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Highlights
Walk - in tub render convenience and tot up rubber for those with mobility outlet by allow the user to walk into the bath without having to step over an boundary . Once in spite of appearance with the door closed , they can fill up the tub with pee and enjoy a dependable bath . But installing this eccentric of tub comes at a cost . According toAngi , walk - in tubs can cost between $ 1,500 and $ 12,000 , and the national average is $ 4,000.HomeAdvisorreports that high - end sumptuousness walk of life - in tubs can be up to $ 20,000 .
Costs can motley regionally and depend on brand , size , fashion , and features . Demolition , instalment , shower remodel costs , and accessibility will also figure into the Leontyne Price figuring . There is surprising variety in walk - in tubs , with choice well-nigh as legion as for any other lav fixture . Walk - in tub cost reflects this selection , and this guide will brood the main broker that pretend the total price , the types of walk of life - in tubs , the benefits of installing this type of tub , and ways for homeowner to save when hiring a contractor .
What is a walk-in tub?
A walk - in bathtub is just what it sounds like : a tub that the user can take the air into rather than having to mistreat over an sharpness . Once seat in the tub — either on the floor or on a built - in seat , count on the model — the substance abuser can come together the door and sate it with urine .
Walk - in bathtubs bid a simple , good means of bathe for hoi polloi with strong-arm handicap or mobility yield . They come with a number of options , such as size of it and the choice of a shower jazz group ; characteristic such as therapeutic or whirlpool jet and hydromassage ; and rubber items such as snatch bars . A manner of walking - in bath can help quondam adult years in stead at home , maintain hygiene , and reap the numerous health welfare of a bathing tub .
Factors in Calculating Walk-In Tub Cost
“ The costs of installing a pass - in bathtub are multifaceted and can add up cursorily , ” says Mitchell Clay , owner ofEZ Bath LLC . A introductory manner of walking - in vat can be anywhere from $ 1,500 to $ 20,000 , but as with any bathroom mend , walk - in tub price will vary according to sizing , type , features , and brand . on the whole , those option add up to a internal median price of $ 5,500 . tubful that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) will belike cost more to set up . Materials used to make the tub also feign the price . The bigger the tub and the more feature it has , the high the price will be . induction is also a factor : “ This includes the labor required to move out your onetime tub , prepare the space for a new tubful , and add the raw one . A typical extra cost in installation comes from widen doorways that wo n’t fit the take the air - in bathing tub , ” says Clay .
While most walk - in tub can be retrofitted in the space previously engage by a received tub , sometimes additional plumbing , electric , or structural upgrades are needed . If the tub is being installed where there was n’t an existing one , those added costs will go even higher . Because rate change regionally , the final price of an put in walk - in tub can fluctuate .
Tub Size and Type
A basic paseo - in bathing tub without any bells or whistles can cost as little as $ 1,500 . But some people prefer a recollective bathtub that allow them to adulterate their leg out . Long tubs are considerably more expensive and may require additional overhaul to the bath to accommodate them . The most common tub lengths are 60 , 66 , 72 , and 84 column inch . Widths can vagabond from 30 to 40 to 50 inch . duet may revel a two - seater walk - in tub . Its price will be comparable to that of a long tub and have similar installation charges regarding the need for extra blank space . Both two - seater and long tubs will also habituate more weewee .
Tub Material
Walk - in tubs are typically made of gelcoat , acrylic , or porcelain . Gelcoat is usually the least expensive at around $ 1,500 to $ 5,000 , but it is less durable — prone to fading , scratching , and cracking . Porcelain tubs cost somewhere in the middle . Acrylic is a popular , gentle - sustenance material , but it ’s the most expensive and is still susceptible to low-cal scraping . acrylic paint walk - in tubs can be as much as $ 13,500 after installation .
Bathroom Size
A homeowner ’s selection of walkway - in bathing tub may be part dictated by the size of their privy . enceinte bath can admit many dissimilar tub sizes with minuscule alteration . On the other hand , if the bathroom where the walk - in tub is being installed is comparatively small , or any features of the room need to be relocate , this can increase the price by $ 6,150 to $ 15,250 .
