Pros/Cons of Building Yourself?

[djohnson822]

Hello all! I have been lurking on TFP for about a month, and enjoy the great pool builds. We are from Longview, TX, and have started the initial build process of what we want, and how we want it.

I have a buddy who is a sub for concrete work in the Dallas area, and he suggested forgoing a PB and hiring the subs yourself. He claimed about 50% savings in my area.....which is enticing to say the least. Now, my question is, who has skipped the Pool Builder and what advantages/disadvantages can I expect? Can I get warranties from subcontractors? How much risk is involved by doing it myself?

It seems if I have the sub contacts, I can contract them out and schedule just as easily as a PB.

Thanks for the help!

Doug

 

[atttech-2]

welcome to the forum

As long as the subs are reputable have been in business for at least 5 years, 10 would be better you should end up with the same product as going with a builder. Not sure about your area but where I live going owner build is difficult because the good subs are working for the builders almost constantly. Off season is the best chance to get them to do your work but then you can end up dealing with weather. I would say before you commit make sure you have a sub or 2 available for every aspect of the build you don't want to get the hole dug only to find out you can't get anyone to do the steel.

 

[Jimmyj5800]

There is some money to be saved doing it your self. I think you are gonna need a lot of free time to be the contractor. Then there is all the permitting if your not familiar with that process . It can be intimidating ..

 

[djohnson822]

Yes, the quality of the subcontractor is key. I was going to get at least 4 bids from each aspect. I have zero clue on the permits for this area, as I'm not in the city limits, and I have an aerobic septic system. I guess that's the next issue I'll study....but grotto/slide design is so much more fun!

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Typical owner-builds on TFP have yielded about a 30% savings. Now, that's not to say if you get $50,000 quotes from PBs that you will spend only $35,000. You will still likely spend $50,000, it's just that you'll get a heck of a lot more pool and fancier higher end equipment and detail work (tile, stone, interior finish, etc) for your $50k.

 

[jasonskaggs]

Hi Doug,

I am in the middle of an owner builder in ground build right now and it really isn't intimidating. You will likely call a few subs off a local recommendation or google search and then ask them for a list of subs for your other phases which most good subs have. In fact, my shotconcrete sub emailed me a list of contacts. My advise, get a good excavator that has been in the business a long time. He will help with layout, leveling, setting forms and likely make sound recommendations that will influence the rest of your build.

I am saving about 30%, but I got a lot more pool and decking for the price. I was also able to order all top of the line automation and controls without a PB markup. Another benefit is that you can go at your own pace and not have to fork over half of the cost upfront. I have enjoyed the process and would recommend it to anyone considering it over a PB.

Remember, if you hire professional subs they will be in and out in a day or two for most phases and they will know the process very well.

Good luck!

 

[djohnson822]

Thanks Jason! I've heard that about the excavator as well. He can save a lot of time and money by digging the correct size hole. I would like to get some more info on style and costs for your build. I've been getting a bunch of good ideas from this site, and basically I am looking at an in ground 20x35, freeform, SWG, grotto/slide, and tanning ledge. I really like the look of rock shaped concrete for the coping, instead of tile. But I haven't been able to find a contractor who does it around here.

Good luck with your build, do you have pics of your progress?

 

[And5555]

I agree with what people have said so far. Just to add on, I created a similar thread earlier this year you might look at: My cost savings by going owner builder route

 

[daddymack]

What has already said here is really what its all about. The key to being your own builder is that you can control and change anything you want during the entire process. Also, you will find out that the little extras that a PB may charge you are all really free because the subs usually will make the little changes (i.e. extra bench or a bit bigger pool, more jets in a spa) without charging. In fact, my steel guy asked me if I wanted anything extra, no charge.. Same with most of the other subs, except for electrical, but then they might charge you $80 for an outlet versus $200. A lot of that type stuff is where the savings are. Also, at least here in Vegas, the plumber or the electrician will let you use their account at the wholesale pool supply, so your cost is their cost for everything from equipment, to tile to plaster, to waterfalls, to brushes... you get the idea. And someone else hit the nail on the head, you might have gotten a quote for 50K, and you could build that pool for 35K, but you end up spending the 50K anyway, because you do it bigger and better for the same price. All of the subs know what's going on, they will help you along the way and even make recommendations as to your build and as to other subs. As far as the design, an engineer always exists in your area that does pools, and they will provide you everything you need to get your permits. And the local govt that issues the permits will tell you what you need for them. It's not a big secret. Being the first owner/builder in your area is long gone, and you will have no problem doing it yourself.

 

[jasonskaggs]

Thanks! There are a lot of real experts here, but I'd be happy to share any lessons learned that might be helpful. I have pictures, but cannot upload to the forum for some reason. I sent a msg to the admin, so as soon as it's corrected I'll be uploading.

Thanks Jason! I've heard that about the excavator as well. He can save a lot of time and money by digging the correct size hole. I would like to get some more info on style and costs for your build. I've been getting a bunch of good ideas from this site, and basically I am looking at an in ground 20x35, freeform, SWG, grotto/slide, and tanning ledge. I really like the look of rock shaped concrete for the coping, instead of tile. But I haven't been able to find a contractor who does it around here.

Good luck with your build, do you have pics of your progress?

 

[djohnson822]

Thanks guys! I'll be sure to post pictures when we finally start.....hopefully i can convince my wife to start soon!


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[gwegan]

There are some downsides.

1 you are responsible for the inspections. So it's important to go down to the building department when you submit the plans and have a over the counter talk to make sure you understand exactly what is required at each inspection stage. Make sure you understand the setback requirements

2 You want to have your deals with the subs that you don't pay until after their work has passed inspection, but often that's not possible.

3 California requires plans and an enginer's stamp. There are several guys in so cal that can do that work for you. Make sure you understand the plans and the engineering supplement. Go over them carefully a couple times and get your questions answered before you start.

4 don't assume your excavator knows the rules you need to layout the pool and double check the setbacks.

5 California pools need at least three electrical visits, often more. You need an electrician who understands pools. Other subs can give you references.

6 make sure you have access.

7 depending on your project there may be stomwater runoff issues. Talk with the inspector before you start.

8 you are probably not going to get the manufacturer extended warranty on the equipment. It probably doesn't matter.

9 understand what each sub does other Thant the obvious. Like the tile sub is usually responsible for leveling the bond beam to level. Does the plaster crew clean the pool or do you have to have the pool clean for him? Will the decking sub rough grade or only fine grade?

Inspector s look at code compliance not whether the work complies with the plans that's your job. You must be there when crews start and visit them sometime during the day and promptly report issues to the foreman.