"any options or ideas for putting in a nice, high end casement/slider window that would allow us to keep this ventilation?" Lot of options for nice windows, but none are are really any good for a steam shower - especially one that opens. A window (any kind) in a steamer that receives reg.use is a really bad idea. I have seen glass block used with mild success, but it has problems too. Steam showers are harsh environments. If you really want to pursue it, you'll need to enlist a designer or architect with steam shower experience AND be prepared for ongoing maintenance.

In my opinion, the actual tilework including waterproofing and all materials shouldn't costy more than $10.000 to $15,000 max. The plumbing work shouldn't exceed $5.000 to 10,000 max since you'll provide amost everything the plumber needs. I am not sure how much work it will be to build/frame the actual shower from scratch, however, I thing it shouldn't cost more than $10,000 to $15,000 including Material. So, all in all it shouldn't cost you not more than $30,000 to 45,000 Here is my suggestion for you: When you have done your research to find the right contractor(s), request detailed estimates from them. The estimates should be AT LEAST devided in cost for labour and materials. Ask your contractor(s) how long it will take them to complete their work. Depending on the overhead a contractor has and what "live style" he practice, he'll most likely carge you between $500 and $1000 per day, material not included. So, when he says he'll finish the job in 5 days and he charges you $10,000 just for labour, you will pay him $2,000 per day. Lets say he will worke all togehter 10 hours including travel time each day, he will charged you $200 per hour. Compare these rates with other services in your region e.g. your Dentist or car dealership or roofer etc..., and you'll get a pretty good picture how much $$$ seems to be OK but also if someone tries to take advantage of you.

This is a great thread, and thanks to everyone for the insightful information! I'm wondering if you can give more details on how you clean your Wolf CSO? I watched a video for Thermador's CSO and was a bit alarmed by the evaporator well in the bottom that one has to clean with a provided yellow sponge each night. Do you find that you need to do the same with your Wolf? We had a demo at the SZ showroom and they said a simple wipe down of any moisture inside would do. Also, the chef said that at home she only needed to refill the water when needed, 1-2 times per week (and she has a family of 5). The Thermador video also said that the water should be emptied out each night. What do you do to clean/maintain the water for your Wolf? Thanks for any info you can provide!

What roarah wrote. If it's a remodel, it needs to be built as a steam shower from the studs out. Sloped ceiling, insulation, vapor barrier. Preferable a porcelain tile, not a natural stone that can absorb moisture. All penetrations through the tile need to be vapor-proofed; Lights, plumbing, etc. Steam generator unit gets sized to not just the volume of the shower space, but to the materials used to build the shower as well.