Walk-in tubs are marketed an ultimate solution for accessibility and comfort, but there’s more to consider before taking the plunge. Here's what the ads don’t tell you:
1. Safety Concerns
Walk-in tubs require you to step in, seal the door, and wait and wait while the tub fills and drains while sit there in water that is getting colder by the minute....waiting......If there’s a medical emergency or sudden need to exit, you could be trapped until the water has fully drained...
2. Hidden Costs
Walk-in tubs often need more than just the eye-popping $7,000 to $17,000 cost for installation no one will tell you about:
A Larger Water Heater: Their capacity usually exceeds what a standard water heater can handle.
Extensive Floor Support: Their weight when filled with water often requires structural reinforcement. We have seen the weight of water in these tubs warp their doors, making them useless.
Plumbing and Electrical Work: Upgraded systems are typically necessary to accommodate the tub’s requirements.
3. Potential for Hidden Damage
Installing a walk-in tub often uncovers behind-the-wall issues like water damage, rot, or outdated plumbing. Remediating these issues can add thousands to your final bill.
4. Resale Value
Many buyers view walk-in tubs as an outdated liability to be replaced, potentially decreasing the home's resale speed and value. I have seen these tubs used as expensive planters, storage, and to drip-dry laundry.... no one wants that.
5. Consider Better Alternatives
For many, a barrier-free shower with grab bars and a fold-down seat provides better safety, accessibility, and convenience—without the hefty price tag and structural headaches of a walk-in tub.
A Smarter, More Affordable Solution
Little Deeds can transform your existing bathtub into a walk-in shower with a TubcuT , without any tile work or demolition, and at a fraction of the cost of a walk-in tub! (Less than $3,000 in just a day) This reversible solution allows you to regain accessibility and still maintain flexibility for future resale. When you're ready to sell, the TubcuT can be restored to a full bathtub, preserving your home’s value.
Final Thought: Walk-in tubs might be the right fit for some, but they’re not a great solution for most. We specialize in those little cost-effective solutions that make homes safer and more accessible.
Call or text me at 410-450-4466 to learn more.
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