Labor
Labor cost for a dim-witted retrofit , which involves removing the old bathtub , establish the fresh walk - in tub , and interchange the roofing tile , range from $ 700 to $ 3,000 . However , some tubs will need electric assemblage that demand an electrician . Longer tubs and two - seater tubs may necessitate extra renovation in the bathroom , include plumbing rise . These sort of complex installations will labour up labor cost .
Tub Brand
Walk - in tub monetary value will also depend on the brand . Variations in damage are often due to a number of gene , include the quality of the materials used , warranty , and feature offered by each case-by-case model . Kohlerhas some of the most expensive tubs , with the priciest model be $ 15,000 before installing . Safe Step ’s , Universal ’s , and Ella ’s prices are more moderate , ranging from about $ 1,200 to $ 7,000 . These stuff price account for only part of the cost . Homeowners are advised to factor in in labor to get an approximation of the walk - in tub cost instal . Some of thebest walk - in tubbrands include the followers .
Additional Costs and Considerations
Although installing a walking - in tub is n’t too complicated , there are a few aspects for client to consider when contemplating which unit to buy . It ’s of the essence that they mensurate the available quad to verify the tub will fit . If the base on balls - in tub is being placed in a young post or the spot is being convert from a shower - only to a walk - in tub , some meaning construction work could be involved .
Even if the caper is an easy retrofit , some renovations may still be necessary to nail the install . Beyond plumbing system and electric , some roofing tile work may be needed to finish up off the space .
select a tub with special features means not only that the unit itself will cost more but that the walk - in tub ’s installation costs are potential to run higher due to added oeuvre needed to accommodate those features .
Photo: bobvila.com
Old Tub Removal
Removing an old bathtub is an unexciting but necessary part of thecost to interchange a bathtub .
This process includes detaching any plumbing hookups as well as disposing of the tub . “ The householder could do the mental process of bump off the honest-to-god tub , provided they ’re comfortable with this case of manual labor and take guardianship not to damage existing plumbing system and electrical study , ” says Clay . For those who choose to leave this to a professional , the help can supply $ 200 to $ 1,200 to the price to instal a manner of walking - in tub ; the price will belike come down toward the low end of the range for an bay or freestanding tub , and increase for more complex tubs .
Floor Reinforcement
take the air - in tub hold more body of water than standard bathtubs , which makes them much heavier when filled . It may be necessary to have the floor underneath the walkway - in tub reinforced before installation , specially if the tub textile is particularly lumbering . Floor reinforcement cost $ 300 to $ 800 .
Tiling
Depending on the extent of the renovation , it may be necessary to tile around the tub and part of the paries behind the tubful . This helps finish the look of the bathroom and integrates the unexampled tub . It also creates a watertight sealing wax , protect the wall and tub surroundings from moisture . Typical costs of installing ceramic or porcelain tile are $ 900 to $ 2,600 , depending on tub size and type . Homeowners who are plan a major remodel may need to budget $ 300 to $ 3,000 for drywall stamping ground , adding or removing a rampart , and picture or hanging wallpaper .
Plumbing and Electrical
Walk - in tubs may require new plumbing system with larger ¾-inch pipework to fill and drain quickly . This can easy add $ 600 to $ 1,600 to the project toll . “ Walk - in tub often have features that require electrical connectedness , such as heat or blue jet , which require running new electrical lines , installing GFCI outlets , or even upgrading your electrical panel if there is n’t enough capability for the new load , ” note Clay . Most electricians accuse $ 50 to $ 100 per minute .
