Luxury Residential Gym & Wellness Remodel
Location
Coastal Southern California
Total Project Investment
$222,410
Project Overview
This project was not a single-room remodel. It was a multi-zone residential wellness ecosystem, designed to support daily training, recovery, and long-term consistency – with each zone requiring a different level of construction, coordination, and technical planning.
Rather than treating the performance space as one contiguous remodel, we approached each zone independently, based on what actually needed to be built versus what only required installation.
Square Footage Breakdown (By Zone)
| Zone | Approx. Size | Scope Type |
| Main Gym | ~200 sq ft | Full remodel |
| Custom Indoor Sauna | ~66 sq ft | Full custom build |
| Red Light + O₂ Room | ~140 sq ft | Install-only |
| Outdoor Cold Plunge Zone | ~100 sq ft | Exterior install |
| Total Wellness Footprint | ~506 sq ft | Mixed scope |
This distinction matters – because not all square footage carries the same cost or complexity.
The Real Challenge: Density, Not Size
While the total wellness footprint exceeded 500 sq ft, the primary construction density was concentrated in the 200 sq ft gym and 66 sq ft sauna.
These areas required:
- Electrical upgrades for high-load equipment and sauna heating
- HVAC reconfiguration and airflow management
- Self-leveling concrete for performance flooring
- Custom framing and access modifications
- Architectural finishes and integrated lighting
- Tight clearance coordination between equipment, walls, and ceiling heights
In contrast, the recovery room and outdoor plunge zone required no structural changes, but still demanded precise coordination and installation planning.
Design & Preconstruction Strategy
We began with a comprehensive design and preconstruction phase to ensure each zone was scoped correctly and priced honestly.
Design & Planning Investment
$12,000
This phase included:
- Zone-by-zone space planning
- Detailed 2D layouts with equipment clearances
- Sauna layout and heater coordination
- Electrical and HVAC planning
- Finish and lighting concepts
- Trade walkthroughs and sequencing
- A fully documented, build-ready construction drawing set
For this project, 3D renderings were not included in the initial scope. The project was completed in collaboration with another designer, and all stakeholders were aligned that 2D drawings and a complete CD set provided sufficient clarity to proceed with construction.
As with all Beachside Custom Gyms projects, 3D renderings remain available at any time should the client want additional visualization or presentation support.
This collaborative, scope-appropriate approach allowed us to move efficiently into construction without sacrificing clarity or flexibility.
Construction Scope (Built Areas Only)
Main Gym (200 sq ft)
The gym space underwent a full remodel, including:
- Selective demolition and site prep
- HVAC rotation and reconnection
- Electrical rough-in and trim
- Self-leveling concrete
- Performance flooring installation
- Custom slat accent wall
- Full wall and ceiling repaint
- Equipment installation and layout tuning
Custom Indoor Sauna (66 sq ft)
A former access/storage closet was fully retrofitted into a bespoke indoor sauna, including:
- Custom benching
- Tile flooring
- LED lighting integration
- Harvia heater
- Tight-clearance detailing and ventilation planning
Sauna Investment: $42,000
Custom saunas are among the most technically demanding residential wellness elements, particularly when retrofitted into existing structures.
Installation-Only Zones
Red Light + O₂ Recovery Room (140 sq ft)
This room required no construction modifications. Scope included:
- Installation of red light therapy panels
- Placement and coordination of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber
- Electrical tie-ins as needed
By separating this scope clearly, we avoided unnecessary construction costs while still delivering a complete recovery experience.
Outdoor Cold Plunge Zone (100 sq ft)
The exterior plunge zone included:
- Delivery and placement of a Cold Stoic 3.0 plunge
- Coordination with exterior access and utilities
- No structural or hardscape changes
Fitness & Recovery Equipment
Total New Equipment Investment
This investment covered new equipment only, including:
- Premium strength and conditioning equipment
- Boxing and functional training accessories
- Storage and organization systems
- Cold Stoic 3.0 cold plunge
Note:
The red light therapy system and hyperbaric oxygen chamber were already owned by the client. Our scope in the recovery room was limited to installation and coordination only, with no new equipment procurement required for those items.
As with all Beachside Custom Gyms projects, equipment is never marked up. All pricing is passed through transparently, with profit accounted for separately.
Project Management, Overhead & Profit
This project required 57 hours of project management, coordinating:
- Multiple specialty vendors
- Long-lead equipment
- Inspections and sequencing
- Client communication and approvals
Rather than hiding our margin in materials or equipment, costs are clearly separated:
- Overhead & administration: $16,000
- Company profit (30%): $44,863
This structure ensures transparency and accountability at every stage.
Final Cost Context
Because this project included both build-heavy zones and install-only zones, cost per square foot varies by area.
What matters more than averages is this:
- The most expensive work occurred in the smallest spaces
- Systems, not square footage, drove cost
- Smaller, high-performance zones require more planning and precision
This is why wellness projects are best evaluated as systems-based investments, not standard remodels.
The Takeaway
This project demonstrates how a thoughtful, zone-based approach allows homeowners to:
- Invest where it matters
- Avoid unnecessary construction
- Create a cohesive wellness ecosystem without overbuilding
When done right, a home gym and recovery suite becomes more than a room – it becomes a daily performance tool.
Thinking About a Wellness Space in Your Home?
At Beachside Custom Gyms, we specialize exclusively in designing and building high-performance residential gyms and wellness environments – from compact gym conversions to fully integrated, multi-zone ecosystems.
If you’re ready to plan a space that actually supports your lifestyle, we’d love to help.
By Kali Sudbrook
Founder of Beachside Custom Gyms
