How My Indoor Sports Court Dream Turned Into A Money Pit
So last winter I got this wild idea to build an indoor sports court in my barn. Basketball, badminton, maybe even roller skating – figured it’d be perfect for rainy days. Started with Google searches and almost choked when I saw typical prices. Still, I’m stubborn so I pushed forward.
First step was measuring that barn space. Grabbed my rusty tape measure and climbed around dusty rafters. Ended up with this awkward L-shaped area about 60 feet long but only 20 feet wide in some spots. Already knew I’d need steel reinforcements for the roof when we clear out old hay bales.
Got three local builders to come take a look. First dude showed up wearing clean dress shoes – knew immediately he’d charge big city prices. His quote came back at $85,000 and included fancy laminate flooring I didn’t even want. Second guy scribbled numbers on a greasy napkin – $40,000 but forgot lighting completely. Third contractor seemed decent until I found out he got arrested last year for fraud.
Decided to try the DIY route after those disasters. Here’s how costs piled up:
- Concrete pour for foundation: $12,500 (turned out my soil needed extra compacting)
- Steel beams and trusses: $8,200 (prices spiked right after I ordered)
- Court surface tiles: $9,800 (went mid-range but shipping cost double estimates)
Biggest shocker was the HVAC system. My dumb ass thought one industrial fan would do. After installing, humidity warped the flooring in weeks. Had to rip it all out and install proper ventilation – another $7,500 down the drain.
Final tab? Just under $55,000 and six months of weekend work. My wife hasn’t stopped reminding me we could’ve bought a luxury vacation for that. But hey, at least teenage neighbors keep sneaking in to play pickup games – though they keep breaking my $200 backboard.
Moral of the story? Double every budget estimate you see online. And maybe just join the YMCA.
