Tampa Pool Builders Mark Up Costs and How We Are Different

Company News & Tips, Cost Transparency, Swimming Pool Construction
tampa pool construction

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 Builders Mark Up Costs

• To increase profit margins
• To hide subcontractor price variations
• To compensate for underpriced package deals
• To leverage upgrades with inflated costs
• To cover overhead through unclear charges

These hidden markups can add thousands or even tens of thousands to a project without the homeowner knowing.

How Our Model Removes Markups Completely

1. Transparent cost plus system
Every invoice is visible to the homeowner.

2. Fixed management fee
We charge a clear and predictable fee. We do not earn more when you spend more.

3. No material markups
Homeowners see the real price from suppliers.

4. Open vendor relationships
We work with trusted subcontractors who know our process.

A More Honest Way to Build

Homeowners deserve to know where every dollar goes. Our model ensures fairness and removes the financial games that often frustrate families in Tampa Bay.


Summary

Traditional pool builders often hide markups inside bids. The Backyard Company uses a cost plus model that eliminates markups and gives homeowners full access to real invoices and vendor pricing.


FAQs

Q: How much do traditional markups add
Often 20 to 40 percent or more depending on the builder.

Q: Is cost plus cheaper
In many cases yes. Removing hidden markups saves money.

Q: How do I know costs are honest
You receive every vendor invoice directly.

Ready to Start Your Pool Project?

Get transparent pricing, see your design in 3D, and save 15-30% with our cost-plus approach.

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Resort-Style Pool

Infinity edge, tanning ledge, grotto

Price Range: $85k–$110k

Location: Lutz

Complete Backyard

Pool, spa, kitchen, pergola, landscaping

Price Range: $95k–$125k

Location: Westchase

Family Fun Pool

Rectangular pool, sun shelf, sports package

Price Range: $50k–$65k

Location: Brandon

Luxury Outdoor Kitchen

Covered kitchen, BBQ island, fire pit

Price Range: $35k–$50k

Location: Clearwater

Tropical Oasis

Freeform pool, waterfall, tropical landscaping

Price Range: $55k–$75k

Location: St. Petersburg

Modern Pool & Spa

Gunite pool, elevated spa, LED lighting

Price Range: $65k–$85k

Location: Tampa

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.