Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Walk-In Tub
A walk-in tub is a large purchase, often sold in your living room. These 15 questions help you compare offers fairly and avoid surprises.
Get a local walk-in tub quote by phone
If you live in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, or the St. Louis and Kansas City areas of Missouri, call (702) 760-6264 to speak with a walk-in tub company that serves your ZIP code. Hours: 8 AM–7 PM Eastern, 7 days a week. Calls may be recorded.
Price and payment
- What is the total installed price? Include removal and disposal of the old tub, plumbing, electrical, permits and taxes.
- What is not included? Ask about water heater upgrades, floor repairs, tile or wall repair and a new faucet or valve.
- How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
- If I finance, what is the APR, term and total repayment? Compare it with your own bank or credit union.
- Will you put the price in writing today and let me take a day to decide? Be cautious of pricing that is only good if you sign the same day.
Who does the work
- Do your own employees install it, or do you subcontract?
- Can you show your state home-improvement contractor registration? Massachusetts and Connecticut both require registration for residential home-improvement contractors and run guaranty funds. Verify it on the state website. Missouri sets requirements at the local level, so ask what your city or county requires.
- Who pulls the permits, and are plumbing and electrical work done by licensed trades where required?
- How long will the installation take, and what will I need to do before installers arrive?
The product and warranty
- What does the warranty cover, for how long, and who honors it? Ask separately about the tub shell, the door seal, jets, electronics and labor. Get it in writing.
- How fast does it fill and drain, and how many gallons does it hold? Ask whether a quick-drain option exists.
- Will my water heater and water pressure support it?
- Is my floor strong enough? Especially for a second-floor bathroom. A full tub plus a bather is heavy.
Your rights and next steps
- What is my cancellation right? The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule generally gives you three business days to cancel many sales made in your home. Ask for the notice in writing.
- What happens if something goes wrong after installation, and how do I reach service?
Before you call anyone, have this ready
- Your zip code and whether you own the home
- Which floor the bathroom is on, and the size of your current tub (length, width, height)
- Who will use the tub and any mobility needs
- Your rough budget and timeline
- Any funding you are pursuing: use the financial help finder
Get a local walk-in tub quote by phone
If you live in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, or the St. Louis and Kansas City areas of Missouri, call (702) 760-6264 to speak with a walk-in tub company that serves your ZIP code. Hours: 8 AM–7 PM Eastern, 7 days a week. Calls may be recorded.
FAQ
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three written quotes with the same scope give you a fair comparison. Use our cost estimator to sanity-check them.
How do I check a contractor's registration?
In Massachusetts, use the state's Home Improvement Contractor program lookup; in Connecticut, the Department of Consumer Protection's license lookup. Both states also publish guaranty-fund information.
Is a free in-home estimate normal?
Many companies offer them. Ask what the visit involves and whether the price quoted is a firm written quote.