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Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a pool or backyard remodel and want to manage the build yourself?
Starting a home remodel or a new home build and what to know what to expect?
Here are answers to the questions homeowners ask most about owner-builder pool construction, construction plans, permits, costs, and backyard design.
What does “owner builder” mean for a pool or remodeling project?
An owner builder project means you, the homeowner, act as your own general contractor. You hire and schedule the subcontractors, purchase materials, and take responsibility for permits and inspections. Working with an owner-builder consultant like Sunset Design Company gives you professional guidance at every stage, so you get the control and cost savings of managing the build yourself without navigating the process alone.
Requirements vary by state, county, and city. Many jurisdictions allow homeowners to pull an owner-builder permit for their own primary residence, sometimes with conditions such as living in the home for a set period after completion. Your subcontractors typically still need to hold their own licenses. Always confirm current rules with your local building department before you sign any contracts.
Do I need a license to build my own pool or remodel my own home?
Can I manage my own kitchen or bathroom remodel as an owner builder?
In many areas, yes, homeowners can manage remodels on their own primary residence and hire licensed trades for the specialized work. The challenge is coordination: ordering materials with long lead times, sequencing demolition, rough-in work, inspections, cabinets, counters, and finishes, and keeping every trade on schedule. An owner-builder consultant helps you plan that sequence and communicate with your subcontractors so the project runs smoothly.
An interior designer plans how a space works and looks: layout and space planning, materials and finishes, cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, color, and furnishings, and they coordinate those choices with your contractors. The best time to hire one is before construction plans are finalized, because layout, lighting, and material decisions affect walls, plumbing, and electrical. Bringing a designer in early prevents costly changes once work has started.
What does an interior designer do for a home remodel, and when should I hire one?
How much does an inground pool cost, and is building it as an owner builder cheaper?
Cost depends on pool size and shape, construction type, site conditions (slope, soil, access, utilities), decking and landscaping, equipment, and local permit fees. Today's contractor pricing can range from as low as $75,000 for a basic pool to $250,000+ for a luxury design. Managing the project yourself can eliminate the 30 to 45% general contractor markup, but delays, change orders, and scheduling mistakes then fall on you. The most reliable way to get an accurate number is a site-specific design and itemized subcontractor bids, plus a contingency for surprises such as rock, groundwater, or utility relocation.
A complete set typically includes a site plan showing setbacks and property lines, pool layout and dimensions, depth profile, structural or engineering details, plumbing and equipment layout, electrical and bonding plans, drainage and grading, and barrier or fence details. Your city may require additional documents. Well-prepared plans speed up permit approval and give your subcontractors clear, consistent instructions to bid on.
What is included in pool construction plans?
What is included in your owner builder pool consultation packages?
Our packages are matched to the size and complexity of your yard: small, medium, and large. Each includes continuous construction consulting and unlimited site visits, and we manage subcontractor communication and coordinate all city permit inspections from start to finish. Contact us to discuss your yard and which package fits your project.
Remodeling costs vary widely by region, home age, scope, and finish level, so start with itemized bids rather than averages. Budget separately for design, permits, labor, materials, fixtures, and appliances. Most professionals recommend a contingency reserve, commonly 10 to 20 percent, because hidden issues such as outdated wiring, water damage, or structural surprises often appear once walls are opened, especially in older homes.
How much should I budget for a home remodel?
What is the difference between a designer, a builder, and an owner-builder consultant?
A designer creates the layout and look of the space, inside or out. A builder or general contractor carries out the construction and manages the crews. An owner-builder consultant guides you while you act as your own general contractor, helping with planning, subcontractor communication, scheduling, and inspections. Sunset Design Company brings design and construction consulting together, so your plans are built with the actual construction process in mind.
Contractors choose Sunset Design Company because we understand how outdoor projects actually get built. After years of collaborating with builders across the country, we design with the real world in mind so what your clients see is what you can deliver. We act as your design department without the overhead of hiring one.