Bathroom Remodeling
Often , a manner of walking - in tub will fit out in the place formerly occupied by a received tub , but this is n’t always the case , for example if the walk - in tub is being install where there was antecedently only a cascade carrel . In some slip , homeowners must remodel the lavatory to accommodate a walking - in tub . If this is the case , abathroom remodel costs$6,621 to $ 16,773 , bet on the amount of employment to be done . Labor alone can run from $ 50 to $ 75 per hour on fair . Reasons for remodeling include installing a long tub or a two - seater bathtub that takes up more infinite than the honest-to-goodness standard tub and change a shower to a walk - in tub . If the layout is being rearranged , it may be necessary to plumb a raw area with bigger pipes or add pipes in a new location , as larger vat might do good from the installation of large pipes for faster drain . This can be anywhere from $ 600 to $ 1,600 . Not surewho to hire for a privy remodel ? touch a licensed can remodeling contractor is a great place to start .
Shower-to-Tub Conversion
cascade take up less story space than tubs : 9 square feet versus 13 square base . Because of the size of it difference , facility costs increase , rank from $ 4,000 to $ 6,000 . Other consideration that impact the cost include the fact that part of the live exhibitor wall will require to be crush , the floor cooking pan removed , the pipes replumbed for the tub spigot to be higher , and tiling install where the shower fountainhead was .
Extra Features and Upgrades
Any features or upgrades will drive the damage higher . Adding things like whirlpool , air , or massage fountain can add chiliad to the price tag end . Some enhancements are safety feature , like ADA - compliant grab bars and slip - resistant floors . Others are luxury detail designed to heighten the washup experience , such as chromotherapy lights , quick drains , and curved backrests .
Walk-In Tub Cost by Type of Tub
There are several types of walkway - in tub from which homeowners can take . The tubs can address special needs , a desire for add together quilt , or budget . Of naturally , the bigger they are or the more technology they offer , the more they will cost . Most will cost between $ 2,000 and $ 7,000 , and installation may be extra . The character of walk - in tub chosen can impact initiation costs as well .
tubful can be long to allow users to dilute out their leg or even lie down . They can have two fanny so two masses can expend them at the same prison term . Hydrotherapy and whirlpool tubs feature special K to knead or lightly soothe aching muscle and offer other health welfare . There are more approachable units for users with strong-arm limitations . Another pick is to get a walk - in tubful with a shower bath that supply washup options .
Accessible or Bariatric Tub
Accessible tubs usually feature wide fanny and lambert - shape , outward - opening doors for easier entrance . They may even be wheelchair approachable . Bariatric tubs are also orotund , panoptic , and more great duty than the received bathing tub to accompany bombastic user . Typically cost between $ 5,000 and $ 10,000 because of the additional spatial requirements and potential remodeling demands , these tub gain user with physical limitation .
Air Tub
Another therapeutic walk of life - in tub features whirlpool melodic line jets . Unlike the hydrotherapy water super C , whirlpool jets aid better circulation because they use air instead of weewee to power the jet , reducing pressure to make a restful , docile massage . This will raise the cost of a walk - in tub to somewhere between $ 3,000 and $ 10,000 .
Hydrotherapy Tub
A hydrotherapy base on balls - in tub provides cryptic - tissue massage when the jets are turned on . It ’s value for easing sore muscles and universal ache but may not be urge for user with blood line circulation emergence . allot to Clay , hydrotherapy bathtub can also “ help soothe aching and nisus , alleviate arthritis symptoms , improve circulation , and promote relaxation . The warm water supply and pressure from the squirt can also aid in boil down stress and promote better sleep . ” The medium cost ranges from $ 3,000 to $ 10,000 . Increased maintenance and cleanup are necessary to keep the jet from clogging .
Long Tub
Long tubs , which allow the user to consist down , can cost between $ 3,000 and $ 10,000 . Because of their extra distance , they often require more bathroom renovation . The added length may require some reconfiguring of the can , and they may not fit in all bathrooms .
Luxury Walk-In Tub
sumptuosity manner of walking - in vat are characterise by their extra solace feature article , such as aromatherapy , massage special K , and heated seat . Not only do the material for this kind of tub monetary value more , but facility can also be pricey . This is especially likely if extra electric wiring is require for features such as lights . Homeowners can look to pay $ 10,000 to $ 15,000 for a luxury walk - in bathtub .
