Sauna renovation by yourself or with the help of a professional? Weigh the pros and cons

Doing the sauna renovation yourself is tempting because of the savings, but using a professional guarantees safety, quality and peace of mind. The choice depends on the scale of the project, your own skills and what you value most: cost-effectiveness or a flawless, guaranteed result.

A darkened panel, a cracking worktop and a stove that has seen its best days. Sound familiar? Many people dream of updating an old sauna into a modern home spa – a place where the mind and body can rest amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Once the decision to renovate has been made, the first big choice lies ahead: whether to grab the tools yourself or entrust the project to an experienced professional?

The idea of a homemade sauna is an intriguing one. It promises significant savings in labour costs and offers a source of pride in your own handiwork. On the other hand, hiring a professional brings peace of mind. You can be confident that the waterproofing is up to code, the electrical work is safe and the end result is finished and durable.

The decision is not black and white, but requires a balancing act between your skills, the time available and your budget. To make the best decision for you, it is essential to understand what it takes to be successful. sauna renovation from design to material selection and critical work steps. The real advantages and disadvantages of both approaches will be discussed.

Considering your own handprint: when is a DIY sauna renovation worthwhile?

The idea of building a sauna with your own hands is tempting for good reason. If successful, it not only saves a clear amount of money in labour, but the end result feels more personal and gives you a sense of pride for years to come. DIY is particularly suitable when the renovation is more of a cosmetic update than a complete structural replacement.

If you have previous renovation experience, a good grip on basic tools and an understanding of the behaviour of wood materials, you’re well on your way. But the most important thing is to be honest about your own skills and the time you have available. Careful sauna renovation requires precision and patience – a hasty result is rarely desirable.

Tasks that a skilled enthusiast can do

The surface renovation part is typically where you can safely use your own expertise. These stages are often completely doable, as long as the plan is clear:

• Dismantling old surfaces: removing old panels and tiles is straightforward work that provides a good basis for a new one.
• Checking and repairing the frame structures: after demolition, it is a good idea to check the condition of the wall reinforcements and make any necessary minor repairs.
• Installing new wall and ceiling panels: with careful measuring and sawing, you can achieve a clean and durable surface.
• Assembling and installing the decking: decking assembled from prefabricated elements is a safe choice, but a more experienced carpenter can also build decking from custom-made timber.
• Finishing and surface treatments: mouldings, protective treatments and the installation of other details complete the look of the sauna.

Steps that always require a professional

There is no room for compromise at certain stages of a sauna renovation. For reasons of safety, insurance validity and building regulations, it is essential to leave this work to a certified professional. Failure to do so can lead to serious moisture damage or even a fire hazard.

• Electrical work: switching on the stove, installing lighting and other electrical work is always subject to authorisation and should only be carried out by a professional electrician.
• Waterproofing: if the sauna floor is opened up or tiles are replaced, waterproofing must be carried out and documented properly. Only a certified installer can issue the required waterproofing certificate for the work.
• Plumbing work: if the renovation involves moving a floor drain or changing water points, a plumber will be needed.

Choosing a professional: How do you ensure quality and peace of mind?

While doing it yourself may seem tempting, there are many situations where hiring a professional is not only the most sensible solution, but also the only right one. Especially when it comes to a major sauna renovation involving structural, plumbing or electrical issues, the expertise of an experienced professional is invaluable. It’s an investment that ensures a safe, durable and visually finished result – the kind of home spa you’ve been dreaming of.

Choosing the right partner can turn a seemingly stressful project into a smooth and exhilarating journey to the sauna of your dreams. A professional will not only execute the plan, but bring their experience and insight to the table, helping you make the best possible choices.

How can you identify a trustworthy author?

There are many different players in the market, so careful background work is key. There are a few clear signs of quality and responsibility that identify a trustworthy professional:

• Previous work and references: An experienced and high quality worker who takes pride in his work. Feel free to ask to see photos of previous sauna renovations and ask for customer feedback.
• Official paperwork in order: make sure the company is registered in the Pre-tax Register and has valid liability insurance. This will protect you from unexpected accounts.
• A clear and comprehensive contract: Everything must be agreed in writing. A good contract specifies the content of the work, the materials to be used, the schedule, the price and the terms of payment.
• Specialist knowledge: instead of a general renovator, you should choose a professional who specialises in sauna and bathroom renovations. He or she will have an in-depth understanding of the specific requirements of materials, ventilation and structures in wet areas.

Peace of mind and quality – The benefits of a professional

When you leave your sauna renovation in the hands of a professional, you’re not just buying a job, but a complete service and peace of mind. The biggest benefit is not just a flawless end result, but the ease of the whole process.

