Page 5 - Hawaii Renovation - Sep 12 2021

ISLAND BATH WORKS
COVER STORY
SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 HAWAII RENOVATION 5
David and June Nishimura lived in their Pearl City house
for 51 years. When the drains got clogged or the paint started to flake, David fixed it. However, when June had several close calls while get- ting in and out of the tub, the Nishimuras called Island Bath Works to make bathing a safer task.
“The process creates a low entryway into the existing tub, so instead of stepping over the full height of the tub, you only need to lift your foot 4 inches to get in and out,” says David, a retired carpenter who is 83 years old. “We also decided to have the tub refinished to re- move 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 Is- land Bath Works’ tub conver- sion was a good fit for them.
“When we first started researching our options, we had several companies quote us over $12,000 to replace the entire tub setup
with a shower. Luckily, a friend of our neighbor re- cently had her tub convert- ed, and referred us to Island Bath Works,” says David.
David recalls, “My wife had always been reluctant to ad- mit that we are getting older and need to do these sorts of things. After seeing the qual- ity of work and taking our
first shower in the converted 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,” says June. “Getting over the 4 inches is much easier.”
That’s the step-over height of the tub entry after
Island Bath Works cuts out and fabricates an entryway into the tub. That entrance can be up to 3 feet wide. Island Bath Works consults with the homeowner in de- ciding where the new tub en- try 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 conversion costs only a frac- tion of the typical $12,000- $15,000 price tag that instal- lation of a shower stall would usually entail. In addition, an Island Bath Works con- version 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 need- ed, and we have also referred several friends to them, who also got their tubs convert- ed,” says June.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from improving the safety in our customers’ lives” says Eric Thompson of Island Bath Works. “Being able to safely take a shower, and maintain a high quality of life is something that ev- erybody shouldn’t have to worry about.”
With hundreds of tub conversions completed on Oahu and the neighbor is- lands, the Island Bath Works crew has the experience to guarantee a professional and worry-free job. All tub con- versions come with a 10-year warranty.
“Tub conversions are all that we do, and we do them very well,” adds Thompson.
For more information, call Island Bath Works at 808- 468-8000 or visit island- bathworks.com.
ISLAND BATH WORKS CONTACT 808-468-8000 WEB islandbathworks.com
COVER STORY