If you have a luxury home, where the rest of it matches that luxury upgraded 80K bathroom, sure. But if the average 10K upgrade to the average 8K shower construction for properly building the unit and vaporproofing it properly is a stretch then no, it will never be a good idea to add a steam shower to your home.

Just building an actual properly waterproofed shower has proven beyond the capabilities if your average chuck in a truck type contractor. No needing to overload him with the rocket surgery requirements of steam. Just ask him how he plans to waterproof the shower that you are already planning and look for the deer in the headlights look.

This would be a kit, not building one and my GC is a good guy which comes highly recommended but he also knows his limitations.

A HD kit ain't gonna cut it. Especially without the proper build under it and the wiring and plumbing to support it.

Its replacing an existing shower so the plumbing should be there only the wiring is not. There is a huge market / selection for these prefab steam showers, it they "do not cut it" I don't think there would be so many choices, maybe you're not familiar with what I am trying to do, for example this product http://homewardbath.com/products/steam-showers/steam-showers-m-6020/

I assume these are all inclusive and only require the aforementioned connections.

McDonald's sells millions of hamburgers but no one mistakes them for something quality either.

You obviously want to do this, no matter what. Make sure your contractor's license and insurance is in order and the proper permits are pulled. And your own homeowners insurance is in order as well.

Tip #l. TANSTASFL. You don't get what you don't pay for.

Tip#2. Glass breaks. Excruciatingly flat is a term your contractor will need to be familiar with being able to achieve.

Tip#3. No one ever uses these things after the first month and the novelty has worn off.

They are stunning and beautiful and are less than a shower rebuild so why not consider it. Additionally, they are just a shower as well...

I got your opinion on them thanks!

So you only want people to tell you what a great idea this is? Sorry,can't do that. It isn't. Quick fixes that are "cheaper" than a standard option are going to be poorly made import products that waste your money.

You need to talk to your contractor. Most hate these things because they aren't site built to the home. Site built offers the advantage of being made to fit your homes conditions. Prefab tend to leak, break, and have unobtainable parts that aren't really covered under a usable warranty. They are 10x harder to install. The labor rates usually reflect that.

No I am just soliciting objective advice of why it's a bad idea of which you also just provided in the latter part of your post. I was merely keeping an open mind but since no one is saying do it, it's a great idea and prefab units are a great alternative, it looks like I will no longer explore the option.

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed answer. I was worried about the long term maintainability / realibility of these prefab units. A well done normal shower will last many years so we have decided to go with a normal shower with some nice tile, a shower tower / panel.

I think your resale value will be happy....- best

I cannot agree more with the PRO input here. When it comes to steam shower you need to do it right or you are throwing your $$ away.

To add one point to Tundra's (as usual) detailed response. You are now dealing with vaporproofing which is beyond waterproofing. Be sure to hire someone that is experienced with the details of steam showers.

"...rocket surgery..."

Sophie, this is why I love you: a woman who can properly mix a metaphor. I'm going to steal that.