How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool House?
Typical Range:
$26,630 - $180,000
Typical Range:
$26,630 - $180,000
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated June 21, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.Building a 300-square-foot detached pool house costs an average of $114,000, but the total depends on the style and type. Costs for building a pool house from scratch can range from $48,000 for a simple structure to $180,000 for a pool house complete with a bathroom, shower, bar, and/or kitchen. A prefabricated pool house of about 300 square feet will cost about $26,630.
Low End | National Average | High End |
---|---|---|
$26,630 | $114,000 | $180,000 |
2022 Notice: Material Prices Are Surging
Demand for siding and other building materials has grown over the past year. And as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a building project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.
Pool house costs can vary dramatically. Smaller, simple structures will cost less, while customized pool houses with all the bells and whistles will be more expensive.
Pool House Type | Cost |
---|---|
Custom-Built | $160 – $600 per square foot |
Prefab | $26,630 on average |
Shed | $1,500 on average |
A custom-built pool house costs about $160 to $600 per square foot. A small pool house, around 150 square feet, is around $24,000, although additional features like a bathroom or kitchen will increase the cost. A large pool house, over 300 square feet, can cost up to $180,000.
A prefab pool house runs an average of $26,630, with prices ranging from $5,000 to over $44,000. Prefab pool houses are less expensive than custom-built pool houses, and they may be easier to install. But prefab structures tend to be less durable and long-lasting, so you may need to replace them down the line.
A pool house shed costs around $1,500. This is a smaller structure, around 100 square feet, best for storing towels, pool toys, cleaning solutions, maintenance tools, and other equipment.
A pool house can be completely customized to your needs. For many, simple storage is fine, but others may want a bathroom to keep family or guests from entering the house while dripping wet.
Installing a bathroom in a pool house costs $15,000 to $35,000 on average. This project will require plumbing, electrical work, and adding fixtures like a toilet and shower. Adding a walk-in shower costs $750 to $6,850, and a new toilet costs around $373.
Installing a bar in a pool house costs about $2,000 to $4,000 on average and allows you to easily mix up drinks for guests to enjoy by the pool.
Sink: A new sink starts at $100 for a basic model and professional installation.
Fridge: A new fridge to keep beverages and snacks chilled will cost $190 to $3,250 depending on the size and model.
Plumbing: Installing new pipes costs at least $1,500.
Adding a full kitchen, complete with a fridge and oven, costs $5,000 to over $125,000 depending on the size and materials you want to include. Refrigerator installation costs range from $600 to $3,250 including labor, while a mini-fridge is usually between $190 and $470. An oven and stove cost $510 to $8,000.
You’ll also need to factor in plumbing, at least $1,500, and installing new electrical wiring costs, which run about $1,410. Lights, tiles, flooring, and cabinets are additional factors to consider.
An outdoor shower costs $1,000 to $8,000. Wall-mounted showers are the least expensive, while a standalone shower near the pool house costs more. The price depends on the materials you choose, such as the showerhead and knobs, as well as how easy or difficult it is to hook up to the property’s plumbing.
You can save between 30% and 60% of the total project cost by building a pool house yourself, but you shouldn’t attempt to build a customized pool house on your own. If you have construction experience, you can safely build a shed or prefab pool house kit. Even these types of structures require foundations, and if you want to add plumbing or electricity, you’ll need to consult professionals to avoid safety risks and costly damage. You can hire a general contractor to build a pool house.
A pool house has about 5% to 8% ROI. While this isn’t a lot, you should consider a pool house if it suits your lifestyle. If you love entertaining, need a space to store pool toys and accessories, or are simply tired of mopping after kids come in the house dripping wet when they want snacks, building a pool house is a good option.
Most pool houses can range from 100 square feet to 800 square feet. Smaller pool houses are about 100 to 150 square feet, while a spacious pool house is at least 300 square feet.