In the middle of a global pandemic, many people are looking to change the use of their space. If you have a pool house, for example, you could be interested in turning it into a guesthouse. Whether you rent it out as an Airbnb or offer it to out-of-town guests, so they can visit safely, there are many reasons why now might be the time to make a change on how you’re using your property.
The great thing is that turning your pool house into a guest room can be relatively easy, depending on where you live and what the weather is like. If you live in a warm area, you can likely complete this project in just a few days with some solid planning and homework. Colder weather pool houses might take a little longer. For things to consider before making a switch from a pool house to a place for guests, read on.
Table of Contents
Project Planning
The first thing you’ll want to do if thinking about turning your pool house into a guest room is to put the same effort into the plan as you did when you first built your pool. Perhaps you live in the Tampa area and contacted a swimming pool contractor in Bradenton to go over options for your backyard oasis. The same way you met with your pool builder to go over a plan, you’ll want to consider who you’ll need to hire for this next renovation. Start by making a list of musts.
Does your pool house have electricity? What about plumbing? If you plan to offer either of these in your guest house, you’ll need to hire a plumber and electrician. If you do live in Tampa or any warm location, you’ll be fine without insulation. But for those who live in colder climates, you’ll want to consider insulation, too.
After making a list of whom you’ll need to hire, come up with a budget and begin to research builders and other tradespeople in your area. Make sure to get three quotes for the job and ask for recommendations before hiring anyone.
Comfort and Bedding
While waiting for the building and renovations, the next step is to think about furniture and comfort for your guests. If you have plenty of space for a bigger bed, consider a queen size mattress and box spring. You’ll want to do a little research here, too. Take measurements, so you can decide between a full mattress, a queen mattress, and a king mattress. Also consider the quality you’re shooting for. If you don’t expect guests very often, it might be okay to go with something more affordable than gel memory foam or a Tempur-Pedic mattress. If you expect guests more often than not, spend the extra money on a good mattress.
When designing your space, try to consider items that will make your guests feel comfortable, but will still show off your personal style. Shop in thrift shops, repurpose what you already own, and wait for sale prices as you pull together a guest room you’ll be proud of. For ideas about good design, check Pinterest and home decor blogs.
Pool Upkeep
During the entire process of coming up with a custom design for your remodel, it might be easy to forget about the pool. Be sure you’re attending to normal pool maintenance as construction happens so that, by the time your guests arrive, there’s still that sparkling pool to dive into.
In the end, turning your pool house into a guest house can be a fun process. The uses for this switch could be numerous, too. Maybe you have an older adult dependent back living with you. They could use the guest house as an outside office and place to crash, too. However, you decide to reimagine your space, be sure to pay attention to the little details. Simple decorative touches can go a long way into turning a bland space into something special. By taking your time and doing your research, that guest house could become part of a backyard oasis even you’ll be envious of.