Agreed, this would be interesting to follow if you take it on! We're thinking about this for our pool remodel - mostly since I cannot get a PB out here to even look at my job. It doesn't give a good recommendation for hiring them when they won't even show up to look!

I'm not in your area, but will say I was at a local family-owned pool store in my town yesterday (not a chain) ... this is the pool store that usually has all the odd parts for older pools, with experienced folks running things ... and they had a list posted by their phone, organized by specialty "plaster" "hot tub guys" etc. Maybe try to locate a similar type of store in your area and go speak with the old timers to get some leads? Good luck!

It looks easy until you try it.
There are several trades involved, and frequently, one can't start until the previous one finishes. If an earlier one doesn't start or finish on schedule, often due to more 'important' work elsewhere, you have to delay the next one(s) and hope they can reschedule to a timeframe that fits your revised plan.
A good GC can apply pressure to keep your job flowing, usually by using subcontractors that rely on him/her for follow-on work. You're also paying for on-site expertise to help avert errors and omissions. If there is a problem, you have a single point of contact rather than having to deal with two or more sub-contractors engaging in a finger-pointing contest.
Good Luck, and let us know how it goes.

I drove around this past week and found a highly acclaimed pool builder putting in a pool and I snagged the gunite company. He basically said they do most of the pools for a lot of builders and there are only a hand full of companies that do the gunite work in the Houston area. They also do rebar as well. They have been around for 25 plus years. He gave me a list of the other subs and said that subs work with several other pool builders. He said he would be happy to work directly with me.

We are in the process of building our home, so I am not in a huge hurry to get our pool in. I've manage several major projects with vendors and people at work on a daily bases and have a friend that is a commercial builder that said its really easy to mange this yourself. It's all about scheduling and managing people and making sure they show up. The subs will know what to do and when it needs to be done. Just don't pay anyone up front for labor until the job is done, some may ask for a deposit for materials but see if you can pay the vender directly for the material he said. I already had that thought anyway.

Most of the time the home owner is there telling the subs what to do anyway because the builder is not there. Also I found some detailed information by just Googling how to build your own pool and look what I found for those that have the time to do this yourself. Step by step instructions. This site charges 99$ for a list of subs in the Houston area. I just purchased it and it had only a few. Not really worth it since I already have the gunite company and some other subs.

I am 110% planing to do this project myself. I won't start for another 3 weeks but will certianly keep this thread updated with pictures and progress for those that want to give this a try.

Here is a link that might be useful: How to build your own pool

This post was edited by mooredb on Mon, Jul 1, 13 at 6:15

Please keep us updated throughout your project. I think a lot of people would be interested.

It sounds like you've got the experience with subs to figure this out. It's not rocket science. The only thing is don't forget the permitting & inspections in your schedule. We had something like 4 or 5 inspections in the process, plus electrical and gas inspections, and they tend to be easy if the inspectors are working with a PB that they know.
Expect them to be pickier with a homeowner permit - at least this is what we experienced with our home remodeling - although they were super nice to me and hard-asses to my husband. (He worked from home at the time and could overhear them talking to me during inspections, and it totally cracked him up how differently they would treat me....sort of the opposite of how you never let a woman take the car to the shop?)
Anyway, you should blog it and keep us posted!

Congrats on moving forward to contract out your own pool's construction,
However I think you might be a bit mislead after reading this comment
"" I don't want to hire a pool company because they make nearly 50% of the project. ""
I'm afraid your mistaken in the profitability we draw from our projects.Trust me on this, I struggle to make a 20-25% return when I compete for new pools as we have some competitors who will do them for 10-15%.
I will tell you a couple of things about how owner builders are billed. First the subs will charge a little more (5-15%) than their long term high volume builders, and second don't pay your sub 100% until your completely satisfied with the service provided. Without the umbrella of unpaid open invoices to hold over their head it's diificult to get a comeback.

Post pic's as you go and if you have any questions this is the place to get great answers.

