BY MICHELLE LEE
As Hawaii’s middle-aged and older population increases, members of the community are taking a more proactive approach to ensure a longer and safer future.
Safe mobility during advanced years, particularly within the home, is a source of great concern for many residents. The common act of getting in and out of the bathtub has at times led to various injuries from broken bones to paralysis of the limbs.
In an effort to protect homeowners, Island Bath Works offers bathtub conversion, an innovation service, which removes a portion of the bathtub side creating a seamless opening. This function allows users to enter and leave the bathtub easily and safely.
As the only business on the islands to offer bathtub conversion, Island Bath Works has become particularly well-known within the older communities as residents prepare for old age. Kenneth Kuniyoshi, who lives in Mililani with his wife Arlene, recently took preventative measures against a potential accident and installed a walk-through bathtub with the company.
“I am looking forward to my old age and realized that climbing over the bathtub would eventually become a problem for me,” said Kuniyoshi. To remedy his concern, Kuniyoshi called Eric Thompson, owner and field operator of Island Bath Works, to schedule a bathtub conversion.
“I was surprised how seamless and beautiful the bathtub came out,” said Kuniyoshi. “It looked like it was a custom-made job.”
Bathtub conversions can be easy to install and inexpensive
Island Bath Works aims to complete each job as efficiently as possible with minimal interference to the homeowner’s personal lives. Because the conversion consists of converting the existing bathtub, major reconstruction or demolition of the bathroom is not necessary. The entire process typically requires only one day to install, and customers may start using their new bathtubs the next day.
Residents have the freedom to choose where to place the bathtub entryway for any desired size up to three feet. The conversion can be done on any type of bathtub whether it is made from fiberglass, cast iron or steel. “We use an acrylic polymer material, which is stronger than most bathtub materials,” said Thompson.
Those who may be weary of moving forward with bathtub conversion due to price concerns can take comfort in knowing that the process is substantially more inexpensive than most alternative options. “Before knowing about Island Bath Works, I looked into removing and replacing my bathtub entirely,” said Kuniyoshi. “The estimates I received were extremely expensive, significantly more than Island Bath Works.”
“While most other companies will quote you anywhere between $12,000 to $15,000 to install a walk-in shower or sit-in bathtub, our services achieve the same result with a high-quality finish for approximately 80 percent less,” said Thompson.
Furthermore, Island Bath Works ensures the durability of all its products with a lifetime warranty on all labor and materials as well as a five-year warranty on any refinishing.
ISLAND BATH WORKS
contact // 927-9228
web // www.islandbathworks.com
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