carterinms - We did get referrals from the designer and engineer, but they are both located about 65 miles north west of me and none fo their referrals were willing to do work this far south. So we will just patiently keep looking and in the mean time I am researching the owner builder idea. My nieces husband is a civil engineer and he has his own business doing home inspections, but since the market has dropped, his business has slowed tremendously. He said he was willing to help us out, so once we get the final word from the insurance company (anouther nightmare in itself) we will try to make a plan on how we move forward. I sat down last night and started reading your blog on your build process... "Bless your Heart"! I feel for you, but it was such an awesome idea to journal it all, the way you did. Your incpector, sounds like our inspector. My husband is dreading our build because of the hoops he made us jump through when we were building our pool. Our designer and engineer both said that with city inspectors, there is not alot you can do, but comply; as they are the "Rulers of their Kingdoms". He has the plans now and he as requested several things for the plans, that were not defined in his initial requirements package he gave us, when I confronted him, it was basically his stance, that if the document he gave me wasn't clear, we should have asked for clarification. I thought it was clear, what was I thinking?? Anyway, I am anxious to continue reading your blog and see how you finally overcame it all. It is definitely giving me good information to keep in mind as we begin that phase our recovery. Congratulations on such a beautful home. I know it had to be along time in coming... WHat was the exact time frame from the time of storm to getting into your new home? Another note, all of the windows that require alternate egress have been defined and are noted on the plans. I told my husband that we should do the plumbing rough in for the bonus room, but he said that would just give inspector a reason to give us grief. I told him that it is done all the time. Maybe if I tell him, you said we should do it, he will listen. (He does tend to listen when someone besides me says it!!) Again, thank you for your time and for sharing your blog. I will post updates, and probably have more questions along the way. Take care.

Thanks so much for taking the time to do that for me! Aztec is now on my sample list for the tile company tomorrow. I would never, ever pick a tile without seeing one on a pool. My builder must have 200+ samples in his showroom and I honestly don't know how people pick from looking at a single 6x6. I'm a big chicken like that. But you, pooljewel, are a GEM. Thanks again. It never ceases to amaze me the kindnesses shown on this board. --Banana

Thanks for the input! Below are they optionss they gave me. I only see an option for the Variable Speed Pump. What should I ask for in regards to two speed pumps? Also, do these prices seem normal or high? OPTIONS: Plumbing / Heating: � Sta-Rite Intellipro Variable Speed pump with integrated electronic VGB Act Compliant Suction Vacuum release system as main filtration circulation pump: $985- � Heater Option 1: Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm 400,000 Propane Heater, 84% efficiency: $3100 � Heater Option 2: Aquacomfort AC-125 Heat Pump, reduces heating cost for ��pool only�� installations: $5275 Cleaning System: � Cleaning option 1: Manual Vac Head, Pole and hose included in base Pool, plugs into one of two skimmers: $0. � Cleaning option 2: Polaris 280Vac: $1175 � Cleaning option 3: Paramount PCC 2000 In-Floor Cleaning system, Designed by Paramount for this pool, no Polaris Vac required with this option: $5610 Disinfection System: � Disinfection Option 1: Automatic Chlorinator Included in Base Pool: $0 � Disinfection option 2: Trident UV ultra violet Sanitizer: $2100 � Sanitation option 3: Paramount Clear O3 Ozone sanitizer: $975 � Sanitation option 4: Pentair Intellchlor IC-40 Salt Chlorination System: $2475 Coping Options: � 14' x 2' Bluestone: 120 lineal feet of Thermal top, eased top edge, square sawn back, installed with SSG Multi-coat bonding agent, guaranteed from loosening for 5 years: $9,480 Additional Options: � Diving board: Install 8�� diving board: $1350 Cover Options: � Coverpools Automatic cover with aluminum coverlid, and choice of fabric colors: $12,750 Lid Options: 1. Standard aluminum lid: Included 2. Powdercoated Bezel type walk-on lid, includes powdercoating of leading edge bar, choice of non-metallic colors: $3500 3. Vanishing lid system, including stainless steel bracket system and upgraded 24 wide bluestone at cover vault: $4620 Electrical: � Base Pool Electrical including the Electrical permit, Supply and installation of weatherproof Subpanel, (1) GFCI outlet with cord cover, Wiring of (1) pump, (1) timeclock, Conduit for (1) light, including switching. Bonding of pool shell prior to gunite, deck bonding after deck backfill, prior to deck installation: $3250 � LED lights: $850 per fixture x 2 = $1700 � Gas heater Electrical Hookup: $175 � In-Floor Cleaning System Hook-up: $185 � Polaris Vac Electrical Wiring: $125 � Heat Pump Electrical Hookup: $600 � Paramount Clear O3 Ozone hookup: $250 � Trident Ultra Violet hookup: $250 � Pentair Intellichlor salt system hookup: $250 � Automatic cover wiring: $750 Pool Interior Finish Options: � Interior option 1: White Plaster included in Base: $0 � Interior option 2: VC - Gray Plaster (non-liquid method: $1,800 � Interior option 3: Chilean Beach Caribbean, Tahoe, Plum, Gold or White Pearl - Pearl Matrix Pebble: $6,800 Water: � Water at Gunite Phase: Provided By Owner � 4 Loads of water required upon completion: Paid direct by owner to company.

My only concern would be the floor. My house had what must have been a small screened in porch off the LR - it is built on a slab, whereas the rest of the house has a basement. Previous owner, installed sliders and a small gas furnace. Gas furnace finally died, couldn't find one small enough for the space. Windows lost their seal. We had the glass in the windows replaced about 14 years ago. Then, about 10 years ago, I installed baseboard heat with a thermostat. The porch gets sun all day - front faces east, side (longest wall) faces south, and back (shortest wall) faces west. The house AC keeps it comfortable in the summer and the baseboard heat keeps it about 70 except when it gets in the single digits. Even then, it's in the high 60's. I bring in many of the plants from my terrace for the winter - they love all that sun. There is a nice size attic above the ceiling and the ceiling is insulated. It is wood bead board. It's my favorite room in the house - SO pleasant on a cold day to sit in the sun and see "green" instead of "brown" outside.