See ya,
Kelly

We looked into the build your own option as I have several friends who did this and have a list of subs and all work turned out beautiful. We decided to go with a pool builder, one of the largest in our area, because the prices were the same and almost lower with the PB. Also you have to worry about the warranty on the build your own. I am so glad we went with the pool builder because we have had a couple issues with our build, that our PB is taking care of. Not sure how much hassle that would have been with BYO.

Also, we got a few quotes on each section on the BYO and it was a PAIN to talk to everyone and coordinate. If you are a working couple, you definitely don't want to go that route. Dealing with one person is so much easier.

Best of luck no matter what direction you go!

I've been researching for the past 2 months and plan to do that same. I also live in Spring. I have a list of subs that my neighbors PB used. Would love to talk to you to see if we can bounce ideas and tips off each other. I plan to start within the next 2-3 weeks. How are you preparing your build plans? I tried PoolStudios out but creating construction prints was cumbersome.

I'll PM you my contact info. Maybe we can help each other out during this journey.

This post was edited by tw1363 on Sat, Jul 6, 13 at 16:23

There may be some pool builders that make 50%, but many of us are not in that category. We don't even make half that, plus we carry General Liability Insurance that costs a bundle and pay taxes on the profit. I am not saying you couldn't do it yourself, but there are a lot of details and nuances that go into the process. You have to be sure you are getting reputable vendors who aren't shortcutting you on materials. Get notarized lien releases from everyone you pay to protect yourself. If the contractor has bought the material from someplace else, get a lien release from them as well proving the material has been paid for in full. There are a lot of con artists out there. Buyer beware! I think I could build a house if I wanted to, but I am going to hire someone with the expertise and connections to get it done the right way. Good luck if you still want to try to build your own.

A good pool builder would be worth every penny and then some. The subs do the work, it's true, but without a pool contractor telling them every move to make, and pressuring them for sake of future work, it can be a nightmare.

I just finished a pool with a bad general contractor (not pool builder) who told me there was nothing to it, and it was an absolute nightmare. Pools are very tricky, maybe the most complicated thing on your property, with many, many ways to screw it up. A pool build entails design, planning, timing, demolition, rough construction, finish work, plumbing, electrical, and landscaping.

I had many problems, even with a general contractor on the job part time.

Also, the subs and laborers try to take you to the cleaners when they know you have no experience, and you think you're saving money.

Don't do it!

womanowned, I sent you an email, did you receive? if not, pls contact me. thanks

There are a lot of good sub contractors that are out there. But like the builders they will only do the bare minimum that they have to do in order to complete your project wheather out of ignorance or just trying to turn a profit.
It's not their fault most pool builders don't build a pool the correct way for the same reasons.

Yes a good builder does cost more money if they are truly doing what they are supposed to be doing. Just the cost of the materials and labor alone should put a builder that is doing the right thing in a much higher price bracket than the average builder. Even some of the so called big builders are more focused on keeping their overhead paid for more than doing a pool the correct way. Many times that's the only reason why they cost more.

I wish I could turn a 50 percent profit. I have to take the gross profit off one big job alone to pay my workers comp and I only do around 12 a year if that gives you an idea on workers comp cost!

Good luck with your build. I'm sure weather you do it with subs or the builder you will get the same product unless you pick one of the exceptional builders.

@Bossyvossy. If you sent me an email with that name, then, no, I did not receive it.

I'll try again

Mooredb, how did your project turn out?

Please keep us posted as I am interested how this turns out. I am located in SUgar land and could not get woman owned or Husky rider (Kelly) to build me a pool here. I called them both last year and have since given up. Some on the builders here are overbooked and can't get a response.

I need someone to draw the pool plans for a pool that I have in mind. I'm in the Anahuac area and close to Beaumont, Baytown, Houston, etc. I have a picture of the pool that I am wanting to build but need someone to draw it up and tell us what size pump, etc. that we need. Any ideas?

I just found this thread. Full disclosure I work for Build Your Own Pool. We help you Build Your Own Pool. Byop.net. We are an alternative to a traditional pool builder. We have a design people. We also sell pool equipment and supplies at wholesale prices. We have contractors in all of the major cities in TX. 512-263-2797 call me if you want to talk.