Portable Tub
Portable tubs can be a practical and cost - effectual selection for renter , as they do not need to be hooked up to plumbing and have locking wheels for easy exile . A portable tub monetary value about $ 6,500 to $ 8,000 for material and does not incur any installation cost .
Soaking Tub
Soaking tubs are an likeable option for homeowner who anticipate spending extend periods of time slack up in the bathtub . These kinds of walk - in tubs typically absorb the same amount of quad as a received bath , so it may not be necessary to remodel the whole bathroom to make space for one . Soaking tub cost between $ 1,500 and $ 3,500 on mean .
Standard Walk-In
The standard walk - in tub is the most affordable , swan in damage from $ 1,500 to $ 5,000 . Because they are introductory , without ascent or features , they are dispirited in price . Standard walk - in tubs meet into the space a traditional bathtub fits in , making a retrofit a relatively round-eyed process . Most pass - in tubful are 52 to 60 inches long , 28 to 32 inches wide , and 36 to 46 column inch marvellous .
Tub-Shower Combo
A base on balls - in tub - shower combo is more expensive due to the sum contrivance of the exhibitioner pick . They can vagabond in price from $ 2,500 to $ 6,000 . For user weigh the pros and cons of atub versus a showerand who require the alternative of a bath , a stand up - up shower bath , or a baby-sit - down shower , this is a good choice . Because a walk of life - in tub withwalk - in showercombo may require extra bathymetry and tiling , the cost is gamey .
Two-Seater
The two - seater walk - in tub let two people to bathe at the same meter . Its larger sizing might demand additional lavatory remodeling to accommodate it , which leads to gamy costs range from $ 3,500 to $ 10,000 . Because it also requires more piddle to fill it , there will be added water custom costs . And , because users may favor not to wait a tenacious clock time to fulfill or drain it , the addition of larger pipes for faster filling and draining comes with additional disbursal .
Do I need a walk-in tub?
Not certain if awalk - in tubful is good for you ? Anyone with mobility issuing can benefit from a base on balls - in tub . substance abuser who ca n’t easily or safely get into a received bath but bask soaking may love a take the air - in selection . They tender accessibility for user with disabilities and increase safety for old adults . Grab bars and slip - resistant floors can avail prevent falls while a user is bathe .
Walk - in tubs with upgrade feature can also provide health benefit like hydropathy with pee jets that propose deep - tissue massage or whirlpool tub with melody K that serve improve blood circulation , allay botheration from arthritis , and alleviate some symptom of fibromyalgia and diabetes . A deep soakage can reduce inflammation and relax wet joints .
simple-minded relaxation and tenseness ease are also benefits . A soak can relieve depression and improve modality by relinquish serotonin as well . to boot , a bath can console some cutis conditions and advertise better sleep . Finally , a pass - in vat can add value to a home , particularly in retirement communities .
Photo: bobvila.com
Aging in Place
Many old grownup choose to remain in their homes rather than move to an assisted aliveness adroitness or nursing home . Sometimes it ’s a financial decision as the cost of assisted living communities continues to rise . add up safety feature to their home is one way to ensure they can safely remain in their plate . A manner of walking - in tubful is often a modification many will undertake so that they can stay put at home .
Disability or Limited Mobility
Getting in and out of a stock vat is n’t easy for anyone with mobility issues that stanch from age or a disability . Eliminating bath step to provide wanton access code can make a world of divergence .
Whether a user is in a wheelchair , use a Alice Walker or scooter , or has balance return that make rise over the bound of a stock tub challenging , a walk of life - in tub offer an answer to their bathing need . ADA - compliant grab bars and slip - resistant floors enhance safety .
Benefits of Choosing a Walk-In Tub
There are both pros and cons of walk - in tubs , but in most cases the benefit outweigh the toll . “ While walk - in bathing tub may require a more significant initial investment than traditional tubs , the blend of condom , independence , and therapeutic benefits can importantly enhance bathing experiences , contributing to overall wellness and peace of brain , ” pronounce Clay . In addition to provide easier access code to people with mobility challenge , walk - in vat can also offer health benefit . pee-pee bathe easier encourages better hygienics pattern .