• Guarantee for work and materials: the professional is responsible for and guarantees the quality of the work. Any defects will be corrected at no extra cost, giving you peace of mind for years to come.
• Smooth project management: you don’t have to worry about ordering materials, coordinating schedules or coordinating different professionals (electrician, plumber).
• The best possible outcome: an experienced designer can suggest functional and aesthetic solutions that you might not have thought of yourself. They know how to optimise the use of space and lighting to create the perfect sauna atmosphere.
• Increased property value: a professionally done and documented sauna renovation is a clear selling point that will increase the value of your home.

From planning to finishing: key points you can’t ignore when renovating your sauna

Whether you choose a do-it-yourself project or a professionally implemented package, a successful sauna renovation is always built on the same basic pillars. Certain key elements, from design to finishing, determine the quality, safety and durability of the end result. Careful attention to these steps is the difference between a mediocre home spa and a truly relaxing one.

Careful planning is the basis for everything

Before the first nail is removed, the most important thing is to stop and plan. A good plan will save time, money and nerves during the actual implementation phase. It ensures that the end result is not only beautiful, but also functional and safe.

• Ventilation: the secret to a quality fire is efficient ventilation. Make sure that the supply air is directed close to the stove and the exhaust air as far away from it as possible, usually under the top cover. Properly designed ventilation ensures oxygen-rich and soft stoves and helps the structure to dry out after use.
• Board sizing and ergonomics: think about how you use your sauna. Is there enough room to sit, or do you want to be able to lie down? Do you want to choose the right height and depth of the boards to make your sauna enjoyable and safe?
• Lighting and atmosphere: lighting has a huge impact on the atmosphere of the sauna. Indirect lighting, such as LED strips under the ceiling or fibre-optic ceiling lights, creates a soft and soothing environment. Always remember to use luminaires approved for damp locations (IP44 or higher).
• Choosing the heater: the heater is the heart of the sauna. Choose a heater with the right power (kW) for the size of your sauna (m³). A heater that is too powerful will heat up the space quickly, but will not have time to produce moisture, leaving the sauna with a bitter taste. A heater that is too low-powered will not be able to heat the sauna properly.

Finishing seals the quality

Once the big lines are in place, it’s time to focus on the details. It is the finishing touches that distinguish a professional job from an amateur’s work. Neat cut surfaces, careful mouldings and correct surface finishes are the dot on the i.

Don’t underestimate the importance of small details. A beautifully installed door, a stylish heater guard and quality sauna accessories such as a bucket and a sauna shovel complete the look. With every aspect carefully considered, you can be sure that your sauna renovation will be a success and will serve you well for years to come.

Budget and bottom line: what does a sauna renovation really cost?

A realistic budget is the cornerstone of a successful sauna renovation. There is no single answer to price, as it depends entirely on the scope of the work, your choice of materials and whether you do some of the work yourself. However, it is important to understand what the costs are so that you can plan properly and make informed decisions without unpleasant surprises.

The price is always proportional to the quality and durability of the end result. The cheapest solution may not be the cheapest in the long run if the materials have to be replaced soon or a poorly done job will result in costly repairs later.

Sauna renovation price range for different scopes

To give you a better idea of the costs, we have put together an indicative table of the different levels of renovation. Prices are estimates and may vary depending on the location and materials chosen.

The cost of renovating a sauna varies considerably depending on the extent of the renovation. Prices can be roughly divided into three levels:

Light renovation (estimate €1 000 – €3 500) This is the cheapest option, typically involving replacing old ceilings and panels. This type of renovation is usually mainly self-done.

Major renovation (estimate €4 000 – €9 000) A major renovation often involves replacing not only the surfaces but also the heater and door and improving the lighting. It is common for projects to involve a professional in at least some of the work.

Complete transformation / Home bath (estimate 9 000 € – 20 000+ €) In the most extensive renovation, the sauna is transformed into a home bath. This includes everything in addition to the previous flooring and waterproofing, installation of glass walls, special lighting and other bespoke solutions. Such projects are almost always carried out by a professional on a turnkey basis.

Remember to take advantage of the household allowance

One of the main financial benefits of using a professional is the possibility of a household tax credit. You can deduct a significant proportion of the work done by a professional from your tax bill. This makes it much cheaper to get a high-quality and safe job and reduces the difference between a DIY renovation and a professional one. Always make sure that the company you choose is registered in the pre-tax register.

Ultimately successful sauna renovation is an investment in your well-being and the value of your home. When the budget is carefully planned and the choices are made with quality in mind, the end result is rewarding and will provide enjoyment for decades to come.

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