A smart shower system can cost anywhere between $200 and over $1000. However, besides the price of buying one, you should also factor in the cost of installation. Unfortunately, determining the installment cost isn’t as easy as it is predicated on several factors. So, to help you out, we will use this article to outline the different factors you can use to determine the cost of installing a smart shower.
Factors that determine the cost of installing a Smart shower
Different companies use different methods to determine how much smart shower installation will cost. Therefore, you shouldn’t take our article as a set-in-stone calculator for all smart shower installations. Instead, use it as a guide to help you get a decent enough idea of the final cost. Before you set out to install one, you should talk with different companies and see their estimates.
Type
A general rule of thumb is that the more complex your smart shower is, the more expensive it will be to install. The wiring, the sensors, the plumbing, and so on may need to be modified to accommodate your new smart shower. And even something as minor as having a shower panel instead of a shower head can make a difference. Besides this, you may want to add a specialized control panel or extra light to your shower. This also will impact the installation price, as add-ons can considerably complicate it.
In certain situations, having a pre-installed smart home system can be helpful. If you can attach your shower to the larger smart home system, you can avoid some aspects of the installation. In this instance, you can have a lower installation cost than if you had no smart home system. But the aforementioned rule of thumb still stands. If you have a ton of accessories and appliances in your bathroom, it will likely be much more challenging to install a smart shower.
Brand
There are different ways in which the smart shower brand can impact the installation price. For instance, consider having a running smart home system and wishing to install a smart shower. If the company that provides smart home systems also installs smart showers, you will have to pay considerably less if you stick with them. Other brands may not be as compatible with the system in place. This lack of compatibility will reflect the installation cost, requiring far more work to set up correctly. The brands offering smart home products and installation services are your best bet for minimizing costs.
The second thing to consider is how widespread the brands are. Brands offering various products want them to be compatible, even with other brands. Therefore, they will make the installation process as easy and cheap as possible. On the other hand, some brands on being more exclusive. They present themselves as a luxury that cannot simply connect to more affordable devices. While they might be decent enough, they will showcase themselves as nothing that not everyone can or should afford. If you opt to install a smart shower of this type of brand, you are likely to face substantial installation costs.
Location
Your home’s location and layout can impact the cost of smart shower installation. Firstly, you need to consider the neighborhood you are situated in. The higher the cost of living, the more expensive the professional services are likely. This includes smart shower installation.
When it comes to home layout, you need to consider where you want to install a smart shower and how accessible that area is. As you can imagine, installing a smart shower in a ground-level bathroom is far easier than installing a hard-to-reach attic. And the more difficult it is to install the shower, the more it will cost you to do so.
Lastly, you need to consider permits and regulations. Depending on where you live, you may need to acquire a specific license for smart shower installation. And if you do, it might need to follow specific regulations. Such things are usually outlined on the base of a municipality, just like building codes and standards.
If your shower or bathroom cannot follow these regulations, you may need to make extra modifications. And as you can imagine, these additional modifications can substantially increase the total cost. Also, keep in mind that if you need to get extra permits for your smart shower, you shouldn’t expect to get them on a moment’s notice. If you are moving to a new home, plan for your smart shower in advance. A full bathroom renovation shouldn’t be one of the repairs you should make after moving.
Calculating the Final Cost
So, with all this in mind, how are you supposed to calculate the final cost? You should start by outlining where you want to install your smart shower and whether you’ll need extra permits. Then you need to choose the model you want and all the add-ons. A possible way to install a smart shower is DIY. But, considering how complex smart showers can be, we advise that you refrain from doing so. Depending on the expertise required, a professional will cost you between $50 – $100 per hour. You can expect the installation to last for several hours, depending on the level of modification needed. If there is a need for extra materials for pipe repairs or extra wiring, they will come out of your pocket.
So, the best course of action is to find an experienced installer and have them give you an estimate. Don’t shy away from talking with multiple. That way, you will better understand what type of smart shower best suits your home. And what type will be easiest to install?
Finding Reliable Installers
Fortunately, finding reliable installers is easier than ever. The first option is to go online and see which ones operate in your area. You can find them on sites like Thumbtack, Angie’s List, or HomeAdvisor. Or, you can simply use the good old Google search. These sites will list local professionals and outline reviews and ratings. Therefore, you should be able to find a couple that suits your needs. You should also check the shower manufacturer’s website and see whether they offer installation services. As we mentioned, they will likely have the lowest cost of installing a smart shower. But this isn’t always the case. Finally, ask for referrals from your friends. If someone you know has recently installed a smart shower, take them out for a coffee and have them tell you all about it.
