Page 20 - Hawaii Renovation - Dec 10, 2017

BACK PAGE STORY | ISLAND BATH WORKS
D‘Step’ into a safe, easy bathtub conversion
avid and June to replace the entire tub Nishimura lived setup with a shower. Luck- in their Pearl City ily, a friend of our neighbor
house for 51 years. When recently had her tub con-
the drains got clogged or the paint started to flake, David would fix it. However, when June had several close calls while getting in and out of the tub,the Nishimuras called EricThompson of Island Bath Works to make bathing a safer task.
“The process creates a low entr yway into the exist- ing tub, so instead of stepping over the full height of the tub, you only need to lift your foot four inches to get in and out,” said David, a retired carpen- ter who is 83 years old.“We also decided to have the tub refinished to remove all the years of staining and mineral buildup. They also added a rough nonskid bottom for extra safety.”
The work took one day, and the Nishimuras found that Island Bath Works’ tub conversion was a good fit for them.
“When we first started researching our options, we had several companies quote us over $12,000
verted, and referred us to Eric,” said David.
David recalled, “My wife had always been reluctant to admit that we are getting older, and need to do these sor t of things. After seeing the quality of work, and tak- ing our first shower in the conver ted tub, we both agree that we should have done it sooner.”
“Without the Island Bath Works conversion, stepping in and out of the tub would have been difficult,” said June. “Getting over the four inches is much easier.”
That’s the step-over height of the tub entr y after Island Bath Works removes a section of the side of the bathtub. That entrance can be up to three-feet wide. Island Bath Works consults with the homeowner in deciding where the new tub entry would work best for their needs. Additionally, whether the tub is fiberglass, cast iron or steel, Island Bath Works can also refinish it,
leaving a tub that looks new and is far more accessible. And it’s ready to use the next day.
The conversion does not require plumbing alterations, demolition or major recon- struction. Because of that, an Island Bath Works tub con- version costs only a fraction of the typical $12,000 to $15,000 that installation of a shower stall or new bathtub or other major renovation would require. Additionally, an Island BathWorks conver- sion usually takes only a single day, which minimizes down time and disruption to the household.
The Nishimuras said they are absolutely satisfied with the Island Bath Works con- version and recommend it highly to others.“This is just
what we needed, and we have also referred several friends to them, who also got their tubs conver ted,” said June.
Thompson said,“I get a lot of satisfaction from improving the safety in our customers’
lives. Being able to safely take a shower, and maintain a high quality of life is something that ever ybody shouldn’t have to worry about.”
Island Bath Works pro- vides a 10-year warranty on labor and materials and a
five-year warranty on refin- ishing.The firm can convert bathtubs not only on Oahu, but also the neighbor islands.
For more information, call Island Bath Works at 927- 9228 or visit the website IslandBathWorks.com.
ISLAND BATH WORKS
contact // 927-9228 • web // islandbathworks.com
20 • DEC. 10, 2017
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