are booked solid and really not interested in my business, mind you I am twenty minutes away. The other builder is the big builder in my area and communication with them is great. They also have a standard price list with standard upgrades listed. They did a site survey today, and though I did not sign a contract a did have to pay $1000 for design fees. They have good reviews and are well known in the area, but I fear it will be hard to negotiate upgrades, changes or add ons, as they are more on the expensive side, also they estimate build start end of January. It is especially busy for those who rent out their homes for The masters golf tournament. So basically I have one choice. They use Pentair equipment, I am going to get my own robot so will not need their Polaris 360 and do not want the diving board, so will try to get them to upgrade their on white light to two color LED lights. The pool will be around 32x 16 those packages start at $42,500. he is going to do two designs, one free form and the other a L shape with raised beam. I wish I had more PB to choose from to get the price down alittle, but supply and demand here is on the side of the builder. Thanks for your input and should have the designs by the end of the week to post
