A walk-in bathtub is a unique variation on the traditional bathtub model. Where most bathtubs have a front wall that is fixed into place, a walk-in tub has a section that can be opened to allow a person to walk into the tub. Once inside, there is usually an area where the person can comfortably sit. After sealing the bathtub by closing the door they can begin to fill it with water.
Albeit, not everyone who uses a walk-in bathtub is disabled. Some homeowners like them for all of the added features that they come with. For example, many come with water jets or massages. These type of luxury walk-in tubs are more expensive than the standard options, but they often add extra value to the home.
The cost of installing a new walk-in tub can be rather daunting. Most homeowners should expect to pay between $4,000 and $9,000. This includes the purchase of the tub and its installation. However, that price can increase dramatically according to certain factors. For example, if serious remodeling is required in the bathroom to allow for the tub to fit. Likewise, buying one of the top-brand tubs with the latest features will increase the price. It's possible for the installation to cost as much as $15,000 depending on these factors.
The most affordable option is a standard soaking bathtub. This includes only the very minimum in terms of features. There is a resealable door and a sitting area on the inside of the tub. There may also be handlebars to provide additional safety for elderly occupants. A standard soaking tub can cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
A bathtub with a whirlpool feature falls into the same price range. These types of tubs are ideal for occupants who regularly suffer from muscle pains. The whirlpool technology acts as a sort of deep tissue massage that can greatly reduce pain. If the tub were to include a whirlpool and an air bath feature, then the price would be much higher.
Generally speaking, the combination of any features adds to the price. Such tubs are often referred to as combination baths and they may contain any two or more of the features mentioned above. These tubs can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000 depending on the particular features and the brand.
American Standard is one of the most well k known manufacturers of walk-in bathtubs. Most of their models have a quick draining feature. They are also very affordable compared to some of the competition. You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for a standard soaking walk-in bathtub.
Universal is known for its huge selection of bathtubs. They have models available with all of the features that a person could want, including air bath functionality, whirlpool technology, water jets, and extra wide models. Their standard soaking tubs cost anywhere between $1,300 and $2,500.
Ella is one of the more expensive brands on the market. Their standard tubs can cost between $2,000 and $5,000. They are also known for their high quality and unique styles. For example, they are one of the few brands that offer an inward swinging door. It seems like a small feature, but it makes the tub more space efficient.
That being said, even minor complications can cause the price to increase dramatically. If the plumbing needs to be modified, then it can add as much as $6,000 to the cost of the installation. Additional electrical work can add another $3,000 on the expensive end. It's a good idea to discuss the installation with the contractors beforehand to determine exactly how much additional work needs to be done. Only then can you calculate an estimation of the cost of the walk-in bathtub and its installation.
Quick Links
- Cost to Purchase and Install a Walk-In Tub
- Elderly, Disabled and More
- Choosing a Walk-In Tub
- What Will Increase the Price?
- Luxurious Featurs Come At A Cost
- Choosing The Right Brand
- Final Considerations
Elderly, Disabled and More
Homeowners who suffer from mobility problems often prefer the walk-in bathtub because it is easier to make the transition to inside the tub. In comparison, they would need to step over the top of the bathtub wall if they wanted to enter a traditional tub. That can be nearly impossible for some people who are elderly or are suffering from a disability.Albeit, not everyone who uses a walk-in bathtub is disabled. Some homeowners like them for all of the added features that they come with. For example, many come with water jets or massages. These type of luxury walk-in tubs are more expensive than the standard options, but they often add extra value to the home.
The cost of installing a new walk-in tub can be rather daunting. Most homeowners should expect to pay between $4,000 and $9,000. This includes the purchase of the tub and its installation. However, that price can increase dramatically according to certain factors. For example, if serious remodeling is required in the bathroom to allow for the tub to fit. Likewise, buying one of the top-brand tubs with the latest features will increase the price. It's possible for the installation to cost as much as $15,000 depending on these factors.
Choosing A Walk-In Tub
If you're interested in installing a walk-in bathtub at your home, you need to consider all of the options available. This will help you to choose a model that fits within your budget and also fits the needs of the occupants. The factors of the tub that will affect the price include the type of tub, the features, the size, and the brand.The most affordable option is a standard soaking bathtub. This includes only the very minimum in terms of features. There is a resealable door and a sitting area on the inside of the tub. There may also be handlebars to provide additional safety for elderly occupants. A standard soaking tub can cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
What Will Increase the Price?
The price can increase dramatically once you begin adding additional features. An air bath feature is great for occupants who have circulation problems or who suffer from diabetes. This feature works by providing a gentle stream of air into the filled bath while soaking. It also increases the price range for the tub to between $5,000 and $7,500.A bathtub with a whirlpool feature falls into the same price range. These types of tubs are ideal for occupants who regularly suffer from muscle pains. The whirlpool technology acts as a sort of deep tissue massage that can greatly reduce pain. If the tub were to include a whirlpool and an air bath feature, then the price would be much higher.
Luxurious Featurs Come At A Cost
A bariatric walk-in tub is a specialized tub designed to be larger than the average tub. They are ideal for occupants who need more space than is available in a standard tub. As the size of the tub increases, the price does as well. A large-sized bariatric tub with no additional features can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. That price increases further if air bath or whirlpool technology is added to the mix.Generally speaking, the combination of any features adds to the price. Such tubs are often referred to as combination baths and they may contain any two or more of the features mentioned above. These tubs can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000 depending on the particular features and the brand.
Choosing The Right Brand
The number of manufacturers is limited, but there are enough to offer some variety. Some brands are known for manufacturing high-end premium models with lots of bells and whistles. Others are known for their low-cost walk-in bathtubs designed for homeowners with a limited budget. Each brand will have its own advantages and disadvantages.American Standard is one of the most well k known manufacturers of walk-in bathtubs. Most of their models have a quick draining feature. They are also very affordable compared to some of the competition. You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for a standard soaking walk-in bathtub.
Universal is known for its huge selection of bathtubs. They have models available with all of the features that a person could want, including air bath functionality, whirlpool technology, water jets, and extra wide models. Their standard soaking tubs cost anywhere between $1,300 and $2,500.
Ella is one of the more expensive brands on the market. Their standard tubs can cost between $2,000 and $5,000. They are also known for their high quality and unique styles. For example, they are one of the few brands that offer an inward swinging door. It seems like a small feature, but it makes the tub more space efficient.
Final Considerations
A portion of the cost is going to come from the installation of the tub. Obviously, the easier it is to install the tub, then the less it will cost. Most contractors are going to charge between $40 and $70 an hour for the installation. You can expect it to take up to 10 hours for the installation. The average cost of a simple installation is around $700.That being said, even minor complications can cause the price to increase dramatically. If the plumbing needs to be modified, then it can add as much as $6,000 to the cost of the installation. Additional electrical work can add another $3,000 on the expensive end. It's a good idea to discuss the installation with the contractors beforehand to determine exactly how much additional work needs to be done. Only then can you calculate an estimation of the cost of the walk-in bathtub and its installation.