How Much Does It Cost to Build a Small Sauna?

A sauna is a tradition that originated in Finland and is now enjoyed by people around the globe. Whether you choose a steam sauna or a dry sauna, many people consider it to be an excellent way to rid your body of toxins. Typically, you must visit a spa to enjoy a sauna. Still, many Australians are adding them to their homes so that they can enjoy them at any time. You might be wondering how much does a sauna at home cost? The average home sauna price is around $2,800 to $6,500, depending on the type that you choose.

The cost of installing a sauna at home can vary according to where you live. The main differences are in labour, materials cost, and transportation. The following prices reflect the rates for general building contractors in various parts of Australia. This price does not include materials and accessories. The average sauna can be built in about 8-16 hours.

City	Average Installation Cost (per hour)
Sydney	$40 – $50
Melbourne	$35 – $50
Brisbane	$40 – $55
Canberra	$40 – $55
Perth	$25 – $40
Darwin	$25 – $40
Hobart	$30 – $50
Adelaide	$35 – $55

Other factors can affect the price of a sauna, too. Here are a few examples.

Type of Sauna – There are several different types of sauna available. You can choose a prefab, custom build, traditional steam room, or spa pool. Sauna bath price depends on the model you want. A spa starts at around $6,000 for a small in-home one.

Size of Sauna – Most saunas are built for either two or four people. A four-person sauna costs about $2,800 to $6,200.

Location of Sauna – Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor sauna also affects the cost. If you want an indoor sauna, there may be modifications to your home that are needed, and this can affect the price.

In-home sauna price sauna cost depends on the type of heating source that you choose. The type of wood and flooring also affects it, but the difference in types of heating results in the most significant difference in total cost.

Traditional Sauna – A traditional sauna uses wood or coal for heat and typically costs between $1,400 to $3,300.

Infrared Sauna – An infrared sauna uses light as a heat source. Infrared sauna prices are between $3,500 to $6,200. Infrared sauna cost can be significantly higher if it includes a Himalayan salt injector.

Steam Rooms – A steam sauna uses electricity as the heat source. Steam sauna bath price averages are typically around $2,200 to $6,500.

Dry Sauna – A dry sauna does not use moisture for humidity. Dry sauna cost is around $1,300 to $3,200 for an electric or gas-powered one.

When you decide that a sauna at home costs are less than trips to the spa, you might wonder whether outdoor or indoor is better. Outdoor sauna cost includes building a separate building, and the cost depends on building regulations and requirements. Outdoor sauna price ranges between $2,500 to $7,000. Indoor sauna cost starts at about $3,000. Still, it can quickly reach up to $9,000 or more, depending on whether structural modifications need to be made. If plumbing and electrical systems need to be upgraded, then the costs can go even higher. An outdoor sauna has the advantage of lower cost, but there may be privacy concerns. However, an indoor sauna can cause damage to the home if it is not installed properly.

Sauna maintenance cost is another thing that you must consider before you install one. The cost to run a sauna depends on the type of sauna that you get. Here are a few items to consider in determining the long-term costs.

• Electricity or gas bill – A sauna will add to your electricity or gas bill.
• Repair costs – The average repair is around $150 – $600.
• Wood re-stain and oils – 4 litres of wood stain costs around $35. This should be applied every two to three years.

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

Sometimes surprises are pleasant, but when it comes to the price of building a sauna, they are not a good thing. Here are a few tips to help make sure that you get an accurate estimate for your job.

• Make sure to get your estimate in writing before the job begins,
• Research the different types of saunas and decide on what you want.
• Let your contractor know whether the sauna will be freestanding or attached to the home.
• Inform your contractor about the nearest power supply and utilities.

Licencing and Qualifications

Some areas require a builder’s licence to install a sauna. Still, even in areas where this is not required, the installation might require a licenced plumber or electrician. Local requirements for saunas differ, and you must inquire about what is needed in your local area. Here are a few questions that you might want to ask your sauna installer.

• Do you hold the proper licences required for working in the local area?
• Do you offer any warranty with your product?
• Do you have any references or photos of past projects you have completed?
• Do you carry proper insurance?

Here are a few tips to help you save money on your sauna installation.

• Shop around for the best materials prices. In some cases, you might be able to save costs by purchasing them yourself.
• Get at least three estimates before you agree to a contract. The cheapest is not always the best.
• Read the contract and make sure that you know what is included. Some might offer a maintenance package for a lower cost than if you purchase it separately.

How much does it cost to run a sauna?

The long term cost depends on the type of sauna that you install. A traditional wood-fired sauna that uses hot rocks costs very little to operate and maintain. However, a larger infrared one with a big heater can run your electricity up by $29 or more per month, depending on how often you use it. Make sure to check on the ongoing costs of your particular model.

 

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources