Adding a Steam Shower: Cost & Benefits
What is a Steam Shower?
A steam shower is a Luxury Bathroom Feature designed to create and contain steam inside the shower for a spa-like experience with numerous health benefits. This hidden system must be professionally installed to ensure durability and safe, lasting performance. It features three main components: a generator that produces the steam, a control that operates the system, and a steam head that releases the steam into the shower.
What are the Benefits of a Steam Shower?
There are many benefits of a steam shower:
Relaxation & Stress Relief - Imagine the serenity of a hot shower, enveloping you with warm steam after a long day!
Respiratory Health - Much like a humidifier would, a steam shower relieves congestion from persistent allergies or sickness.
Healthy Skin - The warm steam opens up pores and moisturizes the skin.
Muscle & Joint Recovery - By improving circulation, frequent use of a steam shower can reduce soreness after workouts.
Detoxing - Similar to a sauna, a steam shower opens up pores and allows for a deeper cleanse.
Special Considerations for a Steam Shower
Whether you’re installing a steam shower in your new Custom Home or as part of a Bathroom Remodel, it’s essential that your contractor knows what they’re doing. With the added complexity of the steam generator and its supporting system, there are several technical aspects that must be considered to ensure your steam shower stands the test of time.
Location - Ensure electrical and plumbing will meet code requirements for the steam system.
System Size - The steam generator unit must be sized proportionally for the shower to produce the correct amount of steam.
Waterproof Materials - Use only steam-rated materials (tile, stone, glass, etc). Due to the additional moisture in a steam shower, materials like drywall must be replaced with cement board to prevent swelling, structural failure, and mold.
Ceiling - Ceilings must be tiled and pitched towards the wall for proper condensation run-off.
Operable Transom - Since the shower is fully enclosed, a glass transom panel is suggested to allow moisture to escape after use.
Low Voltage Wiring - Because the steam controls are located near water, low voltage wiring should be used for safety.
Autoflush - Check to see if your steam generator includes an autoflush feature, which automatically cleans the generator after each use to prevent buildup.
Installing a Steam Shower
Installing a steam shower requires a full demo of the existing shower! In many cases, framing will need to be adjusted or added to fully enclose the space. Once the walls are open, we install the steam system, plumbing, electrical, and drain systems. Then, cement board, waterproofing, and tile go up, properly pitched on the floor and ceiling for proper drainage and condensation run-off. The steam generator is then connected to the water, electrical, and steam lines, and the control panel is installed. Finally, the shower glass goes in, and the final punch lists are completed.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Steam Shower?
With extra materials, the complexity of the system, and the additional labor, steam showers come with a luxury price tag! Like most home projects, the average cost for a steam shower will vary greatly. The size of the shower impacts the amount of tile, glass, and the size of the generator needed. Distance to the electrical panel can also influence cost, as adjustments might be needed to support the additional load.
According to numbers from recent projects, we’ve found that upgrading from a standard bathroom remodel to adding a steam shower typically adds about $8,000-$15,000 on top of the overall renovation cost.
Wellness Upgrade for an Active Greenville Couple
During their Home Addition Project, these homeowners chose to include a steam shower in their primary bathroom. As an active couple who also owns a Pilates studio, the wellness benefits made perfect sense for their lifestyle. Now they get to enjoy a spa-like retreat in their own home every day!
Adding a Steam Shower in Greenville, SC
Steam showers require careful planning and precise installation, which is why we approach them with the same level of detail we bring to every custom remodel. Our team understands the unique waterproofing, ventilation, and electrical systems that make a steam shower durable and safe. With our Fixed-Price Process, you’ll know exactly what’s included and what it will cost—no surprises.
Contact our team to ask about installing a steam shower in your home!
