Walk-in tubs are a great way to help people who have trouble getting in and out of traditional bathtubs. However, they can be costly and require specialized plumbing or other home modifications before installation.
The cost of a walk-in tub depends on its size and features, such as jets or air baths. The installation cost also depends on how much additional plumbing or electrical work needs to be done.
Preparing the Area
If you’re installing a walk-in tub in Kansas City, you must prepare the area before you can start working on it. This is a crucial part of the process and can make a massive difference in how well you can get the work done.
The first step in preparing the area is to remove the old bathtub. This will allow you to move the plumbing and set up the infrastructure. This job can be reasonably easy for a homeowner with plumbing and carpentry skills.
Another critical step is to ensure the subfloor in the area you are putting in the new tub is level. It must be able to support the weight of the tub, bather, and water.
Once the area is ready, you can install the tub itself. Again, this is a simple process and should take about two hours to complete.
It’s also good to check that the faucets are correctly installed. Most walk-in tubs have instructions for installing faucets, so it’s possible to do this independently.
If you don’t have any plumbing or carpentry skills, it may be best to hire a professional to do this for you. This will reduce the risk of mistakes and problems arising during installation.
Widening the Bathroom Door
Before availing walk in tub installation in Kansas City, you must ensure your bathroom door is ready for innovation. This is especially important if you have people in your home who use a wheelchair or walker.
Generally, the minimum door width required for bathrooms is 24 inches. However, it would be best if you got a door that is wider than this. This will allow you to move through the space more quickly and be more comfortable for you or someone who uses a wheelchair or walker.
If you have a door that is not wide enough for your needs, there are several ways to widen it. One easy way is to remove the existing hinges and replace them with swing-clear hinges. These hinges move the door’s pivot point away from the edge of the doorway, making it easier to open.
Another way to widen a door is by changing the door header. This involves replacing the King studs with thinner Jack studs, which allows you to get a few inches more doorway widths.
You will also need to frame the doorway opening to be load-bearing. This can be challenging, so hiring a professional is best to do the job for you. You should always take the time to choose a company that has lots of experience doing this type of work.
Installing the Tub
A walk-in tub is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to remain independent and safe in their home. It’s also a good idea for anyone with mobility issues, as it can make getting in and out of a standard tub much more accessible.
Depending on the manufacturer, walk-in tubs have various features that can be useful for seniors or those with disabilities. These include hydrotherapy jets, heated seats, and other therapeutic options.
These options can add a significant amount to the cost of the tub. You’ll need a quote from different installers and brands to get the best deal.
Another important consideration is how much space the tub will take up in your bathroom. Some models are more significant than others and require more doorway clearance. Choosing the suitable model can ensure that the walk-in tub will fit in your bathroom correctly and not cause any issues.
Once you’ve figured out what type of tub is best for your needs, it’s time to install it. A walk-in tub is a big project, so it’s a good idea to hire professional installers to do the work. These experts will know how to install the tub and hook up the plumbing and wiring correctly to be safe and function well for many years.
Installing the Plumbing
When installing a walk-in tub, the plumbing is one of the most complex elements. It requires substantial adjustments to existing plumbing, a job best left to a licensed plumber. If you attempt to install a walk-in tub without considering the plumbing, you may end up with a leaky bathtub or damage the surrounding walls and floor.
Some companies, like Kohler, offer in-home consultations where a specialist can assess your bathroom and review available options. During this appointment, they’ll ensure you get the right tub to fit your needs.
Often, these tubs have unique features that require power, like jets or heaters. These can add a few thousand dollars to the project because they require electrical work that an electrician needs to do.
Another potential cost factor is the size of the tub. If you choose a two-seater tub, the installation costs will be higher because it requires more space and larger pipes that can fill and drain more quickly.
An excellent way to cut costs when buying a walk-in tub is to look for a manufacturer offering free shipping that matches a competitor’s price. You can also ask for a reliable installer; if you have friends or family that are handy, consider asking them to do the installation.