Starting in 2016, I will be doing consulting for those who want to build their own pools.

Where are you located? I need someone to draw my pool plans with the specifications.

Are you the Ashley located in Anahuac?

Hi, I'm Linda near the Katy area and we are ready to start building. I've gotten bids for excavation, steel, gunite, plaster and decking. I am having difficulty locating a well-respected plumber and electrician and a reasonable tile, coping, rock company. I have a scaled plan (that needs slight tweaking) . Best Backyard - where are you located?

I am in Tomball. Are you sure the bids you have received are good?

Oh ok. Just checked out your website - nice projects.

I believe so to the best of my knowledge - my best bids are from Azteca for excavation, steel and gunite and a decent decking bid from Poolworks. Plaster seems to be fairly similarly priced for a Diamondbrite colored plaster. Not too pleased with the tile/coping/rock bids, so will continue to search out those. I am checking into Vasquez pool plumbing for a quote - and apparently I'll need a gas riser diagram to submit to the city for the plumbing permit portion.

rcush, want to compare quotes? Katy Tx.

Sure

you can send the design & quote to Kathy@BestBackyardPools.com I do NOT build in the city limits of Katy, but I do build in other parts of Katy

If anyone is interested... I've started mine... http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4025840/owner-built-pool-katy-texas?n=4

SR, left you a comment on your thread. Can I PM you?

Go for it.....

Well, unable to find a message button on your main profile page - here's my info, you can email me and then I can reply to that...renee.Cushman@Comcast.net

Thanks! I think you said gunite today - I am thinking if steel was yesterday and gunite today you are not having to deal with inspectors and so forth. Apparently we will have to have steel inspected before gunite is sprayed in...which makes me jealous since your build will go much much faster without the red tape of the city. Lucky you!!!

Check your email.

The dig started today. Getting the permit with the city took even longer than I originally anticipated. I submitted the permit application on June 30th. We received the permit on the 18th of July. Steel and stub-out sometime this weekend and then I'll need to call for inspection. Unfortunately we have to be out of town for funeral services which will delay gunite until Thursday the 28th. SR, how is yours coming along?

Rcush, my condolences. Gunite is curing. Will continue in a week.

Thanks so much. We got started Friday. Here's the link if anyone would like to take a peek. http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4045778/owner-built-pool-katy-texas-permits-required

Rcush, I saw your pool and I love it, you did an awesome job, an inspiration for my own. But will agree with a lot of the comments from people suggesting using a good contractor. And sometimes a good contractor is not necessarily a big name pool contractor. Check references, and most importantly check the references post-construction experience with the potential contractor. Sometimes the build will go really smooth and then your problem is post construction and without a good contractor you will have nobody to turn to. Also keep in mind that when you hire a pool contractor you are paying for all the supervisory work and coordination that otherwise you have to do yourself if you were hiring subs directly. Not saying is not possible, rcush build a beautiful pool himself and most probably saved money but I am pretty sure he can attest at the amount of time and work he personally invested in it - and your time is money too!. Kuddos for a beautiful pool rcush. If you are looking for a custom pool builder that will beat the price of any big name pool builder in the Houston area and then some, who will personally oversee your build and will guarantee the work contact Celestial Pools by Ventex Builders, they also do interior remodels under their Builders brand, I know the owners and they are great to work with.

I don't know who Celestial Pools is. I object to their posting on my HOUZZ.

Kathy Best, Best Backyard Pools

I am in League City and would like to do a Owner build. Does anyone have a list of subs in the Houston area?

I would love to see a list of subs. Please email to cbellard@gt.rr.com Thanks!

?

Hi all; I just found this thread and am interested in obtaining a list of subs. I couldn't figure out how to direct message folks.

Hi! Could someone share sub list with me too? I am in NW houston and would love to start my project soon my email is agarc898@yahoo.com

If you have a list of subcontractors would you please email me at dougiewest2018@comcast.net

Likewise on the sub list please elchehabi@yahoo.com

Doing an owner build in Rosharon/Angleton area. Would appreciate sub list if anyone has done owner build in this area. manselmarilyn@yahoo.com