Pool or no pool - that is the question (homes, heat pump)

[beninfl]

If you build a home, and have the builder install the pool, you'll pay twice for the pool than what you could after the home is built. When I built my home, the builder quoted me $114k for the pool I have right now which was $62k. The only problem is that the pool for half the money took an additional 3 months to have built after the house was purchased. But that's a hell of a savings for a minor annoyance.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Originally Posted by beninfl

If you build a home, and have the builder install the pool, you'll pay twice for the pool than what you could after the home is built. When I built my home, the builder quoted me $114k for the pool I have right now which was $62k. The only problem is that the pool for half the money took an additional 3 months to have built after the house was purchased. But that's a hell of a savings for a minor annoyance.

That is a heck of a savings. You want to oversee the costs on our build? I got a sense of builder's markup when I picked kitchen appliances. 20% markup over their cost. But I don't know if their cost is lower than retail, so maybe it is not so bad.

We have a lot clearing allowance (2k) and a landscaping allowance (12k). I plan to do as much as I can in advance myself, because I figure the same vendor would work for me for less than than for the builder and I would not have the the 20% markup over that. And I won't have plants I hate and pull out the day after it is turned over to us.

I think I can remove 3 palm trees (with city's blessing) and plan the exact shade tree I want in the exact location I want it for less. They still insist on slapping sod down so it is considered "habitable". I am good with them doing the sprinkler system even though I have designed and installed a 14 zone system myself. At my age, I would rather harass the installer.

But Ben, to say it again, that is a heck of a savings. Trim the builders profit as much as possible. Maybe op should install a pool if it becomes a significant barrier to selling. Then it would be new and pretty and in the latest style. Old pools look old and aren't sexy in the eyes of buyers.

[beninfl]

Me getting lucky once doesnt qualify me to help that much on cost savings. But a house is like a car. Dealer makes a small percentage on the car, until you add those options to it. "Rust Proofing?" That'll be $400! Chrome rims? That's $2500!

[macrodome2]

Originally Posted by Cardiff by the Sea

I can't quit internet shopping for houses even though we have bought. (Addiction--need a 12 step program).

I thought I was the only one with that addiction. You made my day.

[macrodome2]

In answer to the original question, we looked at only houses without a pool, but we were looking for a community with a "resort" type community pool. However, we were not in your price range (~$300K) and did not want to deal with the maintenance or liability when we weren't there. I would agree with everyone else, if you're concerned about resale at that price point I think a pool would be a necessity.

[River Tam]

Super - thanks to all those who replied - that's exactly what my gut instinct was telling me! While one never would build with plans to sell right away, one also should guard against having an albatross weighing down resale value and market appeal to the detriment of the home value.

Similarly - IMHO (unless you are independently wealthy) it's also not advisable to overly customize things in odd ways, believing you are going to live there forever and not caring what other people might think. There is only one thing in life that is certain - change.

Adding a pool and other DIY improvements can obviously save money on a new construction, which is great - however when the items are rolled into the mortgage it's far more attractive than paying tens of thousands out of pocket. If you are in a deal with a large developer, they also won't let you do a thing until they hand you the keys - which might mean you have to tear out some of what they did to finish, to DIY other things.... and/or try to match materials in places. Yes, it can save money if you have ample cash on hand or get a 2nd to pay for it in the case of something like a $50K pool.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

Originally Posted by River Tam

Similarly - IMHO (unless you are independently wealthy) it's also not advisable to overly customize things in odd ways, believing you are going to live there forever and not caring what other people might think.

So I guess I should rethink the purple polka paint scheme, the circus elephants in the yard, and the ballroom instead of a master bedroom? Damn, I am so tired of living with 50 shades of beige and safe choices in granite, etc.

[La-La land]

Originally Posted by bbronston

Not only do I totally agree ^^^ but I'll add the ratio of buyers who want a pool to those who don't must be (in my experience) something like 20:1, and it's probably much higher than that. Yes, there are people who don't want them (just as there are people who like Formica) but they are far out numbered. If it doesn't make sense to you to do one now, I'd at least build your new home using a design that is meant to have a pool and summer kitchen and I'd have all of the necessary stuff roughed in. I'd even go so far as to be sure that the lot you choose provides easy access for a pool builder to get back there without destroying your landscaping, or your neighbor's. As long as you can look ahead and plan, you might as well.

Yes indeed, good advise right here

[pltrgyst]

Originally Posted by photoman_6

i don't know if you can really use a pool year round here. Even with my electric heater, my small pool doesn't get above 65-70 most of Nov-Mar.
I'm no expert but seems i read somewhere pool heaters are only able to raise water temperature 10-15 degrees above air temperature. Anyone out there know for sure?

We bought a home with a pool in January, 2013. We've been in the pool at least several times a week every week since. Running eight hours a day, our heat pump has no trouble keeping the pool at 82.

-- Larry

[chloe92us]

I agree with the other posters that a home in that price range would be expected to have a pool. However, I have a good friend that purchased a $mil+ home on Charlotte Harbor that didn't have a pool, they haven't bothered to put one in yet, nor are they thinking they will. It is a gorgeous home too. A family member lives in a $mil+ home on Lemon Bay and wants to fill his pool in!

So, there ARE buyers out there that would still buy without a pool, but I think they are the minority.