I want to clarify, I don't mean subcontracting the pool construction. I mean using a company like company who wants to make a bid on doing my entire yard and installing a sprinkler system, trees, all landscape and hardscape, patio, built in BBQ vs using a company just for a pool and the pool area.

Never built one, but I just found this site while researching our upcoming pool remodel. Maybe the info would be helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.howibuiltmyownpool.com/index.php

What part of the country are you in? In the Houston area, I feel it is less expensive to hire someone for sprinklers, landscaping, etc. If you are willing to pay a premium (and additional mark-up) to avoid having to deal with other companies, then it may be worth it to you to go turnkey.

I'm in Southern California.

If you have the contacts please keep as much as possible on separate bids. Even the pool. If you have the time do your research.

Why is that Damien?

Get everything priced individually as Damien suggests. This way you can compare cost of different parts of the project. If you decide you don't want to do a particular part of the project you know how much you don't need to pay. Or you may want to get multiple bids for only certain parts of the project. If the company doesn't want to itemize everything, they are trying to hide costs. The only way to know if you'd save substantial money is to compare to keep the contractor honest (&let them know it). I would caution against doing everything at once since what you envision may not come to life. For example you may think everyone will congregate in one part of the yard but they actually end up using another. Good luck!

I hired a pool builder (Anthony and Sylvan Pools) and another contractor to do an outdoor, covered kitchen area (Fine Patio Designs). Initial meeting between all three layed out the rules of engagement. Anthony and Sylvan of course didn't not stick with the plan and made the entire process an absolute pain in the a$$. I would never recommend Anthony and Sylvan. Wish I had gone with a single contractor.