We moved into our N. Texas home in the country on 3 acres almost 3 years ago. We never thought we would have an interest in a pool and specifically avoided homes with them while searching. That mindset has changed and next week we plan to meet with our first PB (learned this acronym from reading many pages of builds on this forum - so much great information here).
I have gone through complete build threads since finding this forum a few days ago and it seems that some of the builds and decisions in advance of the build can be intimidating and just raises more questions. Before getting into something I typically gather as much information as I can so I can make informed decisions so I have no regrets. This is something we will live with for a long time so I want it to be right.
I intend on getting at least 3 bids. One from a reputable company in the closest large city to where I live, one from a builder in the city I live and one from a friend who sells pools for a major national builder. I will likely get a 4th bid from a guy that has built a good number of pools in our area and probably about 75% of the pools on our road. The issue I have with the 4th guy is that he is "country" and does things a bit more casual and all of my neighbors say you have to stay on him and his guys. I believe most have dealt with him because he comes in 10-15k cheaper than the other builders. I'm not sure I can handle the whole informal good 'ol boy, I'll get back to you when I can type builder.
Our plan is to build a pool with a cabana housing an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace, a bathroom and a storage room. Space is not an issue as we have plenty. Our schedule is flexible and I would actually prefer a fall/winter install.
I've read the info in the sticky in this section but I still have some questions:
1. Are there any things I should be on the look out for when meeting with the PB? I assume we should at least have a general idea of the type of pool (diving or sport), the shape of the pool and surrounding type (tile walls or rock ledges). Outside of equipment specs, what kind of questions should I be asking to ensure I get an apples to apples price?
2. I plan on getting the PB to price the cabana as an alternate and possibly get prices from non PB's for that scope of the project. Is this wise or is it better to incorporate into one deal so all is properly coordinated, etc. Could I see a reasonable cost benefit by splitting them up?
I'm sure I will have many more things come up as the process progresses.
Thanks in advance.
I have gone through complete build threads since finding this forum a few days ago and it seems that some of the builds and decisions in advance of the build can be intimidating and just raises more questions. Before getting into something I typically gather as much information as I can so I can make informed decisions so I have no regrets. This is something we will live with for a long time so I want it to be right.
I intend on getting at least 3 bids. One from a reputable company in the closest large city to where I live, one from a builder in the city I live and one from a friend who sells pools for a major national builder. I will likely get a 4th bid from a guy that has built a good number of pools in our area and probably about 75% of the pools on our road. The issue I have with the 4th guy is that he is "country" and does things a bit more casual and all of my neighbors say you have to stay on him and his guys. I believe most have dealt with him because he comes in 10-15k cheaper than the other builders. I'm not sure I can handle the whole informal good 'ol boy, I'll get back to you when I can type builder.
Our plan is to build a pool with a cabana housing an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace, a bathroom and a storage room. Space is not an issue as we have plenty. Our schedule is flexible and I would actually prefer a fall/winter install.
I've read the info in the sticky in this section but I still have some questions:
1. Are there any things I should be on the look out for when meeting with the PB? I assume we should at least have a general idea of the type of pool (diving or sport), the shape of the pool and surrounding type (tile walls or rock ledges). Outside of equipment specs, what kind of questions should I be asking to ensure I get an apples to apples price?
2. I plan on getting the PB to price the cabana as an alternate and possibly get prices from non PB's for that scope of the project. Is this wise or is it better to incorporate into one deal so all is properly coordinated, etc. Could I see a reasonable cost benefit by splitting them up?
I'm sure I will have many more things come up as the process progresses.
Thanks in advance.
Tell the PB you want a variable speed pump or at least a 2-speed pump.