Better solution, far less money

For some people, getting into a bathtub can be such a perilous trial that it can result in injury or avoiding the bath. But it doesn’t have to stay that way, thanks to Island Bath Works.

Some people simply aren’t agile, sturdy or strong enough to safely step over a typical 14-inch bathtub wall to get into or out of their bathtub. The difficulty might stem from age or injury. It’s even more difficult in tubs with higher walls.

One answer is replacing your bathtub with a shower stall, a project that can easily cost $12,000 or more and take a week.

Island Bath Works has a better solution, for far less money out of your pocket: a walk-in bathtub conversion. The Honolulu firm will remove a section of the bathtub wall, leaving a curb 4 inches high, while the rest of the tub — and its associated plumbing and wall covering — remains undisturbed.

Bathtubs are commonly made of cast iron, fiberglass or steel. Island Bath Works has extensive experience modifying all of them. A portion of the tub wall up to three feet wide is removed. The remaining edges are custom fabricated with an industrial polymer material and color matched, leaving a seamless surface that looks as good as new. Island Bath Works can also refinish the entire tub if needed. Grab rails and non-skid surfaces can be installed to complete the safety improvements to your bath.

Island Bath Works can accomplish all of that for a fraction of the cost of a tub replacement, and complete it a lot quicker.

“We want to minimize disruption to the household,” said Eric Thompson, chief executive officer and owner of Island Bath Works.

“Most of our jobs take a single day, and the tub is ready to use the following night.”

Thompson, a Kaimuki native, noted that many Island households include several generations of family members. “It is unfortunate that many homeowners only consider a walk-in bathtub conversion after Grandma or Grandpa has an accident,” said Thompson. “Our goal is to help people take the necessary preventive measure before then.”

Elizabeth Wong of Kaneohe said, “Our bathtub was too high and not having handlebars made it easy to slip. After receiving a quote from several places, it was clear that Island Bath Works would provide the highest quality work within a reasonable budget and time frame.”

Island Bath Works also offers bathroom refinishing, an option that Wong and her husband James chose. “After doing our bathtub conversion, Eric also refinished our tiles, the bathroom walls as well as the tub itself,” said Wong. “We were both in awe because of how new and luxurious our bathroom looked afterward.”

Island Bath Works provides a lifetime warranty on labor and materials and a five-year warranty on refinishing. The firm can convert bathtubs not only on Oahu but also the Neighbor Islands.

For more, call Island Bath Works at 927-9228 or see www.IslandBathWorks.com.

ISLAND BATH WORKS
contact // 927-9228
web // www.islandbathworks.com