A DIY kit is an excellent alternative to a walk-in tub, allowing you and the seniors in your household to enjoy the benefits of walk-in tubs without breaking the bank on hiring bathroom remodelers. They usually come in various sizes to ensure a perfect fit in your bathtub, enabling you to refit it and extend its lifespan. For example, at The Step Through Store, we offer three sizes: small, medium, and large, that can be installed in any tub, whether acrylic or cast iron.
Besides, they’re designed for self-installation. Hence, if you have experience with installing shelves, cabinets, and minor home repairs, you can easily handle any walk-in tub alternative kits.
However, that doesn’t mean you should jump headfirst without a plan. Especially if you haven’t worked with walk-in tub alternatives and installations. If you’ve tackled any other home improvement projects, you’ll know the importance of organization and planning before starting, and that’s what we will do here. So, stay until the end to discover how to make your walk-in tub conversion kit installation a complete success.
4 tips for installing DIY walk-in tub alternative kits
To ensure these walk-in tub options are safe and easy to access for seniors. Consider the following tips to make your kit installation straightforward and not chaotic.
1. Planning your installation
The first step should always be to draft the project, regardless of the chosen walk-in tub alternatives and installation option. You should outline the crucial steps, required tools, and materials to complete the project effectively. Especially when installing conversion kits, as their process is composed of a series of steps that must be followed strictly.
Start by measuring your current bathtub to determine the size of the kit, as an insert that is too loose could result in leaks when using the tub. Knowing your tub measures will also help you choose any other accessories you may want to add, such as grab bars or shower chairs.
Likewise, planning and gathering the right tools and materials will help you save time and reduce stress during installation. Ensuring that all is readily available and you don’t have to go back and forth to the bathroom. Hence, if you’re planning to install one of The Step Through Store’s walk-in tub alternative kits, don’t forget to check out the required tools while waiting for it to arrive.
2. Keep the senior’s safety in mind
If you’re looking for walk-in tub alternatives and installations for your parents or grandparents, this may sound obvious, but ensuring safety for seniors is more than just lowering the tub’s entry point.
Walk-in tub alternative kits are a great starting point, as they allow users to access the tub without lifting their legs. Which can cause temporary imbalances and lead to falls. As they age, they may also need assistance with getting in and out of the tub. Similarly, some tub and floor materials, such as fiberglass, tile, or acrylic, can become highly slippery when wet, constituting another safety hazard.
Hence, if you want to completely enhance your bathroom’s safety and reduce the chances of accidents and injuries, consider adding other walk-in tub alternatives and installations. Such as grab bars or slip-resistant coatings, to provide extra points of support that help your seniors maintain their balance and reduce slip risks.
3. Budget your project realistically
Although conversion kits are arguably the most affordable of walk-in tub options, that doesn’t mean you’re not going to invest significantly in them. Hence, it’s always recommended to research accurate costs for the kits, including shipping fees if you order online, as well as any necessary tools and other materials required during installation. Likewise, account for unexpected expenses and the labor costs for a handyman in case you need it.
Budgeting your conversion project will not only help you avoid overruns. But also enable you to compare among walk-in tub alternatives and installation options to choose the best one.
4. Think about resale value
It’s essential to strike a balance between renovating your bathroom to meet your needs and not compromising your home’s value. For example, houses with walk-in tubs or showers are generally appreciated in communities popular as retirement spots such as Naples or Virginia Beach. Still, they may not be in other locations with younger or more tourist-oriented populations, such as Miami. Hence, it’s essential to consider how installing walk-in tub alternative kits may impact your resale value.
For instance, some experts recommend keeping at least one bathtub in your home, as it’s a highly desirable feature for most buyers.
Affordable and easy-to-install walk-in alternative kits at The Step Through Store
If you’re looking for walk-in tub alternatives and installations you can do yourself in the USA, The Step Through Store is your best option. In addition to offering DIY conversion kits in three different sizes and other essential bathroom safety features. Our website provides comprehensive information to ensure a successful and seamless installation of the kit. From instructions on how to measure your tub to guidance on ordering the correct kit size and mounting the grab bars. You’ll find everything you need in one place.
Visit our store and place your order today!