Is that this the time you change that dingy tub tub to present your toilet a contact of magnificence and elegance it deserves?
Effectively, it’s getting actually heat out, with Summer season formally right here, and I need to say there is no such thing as a higher option to get heat and comfy (or to chill off a bit from an extended day at work) than taking a pleasant lengthy soaking in a comfortable bathtub! So are you a shower junkie, in search of a brand new lovely tub to soak in? It’s simple to dive into the countless prospects of tub seems, types and finishes, and lose monitor of such necessary concerns as value, consolation, high quality, and match.
Between your price range, private wants, house limitations, supplies and aesthetic design preferences, this information will enable you to zero-in in your dream bathtub.
Placement Choices
If you’re changing an outdated tub, or putting in one into an current toilet house, than chances are you’ll face sure limitations as to the kind of tub you might be able to set up.
Your current tub, particularly if it was a built-in one, walled from three-sides, might solely assist you to set up the identical dimension/sort of tub, solely a special materials.
Equally, the scale of your toilet and its different fixtures equivalent to a bathe, bathrooms, sink and cabinetry might restrict the placement and dimension of your new tub.
You possibly can considerably improve your bathtub choices, in case you are prepared to spend more cash on main modifications to your electrical wiring, plumbing, probably rearrange/transfer different fixtures or do a intestine renovation.
Set up Value
When looking for a brand new bathtub, don’t neglect to allocate the price range for set up, as it could possibly usually value greater than the bathtub itself! Usually, set up can value as a lot as $2,500 to $3,000. The invoice will likely be even larger, if any particular plumbing work must be carried out, equivalent to relocating plumbing options. Consequently, for those who don’t need to find yourself spending a fortune on a brand new tub set up, ensure you analysis which sort and dimension of tub would work greatest along with your current toilet dimension and design.
Kinds of Bathtubs
Whereas it might seem to be the tub decisions are countless, there are in reality solely Four basic forms of tubs:
Typical
Typical bathtubs can both be built-in or freestanding. Constructed-in fashions are extra widespread, and could be walled on three sides (most properties have this set-up), tucked right into a nook, or dropped right into a body. A dropped-in tub could be on a platform or it may be set under the ground degree.
Freestanding fashions could be very dramatic and may develop into the point of interest of the lavatory, equivalent to an old school claw-foot tub, or a contemporary tub, that rests on a platform in the midst of an enormous toilet house. Additionally, many freestanding fashions can have extra slope to the again than build-in ones, making it extra snug to put down and soak.
The associated fee for standard tubs varies enormously, from $200-300 to $6000 and up (plus set up). The worth is usually decided by the standard of the fabric, as the most affordable fashions are often produced from plastic, whereas costly tubs are usually produced from pure stone or steel.
Soaking
Also called Japanese, Asian or Greek, a soaking tub is a perfect possibility, for those who prefer to be deeply immersed in water. These tubs are usually 26-34 inches deep, in comparison with solely 14-16 inches of standard tub depth.
Nonetheless, the drawback is that you simply won’t be able to put down, as they’re brief, measuring solely Four ft in size, versus 5 ft, commonplace to traditional tubs.
Spherical soaking tubs are gaining in reputation, and these measure about 40 inches in diameter. Soaking tubs are often free-standing and could be made from stone, wooden, steel or acrylic supplies.
This tub might value wherever from $1,500 – $6,000 (plus set up), however there are additionally many customized made soaking tubs, which might value much more. As enticing as the concept of a soaking tub could also be, it is vitally necessary to really strive sitting one earlier than you spend your cash, as some individuals really don’t discover them very snug.
Whirlpool
Do you will have sore muscle groups or would love a message after an extended day of labor? Then a whirlpool tub could also be a dream come true. These tubs can both be free-standing or built-in, and are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and supplies.
Whirlpool tubs can value within the vary of $650 – $8,000 or extra (plus set up)
Water jets, air jets or each are used to agitate the water, and every one has its benefits.
Water jets are a extra widespread characteristic and are recognized for offering a extra vigorous therapeutic massage. One draw back is that water might stay contained in the jets after you might be carried out, growing the potential of mould and micro organism development, which may trigger respiratory issues.
To keep away from this, just remember to usually flush the jets, as soon as each week. Air will get are gentler, but in addition extra noisy, and should lose warmth faster than water jets. Having each sorts will give a extra diversified therapeutic massage, however in addition they value extra and require two electrical hook-ups.
Prior to installing a whirlpool tub it is advisable to just remember to have the next issues taken care of:
1. Chances are you’ll require a separate water heater. Many tubs require as a lot as 40-50 gallons of heat water to function and are programmed to close down if there’s not sufficient water.
2. Chances are you’ll want to bolster your toilet ground to correctly help the bathtub.
3. You will have at the very least one devoted electrical outlet and heavy responsibility electrical wiring (between 15-20 amps).
4. You will have to find out the placement of the pump that can energy the jets.
Stroll-In
If you happen to or a member of the family have restricted mobility, than stepping over the aspect of a standard tub might show to be a serious problem. To keep away from pointless ache or the chance of harm, you may set up a walk-in tub, which is often Four inches shorter than a standard one. Stroll-in tubs are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and supplies.
For the highest quality and longevity, search for ones which can be made with a metal body lined by acrylic or fiberglass. Different widespread options embrace: handrails, a slip resistant backside and a built-in seat.
Primary fashions value about $1,000 (plus the price of set up), whereas high-end, spa-like fashions can value as a lot as $10,000.
One drawback of those walk-in tubs is that you simply first need to walk-in and shut the watertight door, earlier than you may fill it up with water. Equally, you need to let it drain fully, earlier than you may get out.
Refinishing and Liners
Typically shopping for a brand new bathtub will not be financially possible, however it doesn’t imply you need to be caught with a dingy trying tub.
As an alternative, you can provide your outdated bathtub a facelift, and it’ll feel and look pretty much as good as new, at solely a fraction of the associated fee.
In case your current bathtub is made both from iron, enamel coated metal or fiberglass, you may have it professionally refinished for a median value of $300 – $500. The refinishing job will take at some point and you’ll take a shower that evening!
When you’ve got an acrylic tub, you may have a brand new acrylic liner put in over it, for about $1,000.
Putting in a liner is a little more concerned than refinishing and takes longer. First a house enchancment skilled must measure and your tub.
Then, they ship out the order to the liner producer, and it might take 4-6 weeks for the product to reach.
Set up mustn’t take greater than a day, however try to be conscious that in some circumstances further plumbing work could also be required to increase the drain, which may add just a few hundred to your venture.
Leave a Reply