How Much Does Building a Pool House Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Plan to spend an average of $110,000 for the cost of building a pool house. Most projects fall between an average range of $24,000 to $180,000. That works out to $160 to $600 per square foot. House size, finishes, labor, and amenities determine where your project lands in that range. Hiring a professional to build your pool house ensures a sound result with expert-quality finishes.

Pool House Cost Factors

A pool house is a major investment that can boost property value and everyday enjoyment. Below are the main factors that determine your total cost.

Site Prep and Project Planning

Before you break ground, there is a lot of planning and preparation to do. Pool house blueprint costs range from $800 to $2,700, depending on build complexity. You’ll also have to make sure you have the necessary permits to start building, and building permits cost between $530 and $3,040. The price varies depending on your location and the nature of your project.

Exterior Construction

Installing siding adds $2 to $28 per square foot. You’ll also need to install windows, which cost between $200 and $800 each. Of course, you’ll also need a roof, which will cost $4.35 to $11 per square foot to install. Lastly, your new pool house requires gutters, which cost between $4 and $30 per linear foot (including downspouts).

Finishing

Once the shell is up, you’ll still need to finish the interior. Keep these common finishing costs in mind:

• Plumbing: $2–$8 per linear foot

• Electrical work: $2–$4 per square foot

• Floors: $2–$22 per square foot

• Drywall: $1.50–$3.00 per square foot

• Cooling system: $5,000–$12,500

• Heating system: $2,000–$10,000

Size

The size of your pool house is arguably the primary factor in the final cost, as more square footage increases the cost of every other part of the project. Here are the cost ranges for the most common pool house sizes:

Custom-Built

Custom-built pool houses cost between $26,600 and $180,000, with prices ranging from $160 to $600 per square foot.

Prefab

Prefab pool houses start at $5,000 to $6,000 and can climb to $25,000 or more for larger models. They’re cheaper and faster to install than custom builds, but the trade-off is durability—you may face repairs or replacement sooner.

Shed

Expect to pay $3,000 to $10,000 for a pool-house shed of 100 square feet; it’s ideal for stashing towels, toys, and maintenance gear.

Labor Costs for Building a Pool House

Materials are only half the story—labor can be a sizable chunk of your budget. Smaller sheds may not require every specialist below, but bigger custom builds often do.

Architect

If you’re building a custom pool house, you’ll need the services of a local architect. They’ll be able to take your vision for the pool home and make it possible, drafting blueprints that your construction team will use to create the final product. Hiring an architect to draw plans for your pool house costs between $45 and $250 per hour or $2 to $15 per square foot.

Electrician

Electrical work is always best left to the professionals. Since you’ll likely need power running to the pool house, you’ll need to hire an electrician to wire the house and possibly supply power from elsewhere on your property. Electricians charge between $50 to $100 per hour.

General Contractor

For the building of the house itself, you may want to hire a general contractor. Prices vary by location, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour for their services.

Common Pool House Add-ons

You can tailor a pool house to your lifestyle. Some homeowners opt for basic storage, while others add a bar, kitchenette, or bath so that nobody has to trek through the main house with wet feet.

Bathroom

Installing a bathroom in a pool house costs between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the components of a new bathroom, including required plumbing, electrical work, and adding fixtures like a toilet, sink, and shower. Adding a walk-in shower costs $750 to $7,000.

Bar

Installing a bar in a pool house costs between $2,000 and $4,000. For components, the sink installation costs $220 to $600, the fridge costs $190 to $3,250, and plumbing for a wet bar starts at $1,500.

Other Add-Ons

Additional upgrades can significantly enhance the pool house, making it more enjoyable to use while also increasing your property value. Here are a few other add-ons to consider:

• Pergola: A pergola costs between $100 and $9,000.

• Storage: A basic storage solution can cost $150, while custom storage options can range from $5,000 to $10,000.

• Landscaping: Professional landscaping costs between $200 and $3,000, depending on the scope.

Does a Pool House Increase Home Value?

Expect a modest return of 5% to 8%. A pool house offers a dedicated space for showers, changing, and relaxation, making it an attractive feature for homeowners and future buyers. This additional structure improves outdoor living, increases overall property marketability, and contributes to a greater return on investment. 

Budgeting for Building a Pool House

Pool houses can be an expensive addition to your home, but they can pay for themselves by significantly adding to your property value. Plus, they’re a luxurious place to relax, host guests, and enjoy your pool. Here are a few ways to make building a pool house more budget-friendly:

• Consider prefab: Choosing a prefabricated kit over a custom build trims costs—you can skip the architect and cut labor hours.

• Look at existing structures: If you already have a shed or another structure near the pool, consider converting it into a pool house versus building a new structure from scratch.

• Be realistic about your needs: In many cases, a full-fledged guest house, complete with beds, a kitchen, and a bar, isn’t really necessary. Consider something simpler (e.g., a space for a bathroom, shower, and storage) to reduce the costs of this project.

• Limit scale: The size of your pool house is one of the biggest factors for its final cost. Reduce the price of your pool house by limiting the size to what’s necessary, reducing costs for every step of the process.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.