The Arbor Vitae crew we send takes the old bathtub out, seals the new door in and tests it full, all over Vilas County. Bathing stays at home, where it belongs.
One number reaches the people who fit the tubs. Say what the bathroom is like and we take it from there.
(844) 578-1861Take your time on the phone. Who does the bathing, how they get around today, the size of the bathroom and the doorways on the way in: that is all we need to set a date for the visit.
Hey there, thinking about making your daily wash-up a whole lot easier and safer? Actually, figuring out the best way to upgrade your bathroom can feel a bit daunting sometimes. However, if you are looking into one of those clever bathing systems with a door, you've definitely come to the right place. Therefore, let's just dive right into what these special fixtures are all about.
First off, let's be real about life's little challenges as we get a bit older or maybe just need some extra help getting around. Seriously, that big step over the side of a traditional tub can turn a relaxing soak into a scary high-wire act. Naturally, nobody wants to feel like they're climbing Mount Everest just to take a bath, right?
Consequently, this is exactly where those wonderful easy-access bathing units come swinging in like a superhero. You see, they're designed with a watertight door that lets you just... well, walk right in. Which means, no more crazy high steps, no more balancing acts, and definitely no more heart-stopping slips. Therefore, you can simply step inside, close the door, and fill 'er up.
Moreover, imagine soaking in warm water, letting all your worries just melt away without any stress about getting in or out. That's because these ingenious units are all about providing a sense of security and genuine peace of mind. Truly, it's like having your own personal spa that's built for maximum ease and delightful relaxation, right in your own home.
Furthermore, these aren't your grandma's old-fashioned tubs either, unless your grandma was super cool and ahead of her time. Nope, these modern bathing solutions come with all sorts of snazzy features that make them really stand out. Think about built-in seating that's super sturdy, or maybe some grab bars exactly where you need them most for added support.
Additionally, some even have jets for a bubbly massage, turning your routine bath into a truly luxurious experience. Honestly, who wouldn't want a little hydrotherapy action after a long day? Believe it or not, these features aren't just for show; they genuinely help make your bathing experience safer and so much more enjoyable, every single time.
Okay, so let's talk turkey about the most important part: that amazing door. Really, it's the whole secret sauce to these accessible bathing setups. You see, these doors are engineered to create a perfect, watertight seal once you're inside, keeping all that lovely water right where it belongs: in the tub.
Naturally, some folks get a little nervous thinking about a door in their tub, picturing a leaky mess. But, trust me, the technology behind these things is super solid and has been around for ages. Therefore, you can totally trust that your bathroom floor will stay nice and dry, just like it should.
Additionally, the placement of the door is typically on the side, and it opens inwards or outwards depending on the model you pick. This allows for maximum flexibility in different bathroom layouts. Consequently, you get to pick the door swing that works best for your space, ensuring everything fits just right.
So, you're probably wondering, "How exactly does one of these cool bathing contraptions with a side door even get into my bathroom?" Well, putting one of these in isn't quite like swapping out a kitchen faucet. Instead, it's a job that needs a bit of know-how and some specialized tools.
Generally speaking, the process starts with carefully taking out your old tub or shower. Which means, we gotta make sure not to mess up your walls or flooring too much during the demolition phase. After all, nobody wants a bigger renovation project than they bargained for, right?
Then, the new bathing unit gets carefully brought in and connected to your existing plumbing lines for hot and cold water. Furthermore, we make sure the drain lines are perfectly aligned and sealed up tight. Because, let's face it, leaky pipes are nobody's friend, especially not in a bathroom.
Subsequently, the area around the unit gets sealed and finished, often with some nice tiling or waterproof panels. Ultimately, this helps everything look spiffy and keeps moisture from getting where it shouldn't. Plus, a good finish makes your new bathing area a real showstopper.
However, it's super important to make sure the floor underneath can handle the extra weight of the unit and all that water. A full low-threshold bathing system can be pretty heavy, so we always check to make sure your subfloor is strong enough. Hence, a proper structural check is part of the deal to keep everything safe and sound for years to come.
