Why I Decided to Build a Sports Court
So last spring, my kids kept whining about driving 30 minutes to the public courts. Wife said “just do it yourself” – sounded straightforward. Googled costs, saw people claiming it’s $3k tops. Yeah, right. Grabbed my notebook and started real planning.
Getting Price Quotes Was Wild
Called six contractors. Two never called back. First dude rolled up chewing tobacco, eyeballed the yard, spat out “$12k minimum.” Almost choked. Next company sent a guy with an iPad – tap tap – “$18,750 with premium surfacing.” Laughed him out the gate.
- Budget killer #1: Base prep. Our yard’s sloped? Add $2k for grading and gravel.
- Budget killer #2: That “simple” fence? Chain-link alone added $1,600.
Materials Shocker
Figured I’d save cash doing supplies myself. Drove to construction supply warehouse:
- Concrete quotes made my eyes water
- Asphalt was cheaper but needs resurfacing every year? Nope
- Snapped up modular sport tiles – thought I scored till tax hit
Total cart price was $4,200. Then the dude casually mentioned “You need adhesive underlayment, right?” Another $380. Almost cried in the parking lot.
DIY Disaster Weekend
Rented a compactor from Home Depot. Felt badass until it started pouring rain. Mud everywhere. Neighbor “helped” with laser level – now one corner’s 2 inches higher. Spent Sunday tearing up half the base. Pizza bribes for friends: $87. Beer for mistakes: $45.
Pro tip: Weather apps lie. Rent equipment for double the time you think.
Final Tally & Lessons
- Materials: $4,893
- Equipment rental: $620
- Beer/pizza/bribes: $132
- “Surprise” drainage pipes: $290
Grand total: $5,935 – almost double my original budget. Kids love it though. Would I do it again? Only if I could time-travel and slap past-me researching costs. Internet estimates are fantasy land. Always add 40% for hidden crap.
