Steam showers have become a must in the past couple of years. Not only can they provide people with numerous benefits and enable them to build an oasis in their own homes, but these are also a cost-effective way to upgrade their bathrooms and make them more luxurious.
Even though nowadays many companies offer quick and easy installation, you shouldn’t immediately hire the first contractor you find. Naturally, you want to go with someone who is an expert in their line of work, but you also need to make sure that a steam shower can be installed in your existing bathroom. Here are some vital things you need to know before proceeding with this investment.
Is your bathroom spacious enough?
Considering that steam showers come in numerous sizes and shapes, this matter may seem irrelevant. Yes, this is true for everything but the height of the ceiling. Ideally, you will place the shower at the height of 7 feet. If it is more than 7 feet, you will need to use a generator with more power, meaning the more expensive one. Why? Well, the bigger the space, the more steam needs to be produced, and only a top-notch generator can meet this requirement. In addition, don’t forget to consider the place for the shower panel and steam head. The former should be located as far as possible from the steam head, at 5 feet. On the other hand, the latter needs to be installed opposite the shower door and seating area, between 6 and 12 inches from the floor. In a nutshell, you need to measure the space you have available and sketch the layout before looking for a contractor.
Where to install the generator?
The next thing you have to think about is the location of the generator. Naturally, this will depend on the model you purchase, but there are some common recommendations. First of all, it needs to be located near the shower, within 60 feet. However, you need to ensure that it is easily accessible for regular maintenance and necessary repairs. Also, it needs to be installed in the heated area. This is especially important during cold months to prevent pipes from freezing. Taking all this into consideration, you can place it in a closet near the bathroom or the attic or basement if these areas are heated.
Don’t forget to think about the materials
You will not only boost your comfort but also increase safety by choosing the appropriate materials for your steam shower. As you know, water and steam produce condensation and moisture, which can easily cause significant issues, such as mold. This is everyone’s number one concern that holds than back from installing a steam shower. However, as long as you follow the recommendations and choose the right materials, you don’t have to worry about it.
Firstly, there is a matter of tiles. You need to go with a non-porous material, such as ceramic, that will prevent the moisture from reaching the walls and, therefore, prevent mold from developing. Additionally, you can also go with stone or marble if you want to boost the aesthetics, but there is one thing you need to consider. If you choose one of these, you will need to invest in a more powerful generator to compensate for the heat. This is not the case with ceramic since the material retains the heat, which means that a smaller generator will work beautifully.
Furthermore, the shower door is another essential thing. You need to go with something that retains heat, which is why it needs to possess the water-tight feature. The same rule applies to windows if there are any, meaning that you have to install the double-pane ones. Lastly, you need to purchase GFCI light fixtures that turn off the moment they detect moisture. Remember, safety needs to be your number one priority.
Design the seating area and additional accessories
Naturally, the seating area will entirely depend on the space you have available as well as your personal preference. You can go with a built-in option or, on the other note, a seat or a bench that is portable. If you choose the latter one, you need to make sure that it includes rubber feet that will fix it in a place to prevent any possibility of accidents occurring. The former one needs to be slightly sloped to boost your comfort.
When it comes to accessories, your options are pretty much endless. Research these and make a list of those you find appealing. The most common mistake people make is that they plan to add these later when everything is finished, and they can understand whether they have enough money left. Even though this is a possibility, keep in mind that the entire installation process can be quite expensive, which is why you should install them during the process of building a steam shower. Due to this reason, make sure to include them in the initial budget.
Can you convert the existing shower into a steam one?
Many people have this question, and upon reading the previously discussed things and features, you are probably wondering the same thing. The answer is yes, it is possible. However, keep in mind that there numerous things that need to be renovated (the tiles, door, and windows) and installed (the generator, plumbing, electricity, and accessories). If you were to do some calculations, you would realize that the cost of renovations is similar to that of installing a pre-built unit. Moreover, collaborating with professionals will significantly cut down the time necessary to complete the project. Because of this, you should visit the InsigniaShowers to learn about the unit they offer before making the final decision.
Hire licensed professionals
If you decide to remodel your current shower, you need to employ experts. This project requires both electricity and plumbing renovations, and it is of utmost importance to hire people who possess the necessary licenses. No, you shouldn’t settle with professionals who have been in this line of business for a long time, but instead, choose those that have the experience of installing steam showers. Conduct online research or present your contractor with your requirements and ask them for recommendations.
