Wanting to OB a pool in in Houston. Never done it before but was wondering if there is a lot of savings by self GC vs hiring a pool builder? Heard markup was around 30%, does that sound right?
OB vs Builder
- Thread starter Rolltide20
- Start date
Mcow
0
- Jul 5, 2017
- 319
- Pool Size
- 22000
- Surface
- Plaster
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
My neighbor did and after going through the process with a PB I wish I did too. Honestly even using a PB I felt like I have had to almost GC the build anyway (which I have a little experience with but not on a pool). I am constantly tracking down people and following up on things then inspecting everything. It seems just as much work and stress either way.
We both spent about the same amount of money but he got A LOT more bang for his buck. He quoted his job with my PB and it was about $20k more than he was able to do it himself for. The main advantage I see going with a PB is you have a single source to go to if something goes wrong. Alternatively if you OB you have to go to subs and hopefully you are able to track them down and get them to fix something. The thing I have run across with other types of construction and subs is they will all just blame each other. Plaster cracks? The plaster guys will blame the Gunite guys who will in turn blame the excavator/steel (just an example to put it in reference from my other construction experience). Just have to weigh the risk vs. reward. If I would have done more research in the beginning to gain the confidence to OB I probably would have.
We both spent about the same amount of money but he got A LOT more bang for his buck. He quoted his job with my PB and it was about $20k more than he was able to do it himself for. The main advantage I see going with a PB is you have a single source to go to if something goes wrong. Alternatively if you OB you have to go to subs and hopefully you are able to track them down and get them to fix something. The thing I have run across with other types of construction and subs is they will all just blame each other. Plaster cracks? The plaster guys will blame the Gunite guys who will in turn blame the excavator/steel (just an example to put it in reference from my other construction experience). Just have to weigh the risk vs. reward. If I would have done more research in the beginning to gain the confidence to OB I probably would have.
Howdy neighbor and welcome to TFP!! 
You have come to the best place (and possibly only place) for doing a successful OB or using a PB for your pool.
Mcow did a great job explaining some of the benefits and difficulties doing an OB. I also felt like the Project Manager for my build, and I'm not a DIY-er. I found TFP right after hiring a PB. I had to scramble to learn on the fly during the build. (never entered my mind I would need to. Lol)
If you don't have solid experience being a GC, have pool construction knowledge, or at least had a pool built in the past, I strongly suggest taking 6 months to a year to read and research here on TFP. That sounds like a big time commitment and delay, but TFP has an unbelievable amount of info for a single project requiring knowledge across multiple technical and trade services.
Six months to a year of research and study would give you a much better foundation to know what to look for, to better judge quality of work, to know what to ask, and give you time to make some connections in the Houston area.
It would be different if you lived in the Las Vegas area or Arizona where they have large networks of pool owners who have done OB's. They can practically hand you the subs list. I'm not aware of that many OB's around here. I know of one from 2 years ago in The Woodlands who had a successful OB, but contacting him might be difficult.
You're the one who knows what you know. It can definitely be done at a savings, but don't rush into it.
One more thought... If you end up using a PB, I still recommend taking time to learn all you can before signing a contract.
Take care,
Suz
You have come to the best place (and possibly only place) for doing a successful OB or using a PB for your pool. Mcow did a great job explaining some of the benefits and difficulties doing an OB. I also felt like the Project Manager for my build, and I'm not a DIY-er. I found TFP right after hiring a PB. I had to scramble to learn on the fly during the build. (never entered my mind I would need to. Lol)
If you don't have solid experience being a GC, have pool construction knowledge, or at least had a pool built in the past, I strongly suggest taking 6 months to a year to read and research here on TFP. That sounds like a big time commitment and delay, but TFP has an unbelievable amount of info for a single project requiring knowledge across multiple technical and trade services.
Six months to a year of research and study would give you a much better foundation to know what to look for, to better judge quality of work, to know what to ask, and give you time to make some connections in the Houston area.
It would be different if you lived in the Las Vegas area or Arizona where they have large networks of pool owners who have done OB's. They can practically hand you the subs list. I'm not aware of that many OB's around here. I know of one from 2 years ago in The Woodlands who had a successful OB, but contacting him might be difficult.
You're the one who knows what you know. It can definitely be done at a savings, but don't rush into it.
One more thought... If you end up using a PB, I still recommend taking time to learn all you can before signing a contract.
Take care,
Suz
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