How much does a spa room cost in Australia?

ARTICLE Patricia Moore IMAGES Living4media/Van-Berge, Alexander

A spa room at home probably owes its origins to the popularity of luxury spas in high-end hotels. It’s driven by an increase in spending on goods that increase pleasure, plus an emphasis on health and well-being.
For fashion designer Donna Karan a home spa is an essential – as she explained to the Financial Times How to Spend It magazine, she’s had one installed in each of her three homes!
The Pool & Spa Outdoor Living Expo 2016 in Western Australia attracted thousands of visitors wanting to invest in their lifestyle and create a holiday feel to enjoy at home every day, says organiser Carol Harper.
“Our weather allows people to enjoy the outdoors and items like spas that encourage good times at home, with family and friends high on the list.”
The first thing you need to do is talk to your local council, says Refresh Renovations builder Tim Walters.
“Building a spa room is like building any structure. Generally, these can be built outdoors without consent, but if you’re roofing anything about 9sqm, you’ll need a permit.”
Tim says height-to-boundary issues may apply, along with any regulations regarding fencing, stormwater collection, building over sewer lines and similar.

How much does it cost to add a sauna room?

Choosing a home sauna means deciding between a traditional or Finnish timber sauna, and the newer infrared models. While both offer much the same heat-bathing benefits – relaxation, stress-reduction and relief from aches and pains – there are differences.
A traditional sauna, where water is splashed on to heated rock, provides a high heat, low humidity environment. Infrared saunas use light to create heat that goes deeply into the body, inducing the desired benefits at a lower temperature. The health benefits of infrared saunas are resulting in their growing popularity, report Pool Spa & Outdoor, with many homeowners opting to install these in the bathroom.
“Because saunas are generally associated with cold pools or showers, they’re often by a pool, but we’ve done many in bathrooms, rumpus rooms and home gyms,” says Sue Burgoyne, NZ Sauna Manager.
A sauna can be situated in a space as little as a metre square, she says. “However, it’s essential it’s properly ventilated and made from specialised timber, that will withstand the temperature.”
Get advice from your renovation builder and ask about the cost of running and installation requirements, including the type of flooring necessary.
Price: 2 person Infrared saunas start from around $4,490*. Depending on the provider, this may include free installation. 

Costs for a sauna

From $4,490*

How much does it cost to add a steam room?

A home steam room provides much the same benefits as a sauna but with ‘wet’ heat in a tightly sealed enclosure, as opposed to the ‘dry’ heat of a wooden sauna.
With humidity levels at 100%, steam rooms create an environment suitable for people who suffer respiratory conditions.
The latest steam generators can be installed in a fully enclosed, completely waterproofed shower, says Sue Burgoyne.
“A lot of people don’t have the extra room for a sauna and want to utilise the shower space. With added seating it’s a luxurious option.”
To make an indoor shower steam room capable or when locating a shower for an outdoor spa, it’s advisable to check local council regulations.
Price: Entry-level small steam generator starts from $4,500 + GST.

Costs for a steam room

6 person traditional Finnish steam saunas from approximately $2199* 

How much does it cost to add a spa pool?

These days a spa pool can be pretty much any size, says Brent Regnaud of Wright Pools and Spas.
“With custom-made spas the only limitations are your budget and your imagination. But the buyer needs to consider longevity, warranties, parts availability and whether the company with which they’re dealing will still be around when they need them.”
The same applies when buying a manufactured pool; don’t let your dreams of massaging away the aches and pains under the stars, be ruined by choosing an inexpensive option with poor insulation and shell construction. Insufficient insulation means greater heat loss and more spent on electricity.
So what are the running costs? “Depending on the model, power costs for can range from $28 (incl) per month.”
Portability is a huge factor says Brent. “Once a spa pool is in-ground that’s where it’s staying; we move a lot of pools from one property to the next. A spa pool doesn’t add dollars to the value of a property – it adds value to the quality of lifestyle.”
Price: A 2-6 person spa pool has a starting price from approximately $5,000*.

Costs for a spa pool

From $5,000*

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Get in touch with Refresh to discuss your home renovation project

If you would like to discuss spa room options and ideas for your next renovation project,, please use the enquiry form on this page to provide us with your contact details. We will get in touch with you at a time that suits you to discuss your project. If you would like to provide us with more information about your project, we have a more comprehensive enquiry form on our "Get in touch" page too.
*Costs are rough estimates and are subject to change. For a fixed-quote accurate to your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations specialist. All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.
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