Placement of a steam generator

9 years ago

I am in the beginning stages of a bathroom remodel, and have been presented with the first Change Order of the project. In the hopes of getting an “on-time” and “on-budget” result from the project, I’d like to learn from the experiences of others.

The plan is to take the tub out of an 8’x5’ bathroom, install a steam generator (with aroma and Bluetooth sound), install a waterfall/rainfall shower head, LED light and install a hand-shower in the tub space.

I am also replacing a toilet, vanity/sink, ceiling fan and medicine cabinet as part of the project.

The Problem:

The contractor wired and plumbed for the steam generator, aroma therapy and Bluetooth sound, but the city Building Inspector did not approve what was done because in that placement, the generator would not be accessible for servicing.

The Proposed Solution:

The contractor is proposing to redo the plumbing and electrical, placing the generator, aroma and Bluetooth in a newly constructed cabinet above the toilet, to the left of the shower enclosure. The change order cost is $3600, so I’d like to get this done right the first time.

My question:

Given the space and the shower fixtures, are there any “landmines” I need to consider before I approve the Change Order?

Featured Answer

PRO

Mint tile Minneapolis

9 years ago

do some hard fast homework on vapourproofing a steam shower, sealed slip joints and educate yourself on steam shower failures.

research smart tile material choices for steam showers..

slow down and think your plan thru?

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Comments (7)

catbuilder
9 years ago
Why are you paying for the contractor's mistake? Did you instruct him to put it in an inaccessible spot? If so, did he inform you that it would be inadvisable to do so, and that he would not take any responsibility when it surely wouldn't pass inspection?
PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
are you converting to a shower? or attemting a tub enclosed steamer?

The concern being that your installer did not already know this and plan for it, may tell me they also dont not know how to vapourproof properly?

have you planned for a pitched ceiling and a glass transom? what mechanical spec are you following

The units can be placed in cabinets if mounted properly and while its not ideal every situation is different...... your local inspector has the trump card regardless.

Hope im wrong and youve hired someone who builds steam rooms....

back up a second and tell us more.

shower pan or tub ?

how are you approaching steamshower waterproofing? what knd of steam unit? tile material choice etc?

theres a lot to a steam shower or steam tub tile/combo.
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richardhbest
Original Author
9 years ago
@catbuilder: When the contract was written, we had not opened up the ceiling in the bathroom to ascertain how much space was available. One was where it is now, one was across the hall in a service porch, and the other was inside the HVAC air return space (recognized as not optimal). We preferred the in-shower location, but recognized nobody knew what we were getting into until the walls were opened up.

I assumed the contractor had experience with this type of remodel, and trusted their judgement in placing the generator. The way the contract reads, if an inspector directs any modification, the cost will be added to the contract price.
richardhbest
Original Author
9 years ago
@Tundra: I'm converting a tub/shower into an enclosed steam shower. The contractor assured they do a lot of bathroom remodels - including steam showers - as part of their business.

The bathtub has been removed and the contractor has created the shower pan and has done the hotmop to assure the tar keeps any water in.

I can't speak to the waterproofing that's being done. It's not a question I've asked. I've not asked about the sloping either. It will have a frame-less glass enclosure, and most likely with a transom.

I purchased a Mr. Steam MS225EC1 steam generator, with iSteam controller, aromatherapy, speakers, bluetooth, autoflush and drain pan. The shower floor will have travertine pebbles, the walls/ceiling in porcelain, and accent trim that includes travertine with glass.

You've provided some great questions for me to ask.
User
9 years ago
Hot mop for a steam shower? Strike 1. Innaccessible location for steam generator, and and even dumber head banging location as an aternative, all at your expense? Strike 2. Travertine in a steam shower? Strike 3.

I wouldn't sign the change order at all. I would talk to the muncipality about what it takes to get a new permit with a diferent contractor. And then I'd fire him for being incompetent.
PRO
By Any Design Ltd.
9 years ago
Sounds like a rookie mistake to me.

Anyone building your steam shower should have at least five years experieince doing stem showers.

Any crew you hire should have built at least a dozen steam showers before I would be confident in that they knew what they where doing.

Most steam generators can be place a great distance away from the shower. My favourite supplier (#1 in my top five list) can be installed up to 50' feet away but I strive for no more than 25'.

Remember the steam line can run up and then down but never down and then up....

Good Luck