Planning to Start the Quoting Process in Austin, TX: Any fellow Austin-Area TFP'ers Care to Share You're Experiences?

[srfdntchk]

Hi All,

We finally decided it's time to start reaching out to PBs to get some quotes for a pool build. COVID put things on hold, but we're looking to get something started within the next 8-12 months if all goes well. I'm hoping that some TFP'ers from the Austin and surrounding areas might be willing to DM me with some first-hand advice on specific PBs you've gotten quotes from, who you ended up using and would recommend, and those to avoid, which would be extremely helpful as we try to focus our list down to a handful to actually contact. Of course, including some details on your pool specs, cost paid (and when) would also be great.

Our yard is only about 30ft from back door to fence by 72ft wide, so a small-ish pool is needed. No attached spa required. Basically just looking for a modest pool, so nothing super high-end or fancy is planned.

Hopefully this isn't against the rules, as long as the names, etc. are sent via DM.

Thanks!

D

 

[setsailsoon]

D,

I'm sure you're gonna get a lot of great input on the pool specs and options. I'll focus on the contract. Unfortunately many people just use the contract provided by the PB which is written by his lawyer for him. Here are some things to consider:

• Spend time evaluation all aspects of scope, settle on a clear scope of work that you are sure you can live with. Changes after contract signing are very expensive.
• Make sure your PB obligations are clear and yours are as well.
• Check references.
• Find a builder that has built pools similar to yours.
• Never, never, never sign a contract that requires payment amounts tied to activities complete with no reference to quality.
• Hold final payment until a performance test is passed and he demonstrate release of liens has been accomplished. This final payment should be 5-10% of the contract.
• Try to make the payment schedule roughly match work in progress.
• Make fair provisions for hidden conditions.
• Don't be afraid to change the contract terms so they are fair to PB as well as you.
• Check out PB financial condition. If he requires a large down payment beware. There are two large pool builders in my area that have been in the news a lot. They took a LOT of clients money (typically $50K) and did nothing or just dug a hole. Both were licensed contractors. Licensing is beneficial but it does not guarantee financial performance.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 

[marora23]

Hi All,

We finally decided it's time to start reaching out to PBs to get some quotes for a pool build. COVID put things on hold, but we're looking to get something started within the next 8-12 months if all goes well. I'm hoping that some TFP'ers from the Austin and surrounding areas might be willing to DM me with some first-hand advice on specific PBs you've gotten quotes from, who you ended up using and would recommend, and those to avoid, which would be extremely helpful as we try to focus our list down to a handful to actually contact. Of course, including some details on your pool specs, cost paid (and when) would also be great.

Our yard is only about 30ft from back door to fence by 72ft wide, so a small-ish pool is needed. No attached spa required. Basically just looking for a modest pool, so nothing super high-end or fancy is planned.

Hopefully this isn't against the rules, as long as the names, etc. are sent via DM.

Thanks!

D

Hey there! We're in the process of building our pool in Austin. We got quotes from a couple of places and in the end went with Cody Pools because of experience in the quote and design process and the price as well. We have a very simple pool as well. Rectangle 10x20, no spa or heating. We signed the contract 3/11, they broke ground on 5/16 (most of the time in between was waiting for our HOA approval to come through in addition to the city permit), coping was done last week and we are already at the tiling stage today 6/20. IMO, they've moved really fast! Decking should go in this week as well.

I did not know about TFP prior to starting but experience so far with Cody has been good. Only things I wish I had known were some of the equipment options (intelliflo vs intellicenter and globrite lights already in the contract but considering the size of our pool and no spa or waterfalls or any other features, I'm hoping it's not a big deal but we'll see. Feel free to DM me if you have any specific questions.