Buying a walk-in bathtub in Salt Lake City, San Diego, Chicago, or any other place in America promises comfort, safety, independence, and ease of mobility. Although its installation is usually straightforward, budgeting for it is not. One error can stall the project and set you back way more than you are comfortable spending. To avoid budgeting nightmares, remember the following:
A Walk-In Tub Does Not Account for All of the Material Cost
Many homeowners believe that the tub itself is the expense involved in this minor bathroom renovation other than labor. This notion is further from the truth. Usually, this project merits retailing since the new tub is higher or deeper than the old one. The walls surrounding the tub area might need to be replaced too, primarily when the fixture will be used as a shower.
Extra Needs Mean Extra Money
A typical walk-in tub is only suitable for regular bathing. If its primary user has unique needs, a more sophisticated and costly product might be necessary.
For instance, people living with diabetes might need an air bath. Users who need hydrotherapy for deep tissue massage to alleviate body pains might require a whirlpool bath. For individuals with more significant mobility concerns, a bariatric tub might be to enjoy more space.
The Project Can Trigger Plumbing Improvements
Your existing plumbing system might not work correctly and efficiently with the walk-in bathtub you want. If this is the case, your contractor might also need to install new pipes with an adequate diameter to fill the tub more quickly. Such plumbing work is typically tricky, which will inflate the cost of your project.
Furthermore, you might also need to change your water heater since a walk-in tub can hold up to 80 gallons of water. Going tankless is a suitable option to enjoy hot water on demand, but it can cost you about $2,500 more.
A Dedicated Circuit Might Be Necessary
Aside from your plumbing system, your electrical system might also need some work. A drain pump and individual jets require their 15-amp circuit. A ground-fault circuit interrupter might also be needed. A circuit upgrade can add thousands of dollars more to the bill.
Low-Cost Alternatives Exist
Before you pull the trigger on your walk-in tub installation, strongly consider other remodeling options to achieve your home improvement goals.
Complementing a standard tub with a ceiling lift can also cost $3,000 while a curbless shower with a bench or a chair can set you back less than $7,000.
Think about long-term maintenance expenditure too. Since a walk-in bathtub has mechanical components, you need to set aside some money for their routine upkeep. While specialty cleaners cost about $10 only, regular plumbing and electrical inspections and repairs can affect your finances over the long term.
A walk-in tub addition is equivalent to an aging-in-place bathroom renovation. It can be pricey, especially that it has lots of moving parts, but it is worth the trouble. Look for a reputable contractor, ask for a detailed estimate, and explore different financing options, such as personal loans and home equity loans, to budget your project with as little stress as possible.
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