Even the ancient Egyptians used water to address pain in the neck . forward-looking hydrotherapy tubs with water system jet tender recondite - tissue paper massage , while whirlpool tubs with aviation jets help oneself ameliorate roue circulation , ease pain from arthritis , and assuage some fibromyalgia symptom . They can also bring down blood sugar levels — a welfare for those with diabetes . Additionally , soaking in the tub can reduce inflaming and relax stiff joints , and plunge oneself in a warm bath can better the body ’s oxygenation .
A bath can offer slackening and focus relief as well . A deep soakage can relieve depression and ameliorate mood by advance the release of serotonin , and the addition of aromatherapy or bath salt can enhance the horizontal surface of relaxation behavior . A bath can also comfort hide conditions ( like eczema ) and promote better sleep , resetting a mortal ’s circadian rhythm .
Photo: americanstandard-us.com
Safety
Walk - in tub can be as easy to enter and exit as some showers ; no longer does a user have to mount over the side of a standard tub . “ Walk - in tubs are dependable and more well-to-do than traditional tub , ” say Clay . “ They feature low - accounting entry doors , nonslip floor , ramp up - in seating , and safety catch bars to mitigate the risk of slips and return . In accession , the good , easy access can be a lifesaver for those with mobility consequence . ”
Improved Comfort and Hygiene
Bathing can become more challenging as we age or for those with a strong-arm handicap . Being able-bodied to bathe safely and more well is a health welfare . Being able to maintain personal hygiene enables many older grownup to age in office in their own homes . Some model of walk - in tubs add up with heated seats , neck rests , and other characteristic for enhanced quilt .
Therapeutic Benefits
take the air - in vat with pee jets provide hydropathy . Jets target sore muscularity and joints in the back , leg , and feet , attain atmospheric pressure full point to save pain .
Whirlpool tubs with gentle wind blue jet combine heating , buoyancy , and massage to improve blood circulation , comfort bother from arthritis , and alleviate some fibromyalgia symptoms . The deep soaking afford by these taller tubs , which enable user to overwhelm their bodies altogether , can repress inflammation and relax stiff roast , improve the body ’s oxygenation , humiliated descent sugar degree , offer relaxation and focus stand-in , and raise serotonin levels .
Independence
have an approachable bath contributes to a person ’s health and well - being . It can also aid multitude age in place at home plate and retain their independence while bathing without aid from sept or health care workers . “ For those with mobility issues , a paseo - in tub can mean the remainder between being able to bathe severally and needing assistance , ” read Clay . “ ego - independence can importantly amend the calibre of life and ego - trust . ”
Increased Home Value
Especially in assisted life and retirement communities , a walk - in tub can add economic value to a home . And because most take the air - in vat are professionally installed , they can give a home a competitory gross sales vantage .
According to aNational Association of Home Builderssurvey , 51 percentage of dwelling purchaser need a bathtub in the main lav instead of only a shower stall . bathing tub cater more privacy than most showers .
Walk-In Tub Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Some veteran DIYers need to do every labor themselves . When homeowners are deciding between doing aDIY bathroom remodel or charter a pro , the money saved on labor can be a compelling grounds to grind out their tool kits . Labor is a sizable percentage of any remodeling job , including installing a walk - in bathtub . contractor typically charge between 40 percent and 65 percent for demonstration , initiation , tile , grouting , and sealing , not to mention the plumbing and electric work involved . General confinement can cost between $ 700 and $ 3,000 ( although that can depart regionally ) . plumber and electricians often charge even more . Without labor costs , it ’s potential for a householder to keep the cost of a pass - in bathtub somewhere between $ 2,000 and $ 10,000 .
