We bought our new home in the country 3 years ago. We specifically requested to look at homes with no pool because we didn't think we would ever use one. After being here for a while now and having the open space to enjoy outside, we've decided a pool would be a nice addition to our very large yard.
In addition to the pool, we are looking to build a cabana with a bathroom, storage, kitchen and fireplace (~550sf under cover). I'm open to feedback as I progress through the process.
Our journey so far (we started in July):
PB1 - Local company that came out and listened to what we wanted. I pulled a generic design from the net with a pool and cabana to use as reference. They seemed interested and said they would have a design in a couple weeks. I never heard back from them after one follow-up call. I wont bother with them.
PB2 - Major builder in the DFW area. Assembled a design and price within a week and had us sit down to review. We were very impressed with the design but not so much with the price. It was a bit of a shock and that was with me performing and buying some of the items to complete the kitchen. This PB would not provide any design copies for me to take which I feel was a mistake because at this point I don't recall what the things were that I really liked about his design.
PB3 - This builder decided to employ a landscape architect to assemble the initial design. It was nice but did not take into account all of the items I requested. We had to go back and fourth several times after I made it clear as day what design changes I wanted and it took several attempts for them to incorporate. Finally, I provided a design I created and asked him to price it up. He came back with a ball park figure that was slightly less than PB2 (~150k).
PB4 - This builder has built 75% of the pools in the 40 house neighborhood I live in. He knows the area and most all of my neighbors say they would use him again even though communication can be delayed at times. None have had issues with their pools. He priced the attached design at 140k for the pool and the cabana. He is working on the detailed proposal so I can share equipment, etc. once I have it. He uses all Jandy equipment.
PB5 - This builder was brought in more to price the cabana as he is a custom home builder in the area. He was also willing to price the pool as he has build a couple of pools. One of which I've seen and the work was excellent. His price on the pool is slightly higher than PB4. He has not provided a price on the cabana yet. He asked if I was will do to the cabana at cost plus. He would present invoices from the subs and I would pay that plus his mark-up for managing the project. He said this way I pay the true cost of the project and not something with added contingencies, etc. I still asked him for a price on what he would charge to build it so I have an idea of a starting point. His inexperience with pool building is a concern but he is extremely detailed and asked some great questions on design, etc.
Overhead shot of our yard:
Pool and cabana:
In addition to the pool, we are looking to build a cabana with a bathroom, storage, kitchen and fireplace (~550sf under cover). I'm open to feedback as I progress through the process.
Our journey so far (we started in July):
PB1 - Local company that came out and listened to what we wanted. I pulled a generic design from the net with a pool and cabana to use as reference. They seemed interested and said they would have a design in a couple weeks. I never heard back from them after one follow-up call. I wont bother with them.
PB2 - Major builder in the DFW area. Assembled a design and price within a week and had us sit down to review. We were very impressed with the design but not so much with the price. It was a bit of a shock and that was with me performing and buying some of the items to complete the kitchen. This PB would not provide any design copies for me to take which I feel was a mistake because at this point I don't recall what the things were that I really liked about his design.
PB3 - This builder decided to employ a landscape architect to assemble the initial design. It was nice but did not take into account all of the items I requested. We had to go back and fourth several times after I made it clear as day what design changes I wanted and it took several attempts for them to incorporate. Finally, I provided a design I created and asked him to price it up. He came back with a ball park figure that was slightly less than PB2 (~150k).
PB4 - This builder has built 75% of the pools in the 40 house neighborhood I live in. He knows the area and most all of my neighbors say they would use him again even though communication can be delayed at times. None have had issues with their pools. He priced the attached design at 140k for the pool and the cabana. He is working on the detailed proposal so I can share equipment, etc. once I have it. He uses all Jandy equipment.
PB5 - This builder was brought in more to price the cabana as he is a custom home builder in the area. He was also willing to price the pool as he has build a couple of pools. One of which I've seen and the work was excellent. His price on the pool is slightly higher than PB4. He has not provided a price on the cabana yet. He asked if I was will do to the cabana at cost plus. He would present invoices from the subs and I would pay that plus his mark-up for managing the project. He said this way I pay the true cost of the project and not something with added contingencies, etc. I still asked him for a price on what he would charge to build it so I have an idea of a starting point. His inexperience with pool building is a concern but he is extremely detailed and asked some great questions on design, etc.
Overhead shot of our yard:
Pool and cabana:
