How much does it cost to build a pool house?
How much does it cost to build a pool house?
$150 – $600 average cost per square foot
$45,000 – $180,000 average total cost to build (300 SF)
Pool house cost by size
A custom-built pool house costs $150 to $600 per square foot, or $45,000 to $180,000 for a 300-square-foot structure. A prefab pool house costs $7,500 to $45,000 installed for the same size. Building a pool house with a bathroom costs $18,000 to $47,000 more than building one without plumbing.
| Pool house square feet | Average cost to build |
|---|---|
| 100 | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| 200 | $30,000 – $120,000 |
| 300 | $45,000 – $180,000 |
| 500 | $75,000 – $300,000 |
| 800 | $120,000 – $480,000 |
| 1000 | $150,000 – $600,000 |
Cost to build a pool house by type
| Type | Cost per square foot installed | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pool house shed (10'x10') | $10 – $30 | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Prefab kit | $25 – $150 | $7,500 – $45,000 |
| Custom-built | $150 – $600 | $45,000 – $180,000 |
Prefab pool house kit prices
Prefab pool house kit prices range from $7,500 to $45,000 installed, costing much less than a custom-built structure but offering fewer design choices. Many companies offer a standard kit with add-on customization options like paint color, window flower boxes, shutters, roof styles, shelving, trim, and ventilation.
Some prefab pool houses are delivered pre-constructed, while others are delivered in pieces for on-site assembly.
Prefab pool houses are designed to be structurally sound, but they typically do not last as long as a custom-built pool house.
Most pool house kits require site prep to supply a level surface, gravel pad, or concrete foundation. A concrete slab costs $5 to $10 per square foot installed.
Custom-built pool house cost
A custom-built pool house costs $150 to $600 per square foot and offers the most design and customization. A pool house suite with a bathroom, kitchen, and room to entertain falls at the high end of the price range. A simpler pool house for changing, lounging, and storing essentials costs less.
Pool house shed prices
A pool house shed costs $1,000 to $3,000 for a 10'x10' prefab shed or $2,500 to $15,000 on average for a custom-built shed of the same size. Pool house sheds are typically small, simple structures designed for storing pool equipment, towels, pool toys, and other essentials.
Pool house construction costs
The table below shows the average cost for common pool house features:
| Add-on | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | $18,000 – $47,000+ |
| Full kitchen |
$25,000 – $43,000 (indoor) $7,000 – $35,000 (outdoor) |
| Outdoor shower |
$250 – $700 (wall-mounted) $700 – $7,000+ (freestanding enclosure) |
| Indoor shower | $3,500 – $15,000 |
| Bar |
$1,000 – $12,000 (prefab) $5,000 – $30,000 (custom) |
Pool house construction and labor costs vary according to the location, size, and type of pool house you build. Consider the following potential costs when choosing your pool house design and features:
Planning & site prep
Hiring an architect costs $100 to $250 per hour or $2 to $15 per square foot to draw plans for the pool house.
Construction permits cost $500 to $2,000 or 0.50% to 2.00% of the total construction cost.
Yard leveling or regrading costs $1,000 to $5,000 for an average backyard lot.
Exterior construction
Framing costs $11 to $30 per square foot.
Siding installation costs $3 to $13 per square foot. Many homeowners choose to match the pool house siding to the primary home for a cohesive look.
Window installation costs $450 to $1,500 per window, including labor and the window itself.
Roofing costs $3 to $6 per square foot for materials and installation.
Installing gutters costs $5 to $15 per linear foot, including the downspouts.
Interior construction and finishing
New plumbing pipes cost $4 to $5 per square foot installed.
New electrical wiring costs $4 to $9 per square foot. The cost to run a new electrical line underground to the pool house is $10 to $25 per linear foot.
The average cost of new flooring installation is $4 to $15 per square foot.
Drywall installation costs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot for labor and materials.
An HVAC system costs $7,000 to $16,000 installed, including the necessary ductwork. Most pool houses don't have an HVAC system but consider adding this feature if you intend for your pool house to act as a guest house for overnight stays.
Interior painting costs $1 to $3 per square foot of surface area.
Pool house with bathroom cost
A pool house with a bathroom costs $20,000 to $50,000 more in most cases. This extra cost includes adding several new plumbing lines for the sink, toilet, and shower, new electrical wiring, tiling, and fixtures. Including a bathroom in your pool house adds convenience and keeps pool water out of your primary home.
Full kitchen
An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $16,000 on average for a prefab system or $10,000 to $35,000 for a custom kitchen. Including a full indoor kitchen in your pool house adds $25,000 to $43,000+ for the construction, plumbing and electrical wiring, appliances, fixtures, and finishing. The kitchen size, materials, and features you include have a significant impact on the total.
