Homeowner Forum / Construction / July 2005

I've designed and drafted the architecturals for a pool room addition but
the contractor who hired me selected materials and managed costs based on
his preferred methodology to imlement my design. Very common in residential.

So the first thing I can help you understand is cost will be determine by
the architectural and structural considerations. Post and beam construction
for example lends itself well to fenestrated wall assemblies but would that
type of construction be the best for your site? What type of methodology is
best to interface the new with the existing? What style was the home built
in for example? What materials? These issues will determine cost to a
significant extent.

Search your library's catalog to determine if they have any copies of
"Time-Saver Standards" and submit that to web search for more information.
The series of books is a good place to start to get fundamental estimating
information for various building types which you can then match to local
price data you'll have to acquire from organizations such as the AGC
(Association of General Contractors).

I would say no to your question about modifying the shape of the pool from
rectangular to torroidal. Pools are made to hold water and as such require a
monolithic structure to prevent leaking.

It sounds like you need to hire an architect or an residential architectural
designer.