Cool Cabanas

Selecting the right style, size, and shape of your pool house

By Anne Viola

pool house cabana traditional classic architecture frontA pool house can be one of the most valuable amenities to your backyard living space. From traditional cabanas for changing from street clothes to bathing suits to architecturally grand structures that are often mistaken for small homes, the pool house usually becomes the favorite go-to place for families needing extra outdoor space. Choosing which style is best for you, however, is based on how you answer a few questions.

How will you use the structure?

Before you call an architect, think about the pool house’s purpose. Do you simply need a place for guests to change? Would you like it to include a bathroom and shower? Perhaps, you’d like cabinets, countertops, and a refrigerator so you can easily grab beverages and prepare snacks. Often, homeowners desire even more: they want a structure that doubles as a guest house. 

If your budget allows, expand your pool house’s footprint. Many homeowners see the value of using their cabanas for more than changing clothes and will ­also use them for storage. By conveniently situating the pool house near the pool and constructing a unit that has multiple purposes, pool owners can easily stow pool toys, furniture, chemicals, and other poolside necessities. For this type of utility, a prefab unit is ideal because it is often a one-room building that ranges in size from 100 to 300 square feet. Choose one that fits into your property’s style so it adds a cozy ambiance to your backyard. 

For those wanting a more elaborate setup, hiring a professional contractor and designer is the best route to success. Built from the ground up, these units allow homeowners to truly customize their pool house experience. 

If you decide that you want a customized structure, make a wish list. In addition to size, consider style and amenities. During your first meeting be prepared to communicate what you are visualizing for your space. Will you want a full kitchen, bathroom and shower, changing area, and storage? Or would you like an even more elaborate setting that features a bedroom, recreation area (complete with a pool table), and a cozy conversation area for quiet time between friends? If your budget can handle it, this option provides the greatest latitude for creating the ultimate outdoor building.

Pool house Coventry interior kitchen designWhat is your budget?
How much are you willing to spend? The answer to this question is sometimes the deciding factor that allows you to do more than you originally thought. Prefab pool houses that an expert do-it-yourselfer can construct can cost from about $3,000 to as much as $20,000. If you want a more customized look and you would prefer a professional builder do all of the work, be prepared to spend between $50,000 and $100,000 or more based on the complexity of your design. A professional designer will be able to take your wish list and develop your definitive pool house. 

Remember that this structure is a self-contained unit that can include plumbing, electricity, HVAC, and other technical issues that need to be incorporated into your budget. You will also need the proper permits and inspections. Your building professional and architect will usually handle this part, but you should be aware of your local government’s laws and procedures so nothing gets forgotten.

How do I choose a style?
When you arrive for your meeting with the architect and the contractor, be prepared to tell them not only what amenities you want but how you envision the pool house’s exterior. Gather pictures, examples, and plans, such as those featured in the Coventry Pool & Garden House Plans book. The plans allow you to think three-dimensionally, to see how the house will function, and to really understand if a particular plan is right for you.

Coventry Pool & Garden House Plans features 63 designs, all of which include detailed floor plans, architectural renderings showing exterior treatments, charts of amenities, and overall sizes. Once you choose a style, you can purchase the building plans. As one satisfied homeowner explains, “The building plans are comprehensive. All of the specs feature what the builder will need, including foundation plans and roofing options.” Order Coventry Pool & Garden House Plans in our bookstore or call 800-887-2011. (Building plans can be ordered by phone only.)

Who will design it?
There are many resources for finding the right designer and builder for your new pool house. Both architects and landscape architects have the skill to create an outdoor space that will become the most used recreational item besides the pool. Professional architects take everything into consideration and will craft your pool house to blend in seamlessly with your home and the surrounding property.

Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors to get referrals. Also visit www.asla.org for a list of licensed landscape architects, then check out your prospects with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.