Design-Build Blog | Payne & Tompkins

How Much Does a Pool House Cost in the Cleveland, Ohio Area?

Written by Payne & Tompkins | Aug 19, 2024

Elevate your outdoor living experience with a custom pool house that provides your family and friends convenience and luxury right in your own backyard!

Whether you’re envisioning a cozy backyard pool house for guests or a modern pool house with all the amenities, understanding the cost of building a pool house is the first step in your planning process. Let's talk about the custom pool house costs, the features that make a pool house stand out, a few of the top pool house design ideas, and why choosing an experienced design-build team is essential for a successful project.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool House?

The cost to build a pool house in the Cleveland area starts around $200-$250K for a custom design by an experienced design-build team. This price includes both the design and construction, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.

Working with a design-build team means you get a cohesive plan that addresses all aspects of the build, from pool house plans to final touches, ensuring your new addition is beautiful, functional, and suits your exact purposes.

Do Pool Houses Add Value To Your Ohio Home?

On average, a well-designed pool house can increase your property’s value, although there isn't enough industry data to say exactly how much. However, a boost in value comes from the added convenience and luxury a pool house provides, making your home more appealing to potential buyers. Features like a pool house with a bathroom or a two-story pool house can enhance your property’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, further driving up its market value.

What Makes a Pool House a Pool House?

A pool house is typically a separate structure located near your swimming pool, designed to provide anything you'd need on a long day of swimming and other features that can elevate your outdoor living area.

Common features include a changing area, storage for pool equipment, and sometimes a small kitchen or bar for having a good time with friends and family. Homeowners build pool houses to create a dedicated space for guests to relax and enjoy the pool area without needing to enter the main house. These structures can range from simple pool house sheds to elaborate modern pool houses with luxurious amenities like bedrooms, bathrooms, and outdoor showers.

Should a Pool House Have a Bathroom?

Absolutely! Adding a bathroom to your pool house is a game-changer. It means no more wet footprints traipsing through your main house. Swimmers can rinse off and change right there, keeping everything neat and tidy. Plus, an outdoor shower is a fantastic addition for a quick rinse before and after swimming. It’s super convenient and makes your pool house even more useful for both everyday use and entertaining guests.

 

What Is the Difference Between a Pool House and an ADU?

A pool house and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may seem similar, but they serve different purposes and have different requirements. A pool house is mainly for fun and relaxation, giving you a spot to change, unwind, and entertain by the pool.

On the other hand, an ADU is like a mini-home, fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and living space. It’s designed like an independent residence, meeting specific building codes and zoning regulations. While a pool house can have some of these features, it’s usually not meant for permanent living. 

 

Building a Custom Pool House vs. a Prefab Pool House

Choosing a custom pool house over a prefab one has several perks. A custom pool house is made just for you, matching your specific needs and style. You get to pick high-quality materials and unique design elements, ensuring everything aligns with your vision.

Sure, the custom pool house cost per square foot might be more, but it's worth it for the durability, functionality, and beautiful look you get. Prefab pool houses might be cheaper, but they often lack the customization and quality of a custom build.

Top 10 Pool House Design Ideas

Each of these pool house ideas adds unique features and benefits, creating a versatile and luxurious space that's made just for you. Whether you’re looking for practicality, entertainment, or relaxation, a well-designed custom pool house can transform your backyard into a personal paradise!

1. Outdoor Shower

Add some practicality and style to your pool house with an outdoor shower. Perfect for rinsing off after a swim, it keeps the inside of both your pool house and your main house clean and dry. Choose durable materials like teak or stainless steel, and add privacy screens or lush landscaping to create your own secluded, spa-like retreat.

2. Custom Bar

Take your entertaining to the next level with a custom bar in your pool house. Outfit it with a sleek countertop, sink, ice maker, and built-in beverage coolers. Add bar stools and ambient lighting, and you’ve got the ultimate spot for mixing drinks and hanging out with friends and family.

