Before a sauna can be installed in your home you need to check your local building codes. Most areas require a building permit for this type of addition and this permit process ensures your sauna meets safety standards.
It's very unlikely that you will need to apply for planning permission for an outdoor sauna. It usually falls under permitted development, unless you are in a conservation area then you might need to apply. However, if you are in any doubt then it is always worth checking with your council area first before installing.
A sauna must have a special, insulated room built of softwood; a heater which is designed and built to heat the room to a temperature of about 180°F; and stones which get hot (about 500-700°F) to produce a good steam when water is poured over them. Anything else is NOT A SAUNA!
In general, saunas are cheaper to install than steam rooms due to lower material costs and simpler installation requirements. However, the final price can vary based on specific choices and local labor rates.
This means that by adding one to your property, you could attract more potential buyers and even increase your home's resale value by 50-80%. Saunas have been used for centuries for their numerous health benefits.
Basically, the Rule of 200 states that adding your sauna temperature and humidity level together should equal 200 if you would like to achieve perfect comfort. For example, if your sauna's temperature is set to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, then you need the humidity at 40%, so that you can achieve the desired Rule of 200.
Typically, a domestic sauna's heater consumes around 6 kilowatts of power while heating up. When heated and in use, this demand decreases to somewhere between 3 to 4 kilowatts. Thus, for an hour-long session that includes preheating time, your sauna may use approximately 9 to 13 kilowatt-hours worth of electricity.
With the use of your sauna will come the need to clean it after some time, we recommend cleaning once a month under regular or somewhat frequent use. Clean saunas are the most effective and provide the most return on your investment.
The cost of installing a home sauna varies based on type, size, materials, location in the home, and whether it's a wet or dry sauna. In general, the average cost of installing a home sauna is between $3,000 and $10,000.
Indoor saunas can be created by converting a storage closet or small bathroom. As long as you have access to a 240-volt service for your heater or infrared lights, you could also build a sauna from scratch in a basement, garage or even an attic. Electric heater saunas and infrared saunas are best for indoors.
Understanding Building Codes and Permits
Most areas require a building permit for this type of addition and this permit process ensures your sauna meets safety standards. To obtain a permit, you'll need to submit plans detailing the sauna's size, location, and the chosen construction materials.
Most residential saunas have drains, but it is not essential. Water should only be used in moderation. (If you are doing a complete renovation or new build and are putting new bathroom, shower, etc, we would recommend you also put a drain in the sauna.)
Most sauna heaters require 220v and must be hard-wired to the electrical box. For saunas with 4.5kw or 6.0kw heaters require a 30-amp breaker and 10/2 wire, unless it is positioned more than 30 feet from the breaker in which case it requires an 8/2 wire.
While not legally required, Saunas Insurance is highly recommended for all sauna businesses to protect against potential risks and liabilities.
Building your sauna outside your home will save valuable space indoors. If you would like to add some charm to your garden while increasing your property value, an outdoor traditional sauna may be the better choice for you.
** NOTE TO SPECIFIER ** A fire sprinkler is required in the sauna, the head should be rated at 275 degrees F (135 degrees C) or higher and should not be located over the sauna heater.
Location is key; in colder climates, saunas are highly valued, boosting home worth. Quality matters too; a professionally installed, premium-material sauna elevates value more than a cheaper, DIY version. Size and design also influence perception; larger, well-designed saunas attract more interest.
Wiring Your Sauna: The Basics You Need to Know
You must choose the correct wire gauge and type that can withstand the high temperatures typically found in a sauna environment. It is imperative to hire a licensed electrician for this task to ensure safety and adherence to code regulations.
On top of monthly running costs you may need to factor in some other expenses, including routine maintenance, and possible maintenance parts. But overall, sauna and steam rooms have comparatively low running costs and ongoing maintenance costs.
Although sauna bathing does not cause drying of the skin-and may even benefit patients with psoriasis-sweating may increase itching in patients with atopic dermatitis. Contraindications to sauna bathing include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis.
The bacteria found in the washing room and surfaces of a sauna (wooden benches) mostly match the flora found on the skin. The most common types include gram-positive coccus bacteria (staphylococci) and gram-positive bacilliform bacteria (bacilli and corynebacteria).
A reasonable lifetime for both types of sauna heaters is 20 to 30 years. Infrared saunas are also wood lined rooms but use infrared technology rather than a heater covered with rocks. Instead of heating the air in the room, infrared light waves warm your body from the inside out.
Using the average cost of energy, expect to pay 0.12 dollars/kWh x 225 kWh = $27.00 per month to spend half an hour a day in a traditional sauna. For an infrared sauna, running for 40 minutes a day (10 minutes heating, 30 minutes using) for a month is 1,200 minutes or 20 hours (1,200 minutes divided by 60).
Gas heater: Propane is the cheapest fuel option if you plan on having long sauna sessions. Gas heaters take 30-60 minutes to heat a room to temperature and can be fired with natural gas or liquid propane. (depending on the size of the room/heater).