Honestly, you might be thinking, "Hey, I'm pretty handy, maybe I can just do this myself!" And while I totally admire that can-do spirit, this particular job is one where calling in the pros really pays off. Seriously, there's a lot more to it than just reading instructions.
For starters, if the plumbing isn't hooked up just right, you could end up with some serious water damage down the road. Furthermore, if the unit isn't perfectly level, or the door seal isn't absolutely spot-on, you're looking at potential leaks every single time you use it. Nobody wants that kind of headache, trust me!
Plus, dealing with permits and local building codes can be a real pain in the neck. Therefore, we handle all that paperwork to make sure your installation is up to snuff and totally safe. Consequently, you won't have to worry about any unexpected surprises from the local authorities later on.
Another thing is the sheer size and weight of these units; they're not exactly light as a feather. Maneuvering one through your house and into a cramped bathroom requires some muscle and some smart moving strategies. Which means, trying to do it yourself could lead to a pulled back, or worse, damaging your brand new unit before it's even installed.
Moreover, a botched installation can actually void the warranty on your shiny new step-in bathing solution. Since you're investing in this for safety and peace of mind, you definitely want that warranty to be valid just in case. So, letting folks who do this all the time handle it simply makes good sense.
You see, when you're looking for someone to help you put in one of these fantastic easy-entry tubs, you want someone who really gets it. We're not just talking about hammering nails and tightening pipes here. No, we're talking about understanding your specific needs and making sure the final product truly works for you and your home.
Generally, finding a local crew that knows the area well is always a smart move. Because, let's be honest, people around here appreciate a good, honest day's work and a straightforward approach. We know the ins and outs of properties around Vilas County, even places like Arbor Vitae with its population of 3,153 folks.
In fact, we understand that every home is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. Therefore, a big part of our job is listening to you, figuring out what your space needs, and helping you pick out the best possible accessible soaking setup. Think of us as your guides on this bathroom adventure.
Furthermore, it's not just about the product itself, but about the whole experience from start to finish. We believe in keeping things super clear and upfront, from the first chat to the final sparkle. That includes talking about the median household income, which sometimes can be $0 in certain specific data sets, making budgets super important for everyone.
After all, you want to feel good about the folks working in your house, right? Our aim is always to leave you feeling happy, secure, and ready to enjoy your new bathing spot. Truly, it's all about building trust and delivering on our promises every single time.
Indeed, choosing the right team for your project is just as important as choosing the right unit itself. So, don't just pick the first name you see; take some time to chat with different people. Consider their approach, their experience, and how they make you feel about the whole process.
Alright, so we've talked a lot about all the great stuff these bathing units with doors offer, but let's be fair and talk about some of the things that might make you think twice. Everything has its pros and cons, and it's important to see the whole picture before making a big decision.
One thing that often surprises people is the cost. Gosh, these specialized tubs can be a bigger investment upfront compared to a regular old tub or shower. However, think about the long-term benefits for your safety and independence; sometimes that investment really pays off in spades.
Another point to consider is that because you have to wait for the tub to fill and drain while you're sitting inside, it can take a bit longer than a quick shower. So, if you're always in a super big rush, this might be something to factor into your morning routine. Still, for a truly relaxing experience, a few extra minutes might be worth it.
Furthermore, depending on your water heater, you might need an upgrade to handle the extra volume of water these units can hold. Nobody wants to run out of hot water halfway through a glorious soak, right? Therefore, we always check your current setup to see if it's up to the task.
On top of that, these units can sometimes take up a little more space than a standard tub, or they might require a bit of reconfiguring in a smaller bathroom. So, measuring is key to making sure everything fits without making your bathroom feel cramped. Luckily, there are various sizes and models to fit most spaces.
Consequently, after all this talk about making your bathing routine safer and more enjoyable, are you starting to feel a little bit excited about the possibilities? Good! Because the next step is super easy and completely commitment-free. That's why we offer a free estimate to all our neighbors.
