It's way more than a $2500 upgrade. More like a 10K upgrade by the time you factor in all of the associated framing changes, vaporproofing, tiling additions, and steam generator. Not worth it in my book.

We have two steam showers, one in each full bathroom. We love them and use them fairly frequently. I think it was $4-5K more per shower to make them steam all in. Keep in mind that certain tiles (most crackle tile, and some others also I believe) can't be used in a steam shower, so be sure to research that. All of us in our family are fairly athletic. So having the steam shower to come home to after a tough workout, game or meet is wonderful. It's also really nice when you're sick.

If you don't know whether you would use it, then it might be a good idea to save your money :-)

There are several factors to consider when opting for a steam shower. Where you live, Any battling respriatory health concerns in the home. I concur with $4-5k to build a steam shower. The steam generator will cost o/a $2,500.00. This will vary depending on the size of the shower. If you add a steam unit you have to do it right, or you will risk structural damage. Permeability is a major factor with steam.

I was also trying to make this decision. Recently I used my sister's steam shower and I did not like it at all (I felt like I couldn't breath and felt claustrophobic). The next day I used her shower without turning on the steam unit, but I did close the transome window. It got nice and streamy in there and I did like that. I think I'll build the walls/door and transome so that the whole shower can be closed, but just not install a steam generator. This is my most recent thought on the subject. Still designing the bathroom.

I live in NC. if I want a steam shower, I simply step outside in July... I suspect I would find them oppressive as well...

Same with me jannicone in FL. I've never liked being in a steam room so know I wouldn't want a steam shower.

Some people swear by them. I would use one at a gym for a while to see how much I liked it first since you are unsure.

I am in the process of spec'ing one for our master shower (new construction) and the knowledge I have gained is that the generator needs to be the right size for the space, so the one response above that had issues with the oppressive/claustrophobic could be related to having too big of a generator. And yes in the southern humid states, you can step outside however that is only a few months out of the year......we are doing this in Florida for the other 8-12 months out of the year and overall health benefits. :-)