Selecting a builder

[landmark218]

We are in the processing of selecting a pool builder / landscaper. Is it normal to expect one company to design and build the complete project? We have interviewed a well known builder in Houston but all they would do is the pool and decking.

 

[zman]

Our PB also did not include landscaping. They said they would work with a landscape company of our choice and combine it into one contract if we wanted to do that for a loan.

 

[landmark218]

We got the same story but the pool builder would not give us a copy of the design to share with the landscaper. They were just interested in getting us to sign the contract as quickly as possible so we couldn't shop around.

We have an apointment with Hamilton-Steele this evening. They are a high end custom builder but their designs look very impressive. They contract out the excavation, steel, plumbing, and gunite but handle everything else in house. Has anyone had experience with them?

 

[TresW]

There are some PBs that will do landscaping and even build structures (lanais, fire pits, etc.) But it seems that most don't do that. If you get bids with other stuff like landscaping included, it makes it difficult to compare the bids on an apples-to-apples basis. You should get at least 3 bids and have them break the bids down so that extras like landscaping (if included) can be removed for comparison.