Indeed, getting a quote means one of us will swing by your place, take a good look at your bathroom, and chat about what you're hoping to achieve. We'll measure everything up, discuss different options for accessible bathing solutions, and answer any questions you've got floating around. Seriously, no pressure, just good information.
Also, this is your chance to really pick our brains about anything from the fancy jets to the various finishes available. We can talk about how these units might work with homes in ZIP code 54568, and what typical installation might look like. Our goal is to make sure you have all the facts before you decide anything.
Ultimately, choosing to get one of these step-in bathing systems is a big decision, and we totally get that. So, let us help take some of the guesswork out of it for you. We're here to provide clear, honest answers and a transparent breakdown of what your project would involve.
Hence, if the idea of a safer, more serene, and genuinely convenient bathing experience sounds pretty good to you, then let's get the ball rolling. What's more, there's no harm in just getting the figures and seeing how a beautiful new easy-access tub could transform your daily routine. So, go ahead and reach out!
Three ideas carry the whole invention. Once they make sense, the rest of this page is just detail.
You open the door, walk in on a dry floor, sit down and close it. Only then does the water run. Because the door swings into the tub, the water itself presses it against its seal: the fuller the tub, the tighter it holds. The design cannot forget to be shut properly.
An ordinary bathtub asks you to swing a leg over a wall some fifteen inches tall, on wet tile, usually while holding nothing sturdier than a towel bar. A walk-in tub asks for a small step, about the height of a stair riser cut in half, with a grab bar placed exactly where your hand goes looking for one.
The honest cost of the sealed door is that you sit while the tub fills and while it empties. Makers answer with fast drains, often two of them, that send the water away in a couple of minutes, and with heated seats and warm air so those minutes pass kindly. We time both on your own plumbing at the assessment.
We install walk-in tubs, so you might expect us to always recommend one. We will not. If you have not enjoyed a bath in twenty years, a walk-in shower may serve you better, and we will say so at your own sink. Here is the honest picture.
| The question | Walk-in tub | Walk-in shower |
|---|---|---|
| What bathing feels like | A full warm soak, jets if you want them | A quick rinse, standing or on a bench |
| Time it asks of you | Longer: fill, soak, drain | Minutes, in and out |
| Floor space needed | Sits in the footprint of the old bathtub | Wants a little more open floor to work well |
| Budget, installed | Higher, because the door and seal are precision work | Often lower for a simple conversion |
| Sore joints and tired muscles | Warm water and jets do real, daily good here | No soak, so none of the soak's relief |
| Who tends to love it | People who cherish their bath and mean to keep it | People who shower quickly and want easy cleaning |
The deciding question is usually the first row. If the answer to "do you miss your bath" is yes, the rest of the table tends to follow.
We cut it free, shield the floors along the hallway and carry it out gently. Most old bathtubs are gone from the house before lunch.
Walk-in tubs are built to travel through ordinary doorways. Every door on the route gets measured at the assessment, so delivery day holds no surprises.
Your supply lines usually stay where they are. We fit the new valve, the hand shower and the quick drain, and check that your water heater can fill a proper soak.
The door is the heart of the tub, so it gets the slow, careful hour: aligned, adjusted and closed on its seal until the gap reads even all the way around.
When your tub has hydrotherapy, the pumps go in quiet, the lines are purged, and every control lands where a seated bather reaches it without leaning.
Panels and trim close the sides and the caulk lines are drawn clean. Then the tub is filled to the very brim once, and we watch the seal earn its keep.
We would rather tell you this before you fall in love with a tub. A walk-in tub is a home improvement, not medical equipment, and it is paid for out of the household budget the way a new roof or a rebuilt porch is. Anyone who tells you otherwise on a first phone call is selling harder than they are listening.
We make no claim about what any plan, programme or agency might do on your behalf, and we will not guess for them. Those questions belong to the people who administer them, and their answer is the only one that counts. Ask them directly, and ask before you commit to anything, including anything of ours.