Refrigerator installation costs $675 to $2,500 for the unit and labor. A mini-fridge costs $100 to $400 for the unit itself and is typically a DIY-friendly install.
Range installation cost $700 to $1,600, including the oven and stovetop.
Kitchen sink installation costs $330 to $1,300.
Adding a garbage disposal costs $250 to $650.
Indoor or outdoor shower
A freestanding outdoor shower enclosure costs $700 to $7,000+ for the unit alone, depending on the material and design. Installation adds $350 to $1,000+ and may require a plumber and electrician. A simple wall-mounted shower costs $250 to $700 installed and still allows guests to rinse off without leaving pool area.
New shower installation costs $3,500 to $15,000+ when including a full walk-in shower inside your pool house.
Built-in bar
A built-in bar costs $1,000 to $12,000 installed for a prefab bar or $5,000 to $30,000 for a custom bar. Wet bars fall at the high end of these price ranges due to the plumbing required, but they are more convenient and better for entertaining—a worthy consideration for a pool house.
Additional upgrades
Common pool house upgrades and add-ons include:
Extra shade – A pergola costs $10 to $65 per square foot installed for an exterior covered lounge area.
Furniture – Outdoor furniture costs $500 to $1,500 per set.
Bedding – A murphy bed costs $2,000 to $4,000 installed on average and provides a space-saving solution to include room to sleep in your pool house.
Storage
Built-in cabinets cost $250 to $600 per cabinet box installed for extra storage inside your pool house.
Custom shelving cost $400 to $8,000.
Deck boxes for poolside storage cost $50 to $300+ each.
Landscaping – Landscaping costs $50 to $100 per hour or $20 to $65 per square foot for flower bed installation around your new pool house.
Pros and cons of building a pool house
The table below shows the benefits and drawbacks of building a pool house.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pool house FAQs
What is a pool house?
A pool house is a structure separate from the home, located near the pool, which provides storage for pool equipment and essentials and a space to change without tracking pool water through your main house. Larger pool houses may also offer space to relax and entertain.
Depending on the size, a pool house may have one or all of the following amenities:
Bathroom
Shower
Changing area
Seating or lounge area
Game or recreation area
Kitchen
Extra living space
Guest bedrooms
Storage and shelving
How long does it take to build a pool house?
Building a pool house takes 2 to 3 months on average for a custom-built pool house with a washroom, changing room, storage, and seating. A custom pool house that acts as a guest house, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area can take 4 months to a year to construct.
Installing a prefabricated pool house or shed typically takes 1 to 3 days.
How much value does a pool house add to a home?
Most pool houses add value to a home by providing extra living or storage space and improving your property's aesthetic value. How much value it adds depends on the size and type of pool house you build and whether it appeals to potential buyers.
A pool house is typically a permanent structure that increases a property's total square footage. Non-permanent structures do not add square footage but may still add value for homeowners who spend a lot of time at the pool or entertaining outdoors.
Can I build a pool house on my property?
You can build a pool house on your property in most cases if you have the space for it. Most cities require a permit to build a pool house, though structures under 200 square feet may not require a permit in some areas.
Check your city building and zoning laws, and HOA regulations if applicable, to confirm the requirements.
How big is a typical pool house?
A typical pool house is 100 to 500 square feet, depending on the property size, layout, available space, and the pool house's intended use. Smaller pool house sheds provide a changing area and storage for pool equipment and essentials. Larger models may include a bathroom, shower, and lounge area.
Can you build a pool house yourself?
You can build a pool house yourself if you have the necessary construction skills. Most pool houses require the same expertise to build as regular homes. You'll likely need one or more permits depending on the size and features. Consult with a licensed contractor to ensure your structure is safe and up to code.
Getting estimates from pool house builders
Follow these guidelines when searching for a pool house builder:
Discuss options with friends or family members who have pools and pool houses.
Search for pool house builders who are licensed, bonded, insured, and have been in business for at least 5 years.
Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a portfolio of past projects and local references.
Get an itemized contract and guarantee in writing before the work begins.
Work out a payment schedule and make sure the work is complete and has passed any required inspections before you submit your final payment.
Questions to ask
Ask the following questions to make sure you're hiring the right contractor to build your pool house:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How many pool houses have you built?
Can you provide references and a portfolio?
What is your lead time?
Can you match my house siding?
Do you do interior finish work?
What customizations do you offer?
Will you be doing the work, or do you use subcontractors?
What does the estimate include?
What extra costs typically come up when you're building a pool house like mine?
What do I need to do to prepare the property?
Do you handle leveling the yard and laying the foundation?
How much clearance do you need for material delivery?
What permits do I need, and do you handle the permitting process?
Do you have financing options?
Do you require a deposit, and if so, how much is it?