Custom Cabana Designs & Pool House Plans | Expert Builder-Designers
Looking for a cabana designs that turn your backyard into a destination your guests never want to leave? Our specialized pool cabana design services combine the creative vision of a designer with the practical knowledge of experienced builders. The result? Custom pool house designs that look stunning, function flawlessly, and stand the test of time.
Unlike typical designers who hand you plans without understanding real-world construction costs, we’re actual builders who create cabana designs with your budget in mind from day one. We know exactly what things cost, what works, and what doesn’t—and we’ll steer your project to maximize value without cutting corners
The Cabana Designer Difference
We Build What We Design
There’s a major difference between a professional cabana designer and your typical architect or interior designer: We are actually builders. This means:
- Real-World Budgeting – We know the numbers and can steer your cabana design to stay within budget far more accurately than designers who don’t build
- Practical Design Decisions – Every pool house design element we suggest is something we’ve actually built and know performs well
- Value Engineering – We make smart choices that maximize quality within your budget
- No Surprises – Our construction experience means our pool cabana designs translate accurately to final costs
Quality Over Shortcuts, Every Time
We’re not the cheapest builders of cabanas and pool houses, and we’re proud of that. Here’s our philosophy:
When faced with a budget decision, we’ll choose:
- A smaller, high-quality structure over a larger one built with shortcuts
- Materials that last decades over cheaper alternatives that deteriorate
- Thoughtful design details that enhance functionality over square footage alone
- Proven construction methods over trendy but unproven techniques
We don’t mind building to a budget—we just won’t compromise on quality to meet it. If your budget is tight, we’ll design a smaller cabana that’s built right, rather than a larger one that won’t last.
Our Cabana Design Philosophy
Designed for Your Lifestyle
Every family is different. Your pool cabana design should reflect how you actually live and entertain, not follow a cookie-cutter template.
We start by understanding:
- What type of gatherings you’ll host (intimate family time vs. large parties)
- Who will use the space (kids, teens, adults, elderly family members)
- When you’ll use it (summer weekends, year-round, special occasions)
- What amenities matter most to you (storage, changing areas, outdoor kitchen, bar, bathroom, guest space)
- Your backyard’s unique characteristics (views, privacy, sun exposure, existing landscape)
Concepts That Create Lasting Memories
Our specialty is coming up with pool house designs and cabana concepts that make your guests never want to leave your backyard. We’re not just designing a structure—we’re creating the backdrop for years of memories, celebrations, and relaxation.
Whether you want a simple changing room by the pool, a full-featured entertainment pool house, or something in between, we design with purpose and build with care.
Pool House vs. Cabana vs. Pool Shed: What’s Right for You?
Pool Cabana Design
Typically an open or semi-open structure focused on comfort and shade. Perfect for:
- Changing areas and storage
- Shaded seating and relaxation
- Bar or serving area
- Pool equipment concealment
Best For: Creating a resort-like poolside experience without major infrastructure
Pool House Design
A more substantial structure, often fully enclosed with utilities. Can include:
- Bathroom and shower facilities
- Kitchen or kitchenette
- Climate control (heating/cooling)
- Guest accommodation
- Full changing rooms
Best For: Year-round use, overnight guests, or extensive entertaining
Pool Shed Design
A smaller, utilitarian structure primarily for:
- Pool equipment and chemical storage
- Maintenance tools and supplies
- Seasonal furniture storage
- Basic changing space
Best For: Practical storage with minimal entertaining features
Custom Cabana Design Services
Initial Consultation & Site Assessment
We believe great cabana design starts with conversation, not assumptions. That’s why we prefer to meet on-site or schedule a phone call with both decision-makers present.
During Your Consultation:
- Walk your property and discuss placement options
- Review your wish list and must-have features
- Talk honestly about budgets and priorities
- Explore design possibilities specific to your site
- Answer questions about materials, timelines, and costs
- Provide preliminary budget guidance based on your vision
What We Need From You:
- A wish list describing features you’d like to include
- Description of the types of gatherings you’ll host
- Photos of your backyard and pool area
- Property survey (if available)
- Honest budget expectations
Concept Design Phase
Once we understand your vision and budget, we create custom cabana design concepts that maximize functionality within your investment.
Our Design Process Includes:
- Multiple layout options tailored to your property
- Material recommendations based on your climate and budget
- Pool cabana design renderings showing your future space
- Honest cost projections for each design option
- Refinement based on your feedback
Construction-Ready Plans
As builder-designers, our plans aren’t just pretty pictures—they’re buildable documents that translate directly to construction.
