Get to know the Bathtub that you desire to have.
Picking a Bathtub is genuinely basic. You either need an unsupported tub, a drop in the tub or a whirlpool tub. There’s a lot of variety of bathtubs that you can get to choose and the first thing to consider is the comfortability while you’re using it. It’s a matter of how you’d picture yourself while you’re in your bathroom.
Remodeling a Bathtub
Installation Considerations:
Measure cautiously to ensure there is adequate space and focus on the area where the water supply flows, and if you need to pay to have those things moved. Tubs can be installed against the wall, in a corner or even in the center of the restroom, it’s all up to you.
How important is it for you to have the bathtub?
Before shopping for a tub, first, ask yourself how you will use it. Do you prefer a long lingering soak or an invigorating whirlpool massage? Is it for the children or just for washing your pets? A lot of real estate agents don’t see tubs as a necessity in the home anymore but for some people, they are still important.
Highlighted below is a quick overview of the most common bathtub materials and their pros and cons.
Acrylic
Pros: Low cost, lightweight
Cons: “Cheap” feel, can scratch easily. Do not retain heat well, bathwater can cool quickly.
Cost: Low
Acrylic is a plastic with a high gloss finish. It’s lightweight so there are not many restrictions as to where it can be installed. The material is rather thin and flexes under your feet making it feel flimsy and cheap to some. It’s one of the less expensive tub materials as well. A cousin to the Acrylic tub is the Fiberglass Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). It’s an even glossier surface which is cheaper than acrylic but can damage easily.
Cast iron
Pros: Durable, very pretty. Retain heat well.
Cons: Expensive, heavy
Cost: High
Common Mistakes
Some people choose to replace a built-in with a freestanding tub. But freestanding tubs need to be cleaned around and if they are installed too close to a wall or walls that can make cleaning around them a challenge.
Another common mistake with freestanding tubs is to install a chandelier over them. Lots of decor magazines show photos of beautiful chandeliers hanging over tubs but in reality, this is a violation of the building code.
Built-in Bathtubs
Most likely the most common type of tub installed in the US. They save a lot of space when compared to a freestanding tub and are more economical. Panels can be added to the side to add a decorative flair.
Common Mistakes:
Not choosing the correct size. Make sure your tub’s “rough-in” measurement matches the space you have to install it.
Whirlpool Tubs
These are kind of dated. Many people are removing them and installing one of the other two types instead. One main reason for this is space. Whirlpool tubs are large and take up a lot of space. They also take a long time to fill with water. However, if taking a luxury bath at the end of a long week is a common practice, a whirlpool tub is highly recommended.
To learn more about bathroom makeover, feel free to talk to our Larocque representative today!
