Shopping for a Walk in Bathtub

So you have decided to purchase a walk in bathtub.  If you are like most people, you want to get the best quality at the best price.  Here are 10 questions you should ask the retailer before buying to help you do just that.

1. Will you have someone come to my home to do measurements? Professional measurements are a good idea so that you will know the exact size of walk in bathtub that you can have.  This will assure that you select a tub that will fit in your current bathroom. 

2. Does your store take care of removal of the old bathtub?  This is important to know ahead of time so that you can make arrangements to get the old tub removed if you have to.  If the company you are purchasing from will do this for extra fee, it is often well worth it because some of the antique tubs are very heavy since they are made of cast iron or porcelain.

3. Does your store do any flooring work if the walk in bathtub is not the exact same size as the previous one?  If the tub you install is smaller than your old one and the floor beneath the area is discolored or unfinished, this is an extra cost you will need to consider.

4. Are there luxury features that can be added to certain models, and is there additional charges?  Many walk in bathtubs can be built with whirlpool jets, safety bars, large seats, and custom features such as MP3 players. 

5.  Is there any pre installation work that needs to be completed?  Find out if you need any special tools or any work done on existing plumbing such as the drain location. 

6. Are there any installation fees not reflected in the price?  If you haven't noticed by now, sometimes it is the extra charges that can make the walk in bathtub an expensive addition.  It is best to know about all of these up front before selecting a model so that you will have an idea of the true cost.

7.  What kind of warranty comes for the seal on the door? This is a question that is unique to walk in bathtubs.  Since there is a door on the side, you want a guarantee that it will not leak. 

8. What has been your feedback from other customers who have purchased a walk in bathtub from your store?  What level of satisfaction do you have with certain models?  Are there ones that seem to be more problematic?  What tubs seem to be the best?  Is there are certain walk in bathtub brand that is better than the others? 

9.  What is the cost benefit of the higher priced bathtubs? Are the more expensive styles more durable or have a better seal?  Is it due to added features or because it is a popular reliable brand?

10.  If you are buying a walk in bathtub from an  online store: What are the additional shipping fees? What is return policy in case something is wrong?  Is there are restocking fee or other added charges?