What Were We Thinking?!?!

[Kj78unlv]

Hi,

We decided to go the owner/builder route on our pool/spa and we are feeling completely overwhelmed. We are in Henderson, NV (suburb of Las Vegas) and are currently at a standstill. Excavation was completed in May and since then we have stared at a giant hole waiting for backordered pool equipment to come. After staring at our hole for months during monsoon season (reoccurring downpours that take place each summer in the desert) we have come to realize that the elevation of our yard is higher on the north and east edges of where the pool will be and we need to have raised pool edge walls installed (mini retaining walls). So now we are having to get updated engineer drawings ($), permits ($), new quotes for steel and everything that follows ($), etc. ($), etc. ($), etc. ($). I'm pretty sure this is not our first hiccup or the last unplanned expense. Are we idiots for trying to do this with no pool ownership or construction experience? Any advance how we don't recreate the movie The Money Pit - Pool/Spa version? Does anyone actually have a success story of doing owner/builder on there own with no experience?

Thanks,
Kelly and Mike

 

[ajw22]

Problem with doing an OB is you pay for all the problems that the Builder may eat. OB often don’t save any money but you get more and a better build for the cost.

Construction Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Equipment Pad Best Practices - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[YippeeSkippy]

While waiting for equipment can you get the rebar installed?

 

[559OwnerBuild]

Don’t beat yourself up!!! I’m reaching the end of my owner-build pool and have also experienced a unfavorable changes along the way, but luckily nothing too major. Unfortunately it’s too late it seems to give you any equipment advice as you have already waited 4 months for it, but I do feel like while the equipment shortage is real, it’s also very very exaggerated. I was able to find plenty of selection by browsing all over the internet, including “offer up” and Facebook marketplace for some great deals as well. As far as the process goes, hang in there and research what you can…. ITS WORTH IT IN THE END! I’m on pace to save over 25% doing it myself!

 

[bsanderson21]

Kelly and Mike,

I'm currently in the infancy stages of an OB and was curious as to which OB route did you go with/who did you use for your start-up? If you have to, PM me, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can from this website before we start our process. I'm also in the Henderson area, near Coronado High School.

 

[DUNEZRUNNER]

We are getting ready to start the process in Henderson as well. Do you have any updates on how it is going?