Completed DIY Build in Gilbert, AZ

[remotedoug]

I swore to myself that I would post pictures as I went along, but l failed. Managing subs and doing all of my own cleanup proved a little too tiring, and now I am going back and sharing, and hope to give someone else the hope that I was given. I watched dozens of builds and if anything, I learned that you CAN manage this yourself.

I decided to start at the end of October, 2014m figuring that most of the subs would be less stressed. I was right. Doing this also allowed me to stretch out my build and pay for each stage as it was completed. So, I began with a design...

And a shovel..

Then the real work began - for about 2 weeks...

This is the point where I took a break for about 6 weeks to let the shotcrete cure and do some major cleanup. I also re-built my block wall.

Then, after the first of the year, it was back on...

Fill time!

And all done...

As you can see, I got tired of all of the block and opted for a composite equipment fence. I have a camera mounted on my patio and as each stage was in process, I took a picture every 5 seconds. I then took those pics and made a time lapse of the entire project. The files are kind of large, but if anyone is curious, PM me and I'll send you a link.

Thanks again to all of the members that shared their builds. I know I learned a lot from them and that I'm not alone.

 

[Divin Dave]

Hi Doug,
And welcome back!

Man the pool looks awesome! Thanks for sharing it with everyone. No doubt a would-be OB will come along and gain encouragement from you.

Enjoy it!

 

[northrn]

That looks fantastic! Love the night shot. Enjoy!

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Very nice!

 

[ragedogg69]

Any guess on how much you saved, being your own builder and hiring subs directly?

 

[remotedoug]

Any guess on how much you saved, being your own builder and hiring subs directly?

You know, it's really hard to say. I'm sure it was in the thousands though. Some things are hard to measure. For instance, if you look at my drawing then at my finished pool, I added a bench, removed a step, and extended the baja. making those changes cost me $0 because my subs didn't care and I didn't have to go back to a builder and submit change requests. Also, I did all of my own cleanup (one bid I got was $300 x 3 cleanups), built my own wall (cost me $250 vs $500 bid), built my own equipment wall, etc. While some subs offered "cash discounts" I always made sure to use licensed contractors and got receipts for everything. To most "cash" to them is getting paid at the end of the day and not waiting 30 days for the PB to pay them.

 

[doobs41378]

Great job!! I love the pavers....

 

[Clint A]

I like the look of those pavers also. Are you concerned with them getting too hot? I Want to install pavers also but temperature in June-August is my big concern.

 

[remotedoug]

I like the look of those pavers also. Are you concerned with them getting too hot? I Want to install pavers also but temperature in June-August is my big concern.

Obviously, only time will tell, but let's face it, we live in AZ and if I had a deck made of Jello it would still be warm! I initially wanted to go with acrylic lace, but the wife wanted pavers. I compromised by finding these Belgard Noce pavers that are made with white concrete. They are definitely cooler than the coping and the cost was about 50 cents/sq foot more.

 

[Clint A]

Obviously, only time will tell, but let's face it, we live in AZ and if I had a deck made of Jello it would still be warm! I initially wanted to go with acrylic lace, but the wife wanted pavers. I compromised by finding these Belgard Noce pavers that are made with white concrete. They are definitely cooler than the coping and the cost was about 50 cents/sq foot more.

You have me there, likely going to find out this weekend. They do look great.