Educational Resource
Structured reports that examine real backyard projects and explain how the same scope may be delivered under a transparent cost plus construction management model.
Backyard construction is one of the largest investments a homeowner will make outside of the home itself. Yet most homeowners begin the process with limited visibility into how a pool or outdoor living budget is actually structured. Traditional lump sum proposals bundle construction cost, overhead, sales expense, warranty reserve, and profit into a single figure that is difficult to evaluate.
Project Investment Analyses were created to demystify that process. Every contractor has different overhead, staffing models, marketing expenses, and pricing structures. This series does not exist to criticize other builders. It exists to show how the same project may be structured under an open book, cost plus construction management approach.
For a deeper explanation of the underlying model, review the cost plus pool construction guide and the protect your pool investment overview.
Understand how real project costs may be structured, where your investment may go, and how a transparent cost plus process works.
Explore Reports for HomeownersUse the reports to begin transparent backyard planning conversations earlier and help clients understand the financial structure before construction begins.
Explore Reports for BuildersEvery analysis begins with publicly available permit records for a real project, including declared valuation, scope description, and jurisdictional details.
We reconstruct the likely scope from plans, elevations, and site conditions so the analysis reflects the actual work being delivered.
We prepare a professional estimate of how the same scope would be structured under our transparent cost plus construction management model.
We identify where the estimated difference may be reallocated inside the project, retained by the homeowner, or invested in upgrades.
Every report is written for homeowners and builders first. Terminology is defined, assumptions are disclosed, and no report is presented as a bid.
As market conditions, material costs, and code requirements evolve, reports are refreshed so the educational value remains current.
Project comparisons are based on publicly available permit information, visible project features, and The Backyard Company's professional estimates using known or current trade, material, design, and management costs. Permit values may not represent the final contract amount or complete project scope. Actual costs vary based on site conditions, engineering, selections, access, scheduling, and market pricing. Each analysis is educational and is not a bid, appraisal, or guarantee of savings.
Report Library
Our first published Project Investment Analyses are in preparation. You can request a tailored analysis for your own project, or join the list to be notified when new reports are released.
Upcoming AnalysisPool Investment Analysis
South Tampa, FL
Upcoming analysis examining a modern pool and spa project and how a comparable scope may be structured under a transparent cost plus construction management model.
Permit values and estimates may not reflect complete scope or final project costs. View the full methodology.
Request This Analysis
Upcoming AnalysisPool Investment Analysis
Westchase, FL
Upcoming analysis examining a family pool with screen enclosure and outdoor entertaining space, evaluated against a transparent cost plus construction management approach.
Permit values and estimates may not reflect complete scope or final project costs. View the full methodology.
Request This Analysis
Upcoming AnalysisPool Investment Analysis
Carrollwood, FL
Upcoming analysis examining how access constraints and mature landscaping on an established Carrollwood property influence planning and where a cost plus model creates transparency.
Permit values and estimates may not reflect complete scope or final project costs. View the full methodology.
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Upcoming AnalysisOutdoor Kitchen Analysis
Trinity, FL
Upcoming analysis comparing traditional lump sum delivery of an outdoor kitchen and living package against a transparent construction management model.
Permit values and estimates may not reflect complete scope or final project costs. View the full methodology.
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Upcoming AnalysisLuxury Backyard Analysis
Odessa, FL
Upcoming analysis of a luxury backyard on an Odessa acreage lot, evaluating pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, pavilion, and landscape as an integrated cost plus construction package.
Permit values and estimates may not reflect complete scope or final project costs. View the full methodology.
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Upcoming AnalysisPool Investment Analysis
Clearwater, FL
Upcoming analysis of a coastal pool project evaluating equipment selection, deck materials, and long term durability under a transparent cost plus construction management model.
Permit values and estimates may not reflect complete scope or final project costs. View the full methodology.
Request This AnalysisExplore the underlying services and resources behind our approach: cost plus pool construction, protect your pool investment, swimming pool construction, 3D pool design, outdoor living spaces, and custom home builder partnerships. You can also request a homeowner analysis, request a builder analysis, or contact our team.
Homeowners and custom home builders can request an analysis prepared for a specific site, scope, and design intent.