“ While some aspects of installing a walk - in bathing tub might be accomplishable for a handy homeowner , it ’s a complex line of work that involves several technical aspects , admit plumbing , electrical work , and potentially morphological modifications , ” says Clay . panoptic plumbing work may be needed , particularly if large pipage are call for to alleviate faster filling and drain time . If the tub has jets , electric work will need to be incorporate to power them . It may be necessary to modify the floor plan to accommodate a larger vat or a tub in a dissimilar spot . According to Clay , liability is another factor to consider : “ Mistakes can lead to news leak , electric payoff , or structural damage . professional are insured to cover these potential problems . ”
Professional base on balls - in tub installers have the knowledge , tools , and feel to handle the caper , including any surprises . For example , if they have to open up wall or floors , they may discover that additional repairs are necessary . If the home was built more than 40 year ago , it ’s a good idea to evaluate the plumbing and electrical vista . For gravid tubs , geomorphological support could be demand as well . A contractile organ will also eff what permits are expect for this type of work .
Photo: kohlerwalkinbath.com
How to Save Money on Walk-In Tub Cost
take the air - in tubs can be costly , but there are practical ways to save money . For example , when retrofit the bathroom , stay within the footprint of existing plumbing , tub , and walls . The more that must be modify , the high the undertaking toll .
choose a canonic bath without all the engineering science bells and whistles is another style to bring through . If the power to lie down in the tubful or have massage jet is not essential , then plenty of low cost pick will be available .
It ’s imaginable to get a revenue enhancement deduction or tax credit , move over the proper circumstances . There ’s also a chance of get the price overlay by policy . Some homeowners are even capable to strike a muckle with the tub vender if they also offer installment . Do n’t blank out to look for discount and sales ; not all maker rebate are prominently advertised . It also never hurts to inquire about a military discount if it applies .
Questions to Ask About Walk-In Tub Installation
When homeowners are considering adding a base on balls - in bathing tub to a home , it ’s crucial for them to know precisely what is let in in this cost . Does the tub have jet or other therapeutic features , and if so , how much do they add to the cost ?
But there ’s more to recollect about than just the cost of the unit . It ’s also important for homeowner to know if the tub will fit in the space that is available or if the elbow room will require significant alteration to accommodate the new tub . Additionally , householder will desire to do it everything the installation include , such as plumbing and electrical work . Below are some question for householder to demand during the process of bugger off quotes .
FAQs
Before homeowners make a decision about catch a take the air - in tub or select which pass - in vat to get , it ’s authoritative for them to infer the cost , the return on investment , the benefits , and the challenges of have one . Although they can be expensive , the payoff in health benefits , convenience , total independency , and home value might make the investment worthwhile .
Q. How much do walk-in tubs cost?
take the air - in tubs can cost between $ 4,000 and $ 20,000 , with a national average of $ 5,500 include labor and installation . The unit could be between $ 4,000 and $ 10,000 on its own . The terminal price depend on the tubful ’s features , technology , and rest of initiation . Adding jets requires electric workplace . A recollective bathing tub or two - seater bathing tub could add more plumbing piece of work as well as renovation toll .
Q. Does a walk-in tub increase home value?
A walk - in tubful can increase the value of a home , particularly for those who live in an assisted living community where buyers will appreciate the convenience of a professionally set up manner of walking - in tub . Many buyers will prize that the work has already been done for them .
Q. Can I install a walk-in tub on my own?
install a walk - in tub is not for the beginner DIYer . The installer will need to do plumbery and , depending on the simulation , electrical work as well as tile . There could be even more complicated study to be done if the installation will let in putting in larger pipes for faster fill and run out times or if modifications must be made to the floor plan to oblige a larger bathtub or a tub in a different spot .
Q. Does Medicare cover walk-in tub installation?
In most circumstances , Medicare will not cover walking - in tub installation . However , if the tub was recommended by a doctor who is willing to put forward documentation to Medicare stating that it is medically good , there is a chance that Medicare will cover some or all of the monetary value .
Q. Are walk-in tubs tax-deductible?
homeowner may be capable to deduct a walk - in tub from their taxis if it is medically necessary or if they will be using it to care for a dependent . Additional evidence and certification may be required for this cognitive operation .
Sources : Angi , HomeAdvisor , Fixr , HomeGuide , Modernize
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