Saunas: Surviving the Winter and The Housing Market

With winter right around the corner many of us are dreading the brutal temperatures Canadians can never seem to get used to enduring. Canadians are probably well accustomed to shivering under blankets and trying to find ways to add warmth to our homes, perhaps the solution is slightly outside the box. While they are not restricted to winter use and are enjoyed all year round, the thought of a sauna might provide a spark of hope for many Canadians dreading winter. Today, we are going to discuss why a sauna might suit you. We will talk about the personal benefits of using one, how one is typically installed plus cost, and the property value they may add.

Why might you want to have a sauna in your home? As many may already know, they have several recorded health benefits. According to Medical News, sitting in a sauna increases heart rate and widens blood vessels in a way similar to light exercise. I’m half-way sold already. There are also recorded benefits for pain, stress, cardiovascular health, and asthma. The winter is notorious for drying out our skin. Many people find that saunas can help skin dryness.

Now, let’s turn to installation. There are several types of saunas. To name a few, the most popular are electric saunas, wood burning saunas, smoke saunas, infrared saunas, and stream saunas. The most common type of sauna is the electric sauna. They involve the use of an electric sauna stove that heats up large stones. These stones are able to retain and emanate heat. Similar to a regular electric stove, you simply turn on a button. To create steam and humidity, simply pour water onto the rocks. It is advised that wood burning saunas, however, are for outdoor use only.

This brings us to the first point of consideration: where is your sauna going to be, indoors or outdoors? Like I said, wood burning saunas should be used outside. When installing indoors, any space can be used, such as a closet or a converted bathroom. You can buy sauna kits, but they are typically more expensive than a DIY sauna project. If you decide inside, an electric sauna is the most popular method. Whatever room you choose, the floors must be waterproof, typically tiles will work. Walls must be stripped to where the studs are exposed. Once the electric system is set up, you are to place a vapour barrier over the insulation. There are several similar details you need to research before putting in a sauna, especially an indoor addition.

Finally, do saunas add to your property value? If you purchase a kit from somewhere like Home Depot, the popular models can range from around $2000-$6500. Whether you will gain more than that at the point of sale of your property will depend on a few things. Forbes mentions a good point; people are most interested in living space. While a sauna is a luxury item, and while most people will like the sound of it, Forbes says saunas are more likely to add to property value if they take up less interior space. In other words, you may be better off with an outdoor sauna. They mention another important point: perceived value. In North America, people know much less about saunas. As a luxury item, people tend to overestimate their value even more. People, therefore, may be willing to pay more than what they are worth.

Writing this has certainly made me want a sauna. So, is installing a sauna a good investment? The answer is "it depends." While it may not always yield a direct financial return, the quality of life improvement a sauna brings can be immeasurable. It's not just about traditional ROI but the enhancement of your daily well-being.

Saunas serve as a warm refuge from the harsh Canadian winter, offering a plethora of health benefits and a potential boost to property value. Their true value lies in the balance between comfort, health, and the unique allure they bring to a home.