BY MICHELLE LEE
All too often members of the Hawaii community either directly experience or hear of an elderly loved one tripping over a bathtub, causing serious injury, even death.
To prevent this, Island Bath Works offers walk-through bathtub conversions, an innovative process in which the existing bathtub is modified by removing a portion of the side to create a seamless opening that allows for an easy and safe entryway.
The need for bathtub conversions
Available on all the islands, Island Bath Works’ bathtub conversion is a popular option for those with limited mobility. “Many homeowners commit to doing a walk-through bathtub conversion only after having an accident,” said Eric Thompson, CEO and president of Island Bath Works. “Our goal is to help people take the necessary preventative measures before it’s too late.”
With the middle-aged and elderly population in Hawaii increasing, as well as the number of households with multigenerational families living under one roof, there exists a need for bathrooms that can safely accommodate everybody, said Thompson.
Bathtub conversions do not have to be expensive or complex
Oftentimes, the high cost of labor and supplies is the reason why many choose to hold off on bathtub conversions. However, thanks to various cutting-edge techniques, Island Bath Works is able to maintain a significantly lower price tag than most bathroom renovation companies.
“Typically to get a walk-in shower or sit-in bathtub, the conversion process can range anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 on average,” said Thompson. “Our services achieve a seamless, high-quality finish on approximately 80 percent less of what the service would normally cost.”
Unlike most bathroom renovations, the walk-through bathtub conversion does not require major reconstruction or demolition. Labor time is minimal as most conversions can be completed in less than one day and homeowners can start using the shower 24 hours after the job is complete.
“Most people think renovating any part of the bathroom is a weighty and complex job that requires not being able to use your bathroom for weeks,” said Thompson. “Since we are converting your existing bathtub and not replacing it altogether, the entire process is quick and burden-free.”
Homeowners can place the entryway on any part of the bathtub in any desired size up to three feet. Additionally, the conversion process is advantageously versatile as it can also be done on any type of bathtub ranging from fiberglass to cast iron or steel materials. “Most homes in Hawaii were built with high-quality cast iron bathtubs, so for those homes it makes no sense to replace the bathtub completely,” said Thompson.
In addition to the bathtub conversion, customers can also choose to refinish their bathtub. Unlike bathtub replacement, which would involve removing and replacing all components as well as redoing the plumbing configuration, refinishing resurfaces the existing fixtures with an industrial coating.
“We offer the American standard white or almond for bathtubs,” said Thompson. “For walls, homeowners can choose from a variety of finishes like granite, which give the bathroom a very nice stone appearance.”
Island Bath Works ensures the durability of all its products by guaranteeing 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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