Most people think that a sauna is just for the gym, an upscale hotel, or a cruise. It comes as a surprise to many that they can have their very own home sauna. And you don’t have to be rich to afford one!
Of course, like any significant investment in home improvement, there are right ways to do things and wrong ways to do them. While a home sauna likely won’t break your bank account, nobody enjoys paying more than they should or having a frustrating experience installing it.
You don’t want your enjoyment of your new sauna tainted by the process of installing it. Fortunately, this is easy to remedy with our guide on the do’s and don’ts of buying a home sauna.
Home Sauna Do’s
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Do Your Homework
There is no “one size fits all” for home saunas. There are woodburning types, electrical, and even infrared types. There are different sizes and materials, and different manufacturers with different standards and models. There are different reasons to own a sauna, too! The idea here is to be an informed consumer and make your choices based on careful consideration.
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Do Plan Ahead
How much space do you have for a sauna? This factor alone may dramatically narrow your home sauna options. Take accurate measurements both of the location of your future sauna and the halls or walkways you’ll use to get it there. It’s better to round up on those measurements and maybe even pad out how much room you think you’ll need. A little too much is better than any amount too little.
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Do Plan For Year-Round Access
You can have your sauna either indoors or outdoors. Think about your seasonal weather and decide if you really want to rush from your house to your sauna in just your bathrobe in January. If you want stress-free year-round access, an indoor sauna may be your best bet.
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Do Check Your Breaker Box
Unless you’re going with a strictly outdoor wood-burning sauna, you’re going to need significant power. The larger the sauna, the more power it will require. You may need a 20 amp circuit to make it happen. Check with an electrician about what you have and what you’ll need for your new sauna.
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Do Read the Warranty
Nobody likes reading the fine print, but you’ll be well served by doing so with your sauna warranty. The devil is in the details, so they say, and you don’t want to be surprised later on down the line if there’s a problem. Don’t be afraid to ask different companies about their warranties before buying.
Home Sauna Don’ts
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Don’t Get Ahead of Yourself
It can be so easy to get caught up in the excitement once you’ve decided to get that home sauna. But this isn’t a good item to make an impulse buy with. Take the time to read up on home saunas and talk to some sellers. Learn as much as you can so that you know you’re making the right choices.
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Don’t Get Careless During a Renovation
If you’re doing a big home remodeling project, that would seem like the perfect time to install your sauna. In theory, yes, it sounds great. In practice, though, products can be delivered late and contractors can miss their deadlines. If you aren’t careful with your timing, your new sauna can make a bad situation worse.
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Don’t Let It Be More Complicated Than It Needs To
Unless you really enjoy getting your hands dirty, make sure your home sauna kit will be a stress-free project. The electrics should be pre-installed and the assembly should be manageable by an amateur.
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Don’t Forget to Contact Your Local Building Department
A sauna might seem harmless enough for a homeowner, but your local building authority may disagree. Your sauna isn’t just another room in your home or on your property. Building code may take a look at fire safety, electrical systems, and types of wallboard and glass. Ventilation will be a concern as well since your sauna will frequently be a high-moisture area.
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Don’t Spend Beyond Your Budget
Shopping is fun! You get to see all the possibilities and dream of how they’d look in your home. It’s easy to get carried away when investing in something as exciting as a home sauna. Going over your set budget may feel great in the heat of the moment, but you could end up with buyer’s remorse. Your sauna should be a source of joy, not a reminder of your mistakes.
Gettin’ Steamy
Some people get a home sauna for its health benefits; others because it’s their favorite way to relax. There’s no wrong reason! We hope these do’s and don’ts of buying a home sauna make the process easier for you. They’re a great addition to any home!