Plans Include:
- Detailed floor plans with precise measurements
- Elevation views from all angles
- Foundation and framing specifications
- Electrical and plumbing layouts (if applicable)
- Material specifications and finishes
- Building code-compliant details
- Everything needed for permits and construction
The Builder-Designer Process
Phase 1: Discovery & Consultation
We meet with you to understand your vision, assess your site, and discuss budget realities. This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a collaborative conversation about possibilities.
Phase 2: Concept Development
We create cabana design concepts that reflect your lifestyle and budget. Because we’re builders, every suggestion comes with real-world cost implications.
Phase 3: Design Refinement
We work together to refine the design, making smart choices that maximize value. When budget adjustments are needed, we’ll show you exactly where money can be saved or invested for best results.
Phase 4: Construction Documentation
We produce complete, buildable plans. Whether you hire us to build or take the plans to another contractor, you’ll have professional documents that accurately represent the project.
Phase 5: Construction (Optional)
If you choose us to build your pool cabana or pool house, you’ll work with the same team that designed it. No miscommunication, no surprises—just quality construction that matches the vision.
Why Hire a Builder-Designer for Your Cabana?
Accurate Budget Guidance from Day One
Traditional designers create beautiful plans, then hand them to contractors who reveal the real costs—often far exceeding expectations. As builder-designers, we know what things actually cost and design accordingly.
Practical Design Decisions
Every element in our cabana designs is something we’ve built before and know performs well. We don’t suggest trendy features that fail in real-world conditions or materials that won’t hold up to your climate.
Value Engineering Expertise
We know where to invest for maximum impact and where costs can be trimmed without sacrificing quality. Want to save money? We’ll suggest building a smaller footprint with better materials rather than a larger structure that won’t last.
Seamless Design-to-Build Transition
If we build your project, there’s no translation between designer intent and builder execution. What we draw is what we build—exactly.
Honest, Straightforward Communication
We’ll tell you honestly what’s realistic for your budget, what corners shouldn’t be cut, and where compromises make sense. No surprises, no upselling—just straight talk from people who’ve been doing this for years.
Design Styles & Features
Popular Cabana Design Styles
Modern Pool Cabana:
- Clean lines and minimalist aesthetics
- Large glass doors or sliding panels
- Contemporary materials (metal, glass, composite)
- Integrated outdoor kitchen and bar
Traditional Pool House:
- Classic architectural details
- Matching your home’s existing style
- Brick, stone, or traditional siding
- Comfortable, timeless design
Tropical/Resort Cabana:
- Open-air design with ceiling fans
- Natural materials (wood, bamboo, thatch)
- Indoor-outdoor flow
- Lush landscaping integration
Rustic Poolside Retreat:
- Natural wood and stone elements
- Cozy, cabin-inspired aesthetics
- Fire features and comfortable seating
- Weathered finishes
Must-Have Features to Consider
Practical Amenities:
- Changing areas with privacy
- Storage for towels, toys, and pool equipment
- Outdoor shower (hot and cold water)
- Sink for washing up
- Refrigeration for drinks and snacks
- Ceiling fans for air circulation
- Adequate lighting for evening use
Entertainment Features:
- Outdoor kitchen or grilling station
- Bar area with seating
- TV and audio system
- Comfortable lounge seating
- Dining area
- Fire pit or fireplace nearby
Comfort Elements:
- Strategic window placement for cross-ventilation
- Shade coverage during peak sun hours
- Protection from prevailing winds
- Privacy screening from neighbors
- Heating options for cooler months
Quality Construction Standards
We Don’t Cut Corners
Our cabana and pool house construction reflects our unwillingness to compromise:
Foundation & Framing:
- Proper foundation depth and preparation for your climate
- Engineered lumber where appropriate
- Adequate framing for your region’s snow and wind loads
- Proper moisture barriers and weatherproofing
Materials Selection:
- Durable exterior materials suited to your climate
- Quality roofing that lasts decades, not years
- Hardware and fasteners that resist corrosion
- Finishes that maintain appearance with minimal upkeep
Construction Methods:
- Proven techniques that ensure longevity
- Proper ventilation to prevent moisture issues
- Code-compliant electrical and plumbing
- Attention to detail in every phase
The Result: A pool cabana or pool house that looks better, functions better, and lasts longer than budget alternatives.
Building to Your Budget (The Right Way)
What We Won’t Do:
- Use substandard materials to hit a price point
- Skip important weatherproofing or structural elements
- Compromise on foundation or framing quality
- Cut corners that will cause problems down the road
What We Will Do:
- Design a smaller structure that’s built right
- Suggest phased construction (build core now, add features later)
- Recommend durable mid-range materials over premium finishes
- Focus budget on elements that matter most to you
- Eliminate unnecessary features to prioritize quality
Our Philosophy: A well-built 200 sq ft cabana will serve you better than a poorly constructed 400 sq ft structure. We’ll help you make smart decisions that maximize your investment.
