Cost Transparency Archives - The Backyard Company

Avoid Pool Change Orders with Transparent Budgeting in Tampa

Change orders are one of the most frustrating parts of pool construction. Many homeowners feel blindsided when costs increase halfway through the project. These surprises usually come from unclear designs, incomplete estimates, or hidden pricing. The Backyard Company helps to avoid change orders by using a transparent budget system and clear 3D design planning. Why […]

3D Pool Design Helps Tampa Homeowners Avoid Surprises and Stay on Budget

Many Tampa homeowners start a pool project without seeing a true visualization of their design. This often leads to unexpected changes, misunderstandings, or budget increases. Our 3D design studio solves that problem by giving you a complete view of your backyard before construction begins. Benefits of 3D Design 1. Clear and realistic visualsYou can see […]

Tampa Pool Builders Mark Up Costs and How We Are Different

Traditional Tampa pool builders often mark up costs and charge more than the true cost of labor and materials. These extra charges are hidden in contractor markups. Many Tampa homeowners never learn how much they actually paid above the real price. Our goal is to eliminate these hidden costs and give homeowners complete transparency. Why […]

Complete Payment Policy

1. Zero Deposits

Unlike traditional builders who require 10–50% down, we require $0 upfront. Your contract is binding, but your money stays in your account until work is complete.

2. Direct Vendor Payments

Subcontractors are paid only after we confirm their work is complete, while material suppliers are paid upfront before materials are released for delivery.

This can include:

Pool shell companies
Equipment and material suppliers
Tile and decking contractors
Plumbing and electrical trades

3. Inspection & Verification

Before each payment milestone, our team inspects workmanship against contract specs. You receive photo documentation and a checklist confirming readiness for payment. If an inspection is required, we verify that the inspection has passed before a payment is due.

4. How Payments are Made

Payments to both, The Backyard Company and approved vendors, can be paid by credit card, ACH, or check, giving homeowners control over how funds are released. Please note that certain payment methods may include processing fees, which will be clearly outlined prior to each transaction.

5. Lien Releases

For every payment to an approved vendor, The Backyard Company will secure a release of lien in exchange for the payment being made.

6. Management Fee Structure

The Backyard Company uses a simple, transparent two-part management fee structure designed to align with homeowner control and project progress. Construction Management (CM) fees are collected only when a vendor payment is made, ensuring you pay management costs in direct proportion to verified work completed. Project Management (PM) fees begin once the project enters the excavation phase and are billed weekly to cover hands-on coordination, scheduling, and on-site oversight throughout the build.

7. Punch Out & Warranty

Minor punch-out items will not delay vendor payments, as payments are issued upon verified completion of the contracted scope of work. All vendor warranties become active only after final payment for that vendor’s portion of the project has been made in full. This ensures clear completion, accountability, and warranty validation for every trade involved.

This policy eliminates the #1 risk in pool building: losing deposits to bankrupt or dishonest builders. Your money stays protected until you approve quality.