In the last few years it seems like tub-to-shower conversions have been king of the crop but now we’re taking a swing back into the tub replacement “industry”. Yep, bathroom remodeling is such a specialized area that each service could be considered its own niche.
A walk-in bathtub may have a bit more appeal to you because you will have the option of both bathing and showering in somewhat of a barrier free application. Molded for comfort and spa jets for massage therapy will bring some of the many benefits to you. Other options will include grab bars, faucets, spray wands and a variety of different sizes to fit the provided space. Sounds like a pretty simple process, however, these tubs are larger than a standard bathtub. They are double the height which means removing some doorways or undergoing a larger construction process may be required just to get the tub in your bathroom.
Why do you want a walk-in bathtub? Are you planning to Age in Place or is a medical issue driving this decision…? There can be many reasons to want or need this type of bathtub so I wanted to inform you of a few things to consider while you’re shopping around.
Finding a competent local contractor will benefit you the most. This is where you will gain a close and personalized relationship. You would be cutting out the “third party” when compared to dealing with a large franchise or an out of state company. Out of state firms are simply folks you will not meet, leaving you with phone conversations and emails. In these situations, a local contractor will be hunted down to do the job… and then you will have a guy “just showing up for a day of work.”
If your insurance is funding the project just sit back and enjoy the ride. As you need the work completed, there is no choice for you in whom you will be hiring. An insurance company will require a few quotes and then the companies will duke it out in the backroom with their numbers. The lowest bid will win and you will get a call for scheduling. Is that a bad thing? Definitely not because experience in the field is a qualification. Just know that in this situation your choices are limited in many areas.
All that said, here are some other things that you may want to try while you’re planning and researching:
- Take a hard look at what options will benefit you the most. Many of the manufacturers have their own set of features.
- Hunt down the contact information for the manufacturers and call them. Form your own list of questions to ask them.
- A common question is, “How long will the door seals last?” I don’t know how well I can personally answer that for you because they simply have not been on the market long enough to provide hard statistics.
- Get the facts on the product warranty.
If you’re interested in a Walk-In Bathtub installation please feel free to contact us. While most companies offer this as a niche service (without additional services like Barrier Free showers, linear drain installation etc…), we can bring other aspects and experience to the forefront. We can survey all of the details and help you decide if a Walk-In tub will work best for you.
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