Neighborhood hammam bathhouse

Wellness-minded locals, couples and friend groups, people marking special occasions, and visitors who want a relaxing experience.

Fees for entry sessions, scrub and wash treatments, and add-ons such as massage or tea service. Packages, memberships and gift cards bring repeat visits. Revenue is limited by how many guests the space and treatment stations can handle per day, so a small site typically earns in the low-to-mid range of the estimate.

• Customer service and hospitality
• Hands-on body treatments or the ability to hire trained staff
• Organizing bookings and staff schedules
• Managing a build-out and ongoing upkeep

• Zoning, building and health department permits for steam rooms and wet areas, which vary by city and county
• Whether staff doing scrubs or massage need a state license (check your state's cosmetology, esthetics and massage boards)
• General liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and slip, burn and heat-related safety risks
• Hygiene, water quality and heavy laundry loads, plus high build-out, water and energy costs before the first booking
• A long build-out can mean months of rent with no income

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200,000 to $600,000, depending on location, the size of the build-out, steam and water systems, and finishes. Rent during a long build-out can add to the total.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on how many sessions you book, your pricing and your staffing. The work usually takes at least about 30 hours a week.

Check zoning, building and health department permits for steam rooms and wet areas, which vary by city and county. Also check whether staff doing scrubs or massage need a state license, and what insurance you need.