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Why More Homeowners Are Adding Saunas to Their Bathroom Remodels in Rochester, NY

Published September 29th, 2025 by Ember Works

Home is more than a place to live—it’s a place to reset. And for homeowners in Rochester and beyond, that mindset is shaping how remodels are being done today.

At Ember Works, we’re seeing more and more clients ask about infrared saunas and personal wellness upgrades during their bathroom renovations—and it’s not hard to see why.

Whether you're building a dream master suite or finally updating that outdated layout, there’s never been a better time to incorporate a sauna into your bathroom remodel.

The Wellness Movement is Hitting Homes in Rochester (Literally)

Over the last few years, there’s been a massive shift in how people view their homes. What used to be just a place to eat and sleep is now a full-blown sanctuary for wellness.

Between the demands of work, family life, and the ongoing need for self-care, homeowners are looking for ways to turn everyday routines into moments of rest and rejuvenation. That’s where saunas come in.

Infrared saunas, like the one we recently installed in a local master bath remodel, offer a long list of benefits:

Muscle recovery and pain relief
Improved circulation and cardiovascular health
Stress reduction and relaxation
Detoxification through gentle sweating
Better sleep and mood support

It’s not just a luxury—it’s a health investment.

Why the Master Bathroom Is the Perfect Spot

When you’re planning a bathroom remodel—especially a master suite—you’re already committing to optimizing the space, upgrading fixtures, and improving comfort. That’s the perfect time to carve out space for a built-in sauna.

Here’s why:

Plumbing and electrical access: Your remodel already includes these trades, so integrating sauna-specific electrical needs is simpler and more cost-effective.
Space planning: During a redesign, we can easily allocate space for a sauna, either by repurposing unused corners or adjusting the layout slightly to accommodate the new feature.
Cohesive design: From tile work to lighting, a sauna can be seamlessly blended into the look and feel of your new bathroom.
Increased efficiency: Instead of adding a sauna later and having to modify your completed bathroom, building it during the remodel ensures everything is installed right the first time.

In other words, the best time to add a sauna… is while you’re already remodeling.

Boosting Home Value—and Personal Value

Let’s talk ROI. Will a sauna make your house worth more?

While real estate markets vary, here’s what we’re seeing locally:

Homes with modern, wellness-focused features stand out in Rochester’s competitive market.
Bathroom remodels already bring some of the highest returns on home improvement investments.
A sauna is a premium upgrade that attracts buyers looking for luxury, relaxation, and wellness—all without leaving home.

But beyond resale value, there’s the value you get every single day: stepping into a spa-like environment after a long day, easing muscle tension after a workout, or simply disconnecting for a few peaceful minutes of stillness.

You can’t always put a price tag on that—but it’s worth a lot.

What the Process Looks Like

If you’re curious what it takes to add a sauna to your bathroom remodel, here’s a high-level breakdown of how we typically approach it at Ember Works:

1. Design + Planning

We start by understanding your lifestyle, goals, and the space you’re working with. From there, we help determine sauna size, placement, and style.

2. Electrical Prep

Infrared saunas require a dedicated electrical circuit. During the rough-in phase of your remodel, our team coordinates this with our licensed electrician so it’s wired correctly and safely.

3. Framing + Finish Work

Depending on the sauna model, we’ll either frame around it for a custom built-in look or install a pre-fabricated unit. Tile, trim, and flooring are all finished to match the aesthetic of the new bathroom.

4. Final Touches

We ensure proper ventilation, lighting, and detailing so the sauna feels like it belongs—not like an afterthought.

Real-World Example: Our Recent Sauna Install

In one of our most recent projects, we installed a sleek infrared sauna as part of a full master bath remodel. The results speak for themselves.

The client wanted more than just a beautiful bathroom—they wanted a daily retreat. With calming neutral tones, wood-look tile floors, and soft lighting, we created a spa-like environment where the sauna felt like a natural part of the design.

It wasn’t about showing off. It was about building something that truly enhanced their everyday life.

Why Work With Ember Works?

Adding something like a sauna takes more than just checking a box. It takes vision, planning, and a team that knows how to deliver high-quality work that lasts.

At Ember Works, we’re known for our craftsmanship, attention to detail, and our commitment to doing things right—from the bones of the project to the very last finish nail.

When you work with us, you're not just hiring a contractor. You're teaming up with problem solvers, designers, and craftsmen who care about the big picture—and every small detail in between.