Cabana Design FAQs
What’s the difference between a cabana and a pool house?
A cabana is typically a simpler, often open or semi-open structure focused on shade, changing areas, and basic amenities. A pool house is usually a more substantial, enclosed building that may include bathroom facilities, kitchen areas, and utilities. Pool houses can accommodate overnight guests and provide year-round functionality. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but pool houses generally represent a larger investment and more extensive features.
How much does custom cabana design cost?
Cabana design services vary based on project complexity and whether you want just plans or full design-build services. Simple pool cabana designs start around $1,500-$2,500 for concept and construction plans. More elaborate pool house designs with 3D renderings range from $3,000-$5,000+. As builder-designers, we provide accurate cost projections during the design phase—not surprises after plans are complete.
Do I need permits for a pool cabana?
Most municipalities require building permits for pool cabanas and pool houses, especially structures with permanent foundations, electrical service, or plumbing. Requirements vary by location and structure size. As builder-designers, we’re familiar with local codes and create plans that meet permit requirements. We can guide you through the permit process or handle it entirely if we’re building the project.
Can you design a cabana to match my house?
Absolutely. One advantage of custom cabana design is creating a structure that complements your home’s architecture. We pay attention to roofline styles, siding materials, trim details, and colors to ensure your pool cabana or pool house looks like it was always part of your property, not an afterthought.
How long does cabana design and construction take?
Design timeline: 2-4 weeks for concept development and construction-ready plans, depending on complexity and revision rounds.
Construction timeline: 6-12 weeks for a basic cabana, 3-6 months for a full pool house with utilities and amenities. Weather, permit processing, and project complexity all affect timing. We provide realistic schedules during planning—no overpromising.
What’s the best location for a pool cabana?
Optimal cabana design location considers multiple factors: proximity to the pool (ideally 10-20 feet away), sun exposure throughout the day, prevailing wind direction, views from the house and cabana, privacy from neighbors, and access to utilities if needed. During our site consultation, we evaluate these factors and suggest the best placement for your specific property.
Can you work with my existing landscape?
Yes! Great cabana design integrates with your existing landscape rather than fighting against it. We work around mature trees, incorporate existing hardscaping, and design structures that enhance your outdoor space. If landscaping changes would benefit the project, we’ll discuss options and costs honestly.
What if my budget is limited?
We excel at budget-conscious design. Rather than compromising quality, we’ll suggest a smaller cabana built right, phased construction where you build the core structure now and add features later, or focusing on must-have features while eliminating nice-to-haves. Our builder experience means we know exactly where money should and shouldn’t be spent.
Do you only build what you design?
No. We’re happy to provide cabana design and construction plans that any qualified contractor can build from. Some clients prefer our design expertise but want to hire their own builder, use a family member in construction, or manage the project themselves. Our plans are detailed and professional—any competent builder can work from them. We do quite a few drawings for professional builders across Canada and the USA. Mississauga Decks and Trim and Designers Decks in Barrie are 2 contractors we work with often in the Toronto and Barrie Area.
What makes your designs better than standard plans?
Standard plans are generic templates that may not suit your property, climate, or lifestyle. Our custom cabana designs are created specifically for your site conditions, family needs, and entertaining style. As builders, we also design for practical considerations that template plans miss—proper drainage, optimal door swing directions, strategic outlet placement, efficient use of space, and construction methods suited to your region. To see some of the cabanas and pool houses we’ve built, please click here.
Service Area
We provide cabana design services throughout South and Central Ontario from our base near Barrie. For construction projects, we focus on areas where we can maintain our quality standards with regular on-site presence.
Design Services: Available across North America—distance is no barrier to great design. We also design the finest decks in North America – see some here!
Design + Build Services: South and Central Ontario (Greater Toronto Area, Muskoka, Barrie, Georgian Bay region)
Ready to Create Your Dream Poolside Retreat?
Whether you envision a simple pool cabana for changing and storage, or an elaborate pool house for year-round entertaining, we bring builder expertise and design creativity to every project.
Our approach is straightforward:
- Honest conversations about budget and priorities
- Practical designs that maximize value
- Quality construction without corner-cutting
- Transparent pricing and realistic timelines
We’re not trying to sell you the biggest or most expensive option—we’re focused on creating the cabana design that’s exactly right for your family, property, and budget.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let’s discuss what’s possible for your backyard and create a pool cabana or pool house you’ll enjoy for decades.
Professional cabana design from actual builders. Because the best designs come from people who know how to build them.
Related Services
- Custom pool deck design and construction
- Outdoor kitchen and bar design
- Pergola and shade structure design
- Backyard entertaining space planning
- Pool equipment enclosure design
- Outdoor shower and changing room design
- Guest cottage and casita design
