Steam Showers: A High-Impact Bathroom Upgrade for Homes in the Lake Norman Area

Homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s throughout Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, and Mooresville often share similar bathroom layouts: oversized garden tubs, framed shower stalls, dated tile, and limited spa-like features. As homeowners in the Lake Norman area look to modernize their spaces, steam showers are an upgrade option many homeowners choose to explore when planning a bathroom renovation.

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, a steam shower can dramatically improve comfort, functionality, and long-term value.

Why Steam Showers Are an Option to Consider During a Bathroom Renovation

A steam shower combines the daily convenience of a standard shower with the luxury of a spa experience. During a bathroom renovation, especially in older homes, it’s often easier than homeowners expect to incorporate steam.

Benefits of Adding a Steam Shower

• Creates a spa-like retreat at home

• Helps relieve stress, muscle tension, and congestion

• Uses less water than long showers or soaking tubs

• Adds a high-end feature buyers look for

• Maximizes smaller bathroom footprints

Steam showers are often considered during primary bathroom renovations—especially when outdated tubs are removed to make room for a larger, more functional shower.

Common Bathroom Layouts in 90s & Early-2000s

Many homes built during this era in Huntersville, Mooresville, Concord, and Kannapolis were designed with trends that no longer fit today’s lifestyles. We frequently see:

• Large corner or drop-in tubs rarely used

• Builder-grade fiberglass shower inserts

• Poor ventilation and dated lighting

• Tile and fixtures showing wear after 20+ years

A well-planned bathroom renovation allows these spaces to be reimagined. Converting an underused tub into a custom steam shower is an impactful changes.

What’s Required to Install a Steam Shower?

A steam shower requires more planning than a standard shower, which is why working with a design-build remodeling team is essential.

Key considerations include:

• Proper waterproofing and vapor barriers

• A sealed shower enclosure

• Adequate ceiling height and slope

• Electrical capacity for the steam generator

• Ventilation upgrades

Homes built in the 90s and early 2000s typically have the structural flexibility to support these updates, especially during a full bathroom remodel.

Design Options That Pair Well with Steam Showers

Modern steam showers can be customized to fit your home’s style while updating the look of older bathrooms.

Popular design choices include:

• Large-format tile or porcelain slabs

• Frameless glass enclosures

• Built-in benches and niches

• Stylish fixtures

• Integrated lighting and controls

Homeowners throughout our area often choose timeless materials that feel current but won’t date quickly.

Is a Steam Shower Worth It for Resale?

While steam showers are often installed for personal enjoyment, they can also enhance resale appeal when thoughtfully designed.

In competitive markets like Cornelius and Davidson, buyers increasingly expect updated bathrooms. A steam shower can signal a high-quality renovation and set your home apart from similar listings. Steam showers are very appeal to buyers looking for wellness-focused features.

Planning a Bathroom Renovation in the Lake Norman Area

If your home was built in the 1990s or early 2000s and your bathroom feels dated or underperforming, get a design build team, like Turner Design Build, involved! A professional design-build remodeling team can evaluate your existing layout, plumbing, and electrical systems to determine the best approach.

We proudly provide bathroom renovations and whole-home remodeling services in Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and Mooresville with select projects in Concord and Kannapolis.

Ready to Upgrade Your Bathroom?

Whether you’re dreaming of a spa-like steam shower or a complete bathroom renovation, our team helps guide you through design, selections, and construction so your new space works beautifully for years to come.

Contact us to start planning your bathroom remodel today.