3. Fitness Room

Turn your pool house into a personal fitness center with a dedicated fitness room. Include space for gym equipment like treadmills, weights, and yoga mats. Enhance it with mirrors, rubber flooring, and a sound system to create an inspiring workout environment that keeps you motivated. Plus, after a good session, you could hit the outdoor shower and take a dip to cool off!

4. Two-Story Pool House

A two-story pool house offers tons of extra space and flexibility. Use the upper level as a guest suite, home office, or extra lounge area, while the lower level can house a kitchen, bathroom, and storage. Add a balcony that looks over the pool to maximize your outdoor living space and give you stunning views of your pool and garden. 

5. Movable Glass Walls

Blend indoor and outdoor living seamlessly with movable glass walls. Slide them open to create an open-air pavilion, perfect for entertaining or enjoying a breeze. When closed, they offer shelter from the elements while still providing panoramic views of your backyard.

6. Covered Patio

Extend the usability of your pool house with a covered patio. Furnish it with comfy seating, a dining table, and outdoor lighting. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors while staying protected from the sun and rain.

7. Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen adds a whole new dimension to your pool house. Equip it with a built-in grill, sink, refrigerator, and plenty of counter space for meal prep. This setup makes hosting barbecues and poolside parties a breeze, so you never miss out on the fun.

8. Sauna

Give your pool house a luxurious, spa-like feel with a sauna. It offers relaxation and health benefits, making it a fantastic addition to your outdoor space. Choose between a traditional wood-fired sauna or an infrared model, and add features like seating benches, mood lighting, and a sound system for the full experience.

9. Large Lounge Area

Design a large lounge area in your pool house for ultimate relaxation and socializing. Furnish it with plush sofas, coffee tables, and entertainment options like a flat-screen TV or a sound system. It’s the perfect hub for family gatherings, casual hangouts, or quiet evenings by the pool.

 


How to Find a Pool House Builder in the Cleveland Area

Finding an experienced pool house builder is your secret to success. Pool houses are unique home additions that require specific knowledge and skills. A design-build team is the best option because they handle both the design and construction phases, ensuring a cohesive and well-executed project.

Research and Referrals

Start by researching local builders with experience in pool house construction. Look for companies that specialize in this area to ensure they know the ins and outs of building a great pool house.

Ask friends, family, or neighbors for referrals—personal recommendations can be incredibly valuable! Also, take some time to check online reviews to gauge their reputation and reliability. You want to find a builder with a solid track record of happy customers and successful projects.

Verify Credentials

Ensure that the builders are licensed and insured. This is super important because it protects you from potential liabilities if something goes wrong during the construction process.

It also guarantees that the builder adheres to professional standards, giving you peace of mind about the quality of their work. Don’t be shy about asking to see their credentials—a reputable builder will be more than happy to provide this information. This step helps ensure that you're hiring someone trustworthy and qualified to build your dream pool house.

Why Choose a Design-Build Team?

Going with a design-build team for your pool house project has a ton of benefits.

First off, seamless communication means fewer errors and delays. Everyone’s on the same page, which keeps things running smoothly and on schedule. Plus, you get a single point of contact, making the whole process simpler and improving your experience during the process.

With a design-build team, you get all the experts—architects, designers, and builders—working together. This means innovative ideas and top-notch quality. They handle everything from start to finish, saving you time and money by streamlining the whole process.

And let’s not forget, these teams are all about making you happy. Any home improvement project will have its challenges, but the design-build method is set up to make problem-solving swift and efficient. This is because the design-build process prioritizes collaboration, making you an integral part of the team. 

 

Why Payne & Tompkins is the Right Choice for Your Pool House Design and Construction

With a team of experienced professionals, Payne & Tompkins provides high-quality pool house plans and construction services tailored to your needs.

Our design-build approach offers an experience that puts you and your vision at the center, from initial design to final construction. A home improvement project can be a time when you'll have many questions and concerns, so you'll want a team on your side that's compassionate and trustworthy. Trust Payne & Tompkins to create a stunning and functional pool house that enhances your property and lifestyle. Contact us below to start your pool house project!

 

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