What we can do is make the asking easy. Your quote arrives itemized, every line explained, so whoever needs to see it gets a precise document instead of a vague promise. That is the whole of what we control, and we would rather hand you that than a hopeful sentence about somebody else's money.
You tell us who bathes and how they get around, the rough size of the bathroom and how the tub would travel in. A few minutes on the phone, and a date for the visit.
We come to your home, measure the bathroom and every doorway on the route, and listen. No van full of tubs at the curb, no clipboard theatrics, no hurry.
A written quote follows, with each line explained in plain words: the tub, the work, the removal of the old one. Show it to your family. Sleep on it as long as you like.
One crew, one to three days. The old tub out, the new one plumbed, sealed and tested full. Your water is off for hours at a stretch, never for days.
Before we leave, we go through the door, the seat, the drain and the controls with the person who will actually bathe, until every part of it feels ordinary.
| The project | Usual bracket | What sits inside it |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in soaker tub, installed | $4,000 - $8,000 | The tub, the door, removal of the old bathtub and the full fitting. |
| Hydrotherapy tub with jets | $6,000 - $12,000 | Water jets, warm air or both, with the pumps and controls they need. |
| Bariatric or wide-door tub | $7,000 - $14,000 | Wider seats and doors on a reinforced frame, sized at the assessment. |
| Removing the old bathtub alone | $450 - $1,200 | Folded into the lines above; priced apart only if you stop there. |
| Dedicated electrical circuit | $400 - $1,000 | Heated seats and pumps want their own breaker when the panel has no spare. |
| Walk-in tub and shower combo | $8,000 - $15,000 | One unit that soaks and showers, for households that want both. |
Your bathroom, your plumbing and the tub you choose set the final figure. That is exactly what the assessment is for.
| The feature | What it is | Why it counts |
|---|---|---|
| Low threshold | A step of about four inches into the tub | The climb over a bathtub wall is where most bathroom falls begin. Removing the climb removes the moment. |
| Seat at chair height | A molded seat near seventeen inches, like a dining chair | Sitting down and standing back up stay easy on knees and hips, with no lowering to the floor of a tub. |
| Grab bars where hands land | Fixed bars at the door and beside the seat | Balance never has to depend on a towel bar that was only ever meant to hold towels. |
| Textured floor and seat | Slip resistance molded into the tub surface itself | Wet feet keep their grip without rubber mats that curl, slide and grow things. |
| Anti-scald valve | A mixing valve that caps how hot water can arrive | Skin grows thinner with the years. The valve keeps a hot surprise from ever reaching it. |
You do sit in the tub while it fills, so the wait is real: usually a few minutes, depending on your water pressure and your heater. Many bathers spend it with the warm air running or the hand shower on their shoulders. At the assessment we run your own faucet and give you an honest minute count for your own bathroom, not a brochure number.
The door only opens once the water is gone, so the drain matters. Fast drain systems empty most tubs in about two minutes, and heated seats and warm air keep the chill away while they do. We will tell you plainly which tubs drain fastest on your plumbing around Arbor Vitae.
The door seals the way a ship's hatch does: the water itself presses it shut, so a good seal gets tighter as the tub fills. Every tub we fit is filled to the brim and watched before we call the job finished, and the seal carries the maker's warranty. If it ever weeps, we come back, and the trip costs you nothing.
Nearly always, because walk-in tubs are designed to travel through ordinary hallways and door frames. We measure the whole route at the assessment, front porch to bathroom. If a doorway is genuinely too narrow, you hear it from us at your kitchen table, never on delivery day.
Yes, and it happens all the time. We can hold the assessment while you are there in person, on the phone or on a video call, and the written quote goes to whoever is helping with the decision. The walkthrough at the end is always done with the person who will actually bathe.
No. We measure, we listen, we leave a written price, and your house is your own again. Some families decide that week and some take a season. The figure holds as written, and nobody from our side will camp on your phone line.
Pan around for the terrain and the distances; the place lists at the bottom of this page name each community we can drive to from here.
One sealed door between you and the bath you have been missing.
Call (844) 578-1861