Build the suite, read the range, send it to us

How the builder reaches its figure

Each option carries an indicative range from our price guide. The builder adds them, and sizes the chiller by litres: 1 HP for up to 260 L, 2 HP for up to 570 L and 4 HP for up to 1,200 L, with a second 4 HP machine above that. A cabin's heater follows the same rule of thumb as our drawings: about 1 kW per cubic metre of cabin with a step up for glass. For a sauna with four seats the builder shows a $11.5–16.5k range before the cold side is added.

The nominal chiller size is a minimum. In the layout the project engineer applies a margin for outdoor sun, duty and the coast, and tells you what it adds.

A worked example, in three choices

Choose a 4-seat cabin ($11.5–16.5k (SAR 43–62k)), a round cold plunge pool ($10–18k (SAR 38–68k) for the pool alone) and a deck ($1.1–2k (SAR 4.1–7.5k)). The builder sizes a 4 HP chiller for the pool's 1,100 L ($6.7–10k (SAR 25–38k)) and adds the four ranges: $29.3–46.5k (SAR 110–174k). That is the figure the price guide gives for the cabin, the pool with its plant and the deck. Swap the pool for a timber tub and the builder adds the tub and a chiller sized by the tub's litres.

The extras, one by one

• Deck and platform, $1.1–2k (SAR 4.1–7.5k): a timber or stone platform for a cabin or a tub.
• Warm LED lighting, $0.5–0.8k (SAR 1.9–3k): bench and cove lighting for the cabin and the pool edge.
• Aroma kit and accessories, $0.2–0.5k (SAR 0.8–1.9k): buckets, ladles, thermometers and scents.
• Shade pergola, $2.6–5.5k (SAR 9.8–21k): the slatted cover that protects glass and water from the sun.

What the range leaves out

• Civil and structural work, floors, recesses and waterproofing.
• Power, water and drain connections to the building.
• Permits, approvals and any customs duties and VAT.
• Hoisting and crane hire.