If you’re buying a bathtub, don’t just buy the first one you see—you want to be sure it’s the right one for your home and your budget!
Make sure to ask yourself these 10 questions before buying a bathtub to ensure that you get the best possible product for your needs.
1) What Type of Material Do You Want In Your Bathtub?
You’ll find three main types of material used in 2-person bathtubs: acrylic, fibreglass and cast iron.
Each material has its own set of pros and cons, though they all share one commonality: they must be regularly maintained and repaired.
With that said, there are some key differences you should consider before making your final selection; for example, fibreglass may be somewhat more cost-effective than its counterparts over time due to price fluctuations for materials like cast iron or acrylic (which can be pricey).
Also, if you’re concerned about environmental factors such as weight and ease of installation, fibreglass is likely your best bet.
As for maintenance issues—fibreglass does require additional care but is still relatively easy to clean and manage overall.
2) Where Will You Place The Tub?
How you will use your tub will determine how you should position it. For example, if you are choosing a bathtub for two or more people, you might opt for one with multiple jets or seat cushions.
Alternatively, if your main concern is space and function, getting away from the usual freestanding model maybe your best option.
Although it’s smaller in size and thus not as fun as others, if designed properly (and installed by professionals), an enclosure-style tub can look quite elegant and accomplish its primary goals of bathing—making it just as good an option as any other type of tub when used with other features such as seating arrangements and built-in shelves.
3) How Much Does it Cost?
Whether you’re replacing an old tub or installing one in a new bathroom, you should expect to pay anywhere from £200 – £1,000.
The more expensive models are made of acrylic and fiberglass and may be installed as freestanding tubs (also called drop-in baths) on top of your existing flooring.
If you don’t want your tub on legs, then opt for an enameled cast iron bathtub that’s set into your floor.
This installation could cost between £800 – £3,000 depending on how big it is and what type of surrounding surfaces are already in place.
Cost isn’t everything though—you’ll also want to choose a bathtub that fits into your overall aesthetic vision for your bathroom.
4) What Type of Tub Suits Your Style?
According to some of the latest bathtub styles, when thinking about what kind of tub you want, make sure you’re considering your own unique style.
You don’t have to choose an antique clawfoot tub just because it happens to be trendy, for example.
Make your choice based on what appeals to you, but remember that you should also buy what suits your needs and budget.
Even though no one has likely had a waterfall or whirlpool bath before doesn’t mean that people don’t love them! Your ideal bath can (and does) exist – find it by deciding what feels right for you and disregarding trends.
5) What are your Comfort Requirements?
Are you planning on soaking in your tub every night? Do you have a physical condition that requires more support?
Perhaps most importantly, are you likely to keep your tub for years, or might you be considering bathtub replacement options in just a few years?
Your answers here will help shape how much material and design investment you’re willing to make.
Bathtubs are extremely durable, but cheaper options will start to look worse faster than expensive tubs with minimal surface details.
6) When do you Need the Bathtub Installed?
This is probably one of your first questions for any contractor you’re considering. How long does it take to install your type of tub?
Although some types of baths can be installed in one day, others may take a week or more depending on how accessible your walls and floors are.
If you don’t want to wait that long, keep an eye out for specialists who offer tub-installing services.
They usually use lift machines that make installation easier and faster. Also, ask if they have any waiting lists or rush-installation services just in case you need things done quickly.
7) How Much Maintenance Does It Require?
One of the first questions to ask yourself is how much upkeep your bathtub will require.
There are three different styles of tubs: cast iron, fiberglass and acrylic. The fiberglass and acrylic models require little maintenance while you’ll need to scrub down or wax your cast iron tub every now and then.
8) What Warranties are Available on the Product?
Warranties help protect you in case there are flaws or defects in your bathtub down the road. Make sure to ask what is and isn’t covered by warranties.
Some companies will only cover faulty installation, while others will give you protection against any issues that arise over time.
Talk with contractors about your options so you can be informed when you’re negotiating prices.
If you live in a region with particularly high humidity or harsh winters, for example, make sure warranties account for those conditions.
That way if there are problems later on, your warranty won’t be voided because of them. You should also consider how long each option lasts; some are short-term plans while others last longer than 20 years!
9) Are There Any Additional Considerations?
If you live in an older home, you may need to replace your existing tub with one that fits into or matches an existing space. To do so, it’s important to work with your contractor or remodeler from Day 1.
They can help determine whether you’ll be able to reuse your current tub or if it needs replacement and how they might be able to provide solutions for making sure everything will fit together when you’re finished.
It may also be possible that more than one solution will work in your situation; most homeowners aren’t limited by a specific number of baths and there are usually multiple layouts available that can make more efficient use of space.
10) Does The Manufacturer Offer Any Complimentary Items With a Purchase?
Towels, faucets, showerheads and other small items can easily push your total up by several hundred dollars. Make sure you know how much each additional item will cost.
That’s why it’s a good idea to research smaller, complimentary items as well as your bathtub. Some manufacturers offer complimentary shipping on specific items. This can help offset some of your costs.
Just be sure you know exactly what is and isn’t included in any purchase you make—especially when it comes to price.