Page 16 - Hawaii Renovation - March 14, 2021

16 HAWAII RENOVATION
MARCH 14, 2021
BACK PAGE STORY ISLAND BATH WORKS
Getting in and out of the bathtub shouldn’t be a struggle. Many
of Hawaii’s seniors are find- ing it more difficult and risky to walk over the high sides of their bathtub. This situation presents a risk to safety, and prevents them from being able to live independently.
Bathtubs present slick and uneven surfaces, which create unsafe conditions for those with limited mobil- ity and often results in slips and falls. To prevent such ac- cidents, Island Bath Works offers walk-through bathtub conversions, an innovative process in which the existing bathtub is modified by cut- ting out a portion of the side. This creates a seamless entry- way that allows for an easy and safe step into the tub.
With service to all the is- lands, Island Bath Works’ bathtub conversion is a popu- lar option for those wishing to remain independent.
“Many homeowners com- mit to doing a walk-through bathtub conversion only af- ter having an accident,” says Eric Thompson. “Our goal is to help people take the nec- essary preventative measures before it’s too late.”
Often, the high cost of labor and materials are the reason why many choose to hold off on accessibility modi- fications. However, with Island Bath Works’ unique tub modi- fication system, an accessible bathtub can be created much more affordably and quicker than ever before.
“Traditionally, to build a walk-in shower or a sit-in bathtub, the construction
process can range anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 on average, and take over a week to complete,” he adds. “Our unique tub conversion service will save approximately 80% of the traditional cost, while achieving a seamless, high- quality finish and maintaining a one-day turnaround time.”
A walk-in tub modifica- tion involves one full day of work, with the tub ready for
use the following night. No water shutoffs, demolition or extended downtime are involved. Additionally, the conversion process is advan- tageously versatile, as it can be done on any type of bath- tub ranging from fiberglass to cast-iron and steel materials.
“Most homes in Hawaii were built with high-quality
cast-iron bathtubs, so for those homes, it makes no sense to replace a function- ing bathtub which was made to last for generations,” adds Thompson.
Converted bathtubs offer a new level of safety for all users. The original high sides of the tub will be reduced to a curb as low as 4 inches for easy step-in access. Com- bined with wall-mounted grab bars, concerns of trip- ping and falling are quickly washed away.
In addition to the bathtub conversion, customers can also choose to refinish their bathtub, which nets a nice and clean appearance, while also incorporating a non- skid surface that’s built right into the finish. Island Bath Works also installs folding tub benches that are perma- nently mounted to the wall and fold up for easy storage. They are considered to be one of the most stable seats on the market.
Island Bath Works ensures the durability of walk-in tub conversions by guaranteeing a 10-year structural warranty, as well as a five-year warranty on refinishing.
For more information or make an appointment, call Is- land Bath Works at 468-8000 or visit islandbathworks.com.
ISLAND BATH WORKS CONTACT 468-8000
WEB islandbathworks.com
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