Homeowners enjoy the interior of their newly-constructed sunroom, courtesy of Four Seasons Sunrooms.
Sun Light, Spa Bright The healthy living trend is driving the market for sunrooms and in-home spas. BY NANCY MEYER AND CHRISTINA JELSKI; PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED
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desire for healthier homes and a better quality of life are driving the decision-making process among homeowners seeking to add sunrooms and home spas, area suppliers say. The sunroom business, by some reports hit hard by the economy, is still dominated by traditional all-glass styles, but consumers’ desire to bring natural light into their homes and use sunrooms for indoor gardens are two of the latest trends, they say. Chris Smalley of Hudson Valley Sunrooms, a regional supplier of Four Seasons Sunrooms, says that while there are many choices, the traditional, all-glass varieties are still the company’s bestseller. More recent innovations, Smalley says, are new types of glass, including an option that is better able to block ultra-violet rays. Additionally, self-cleaning glass, introduced about two years ago, continues to impress customers, he says. Picking up on the health trend, Smalley sees customers interested in using their sunrooms not just as a place to relax, but as a space to grow vegetables. “Typically, most people are interested in growing flowering plants that look nice, but now some are growing things they are going to turn around and put on their table,” he observes. The wellness trend is likewise evident in the home spa and hot tub business. 36 new york house / February 2010
While consumers used to want the latest TVs, stereos, and gadgetry to go along with their hot tubs, today they’re placing a greater emphasis on the health and wellness aspects of the hot water, says Gregg Galati, president and owner of Galati Pools and Spas in Newburgh, entering its 48th year in business. “The biggest trend we see is more a back-to-basics emphasis on hydro therapy—the health and wellness benefits such as sleeping better and feeling better,” Galati reports. Beyond that, homeowners also recognize the value of energy savings, another important aspect of new spas, Galati points out. “The manufacturers we deal with have put an emphasis on energy efficiency. The tubs are a good value upfront; they’re a good price and long lasting but affordable to operate and maintain, so you get a lifetime experience of owning a hot tub.” Indeed, home spas and sunrooms are permanent additions to a home that will add lasting value. As such, they should be considered as long-term projects that require careful research, planning, and budgeting, sources say. Smalley advises getting the proper building permits, and ensuring that a home has the proper structural support.
“The biggest trend we see is more a back-to-basics emphasis on hydro therapy—the health and wellness benefits such as sleeping better and feeling better.” —Gregg Galati, Galati Pools and Spas