So, you're buying a tub for your Chicago bathroom remodel. Now what? Bet you never realized how many decisions actually go into purchasing a single bath tub. With so many styles, materials and price points to choose from, deciding to buy a bath is enough to make you need a long, hot soak in one, eh?
Well, we're here to simplify things a bit for you. The following are the main considerations when buying a tub for your Chicago bathroom remodel. Answering these questions before you hit the showrooms will make the selection process much easier.
What is your budget? Budget is always the overarching theme of any remodel or renovation process. Bathtubs can range from five hundred dollars to thousands of dollars so you want to know your price point, and then stick to it.
What dimensions are you looking at? Since you will be remodeling your bathroom, chances are you have finite space to work with. This will help you to determine what type of bathtub is even available to you. For example, if you're remodeling the hall bathroom in an older home, with no option of expanding the space, you will probably be looking at 5-foot tubs as your only option. However, you can still create an attractive bath tub space by inserting an antique or reproduction 5-foot claw foot tub or installing a standard tub with decorative tile work on surrounding walls.
If you have a larger bathroom space, you will be able to take more liberties with your bath area, installing a big soaker tub, a jetted tub, or a platform-style bathing area - all of which can be built as a complementary space of their own within your new bathroom design.
How do you use your tub? Be really conscious of how you will be using your tub. You don't want to complete a new remodel only to wish you had done something different. If you are someone who loves to take long, hot baths while you unwind or read, go ahead and invest in a tub with jets. Even if you don't use the jets themselves on a regular basis, you'll appreciate their ability to recycle and heat the water, which keeps you from doing the drain-a-little-add-a-little routine. Conversely, baths may be a once in a great while experience, or something your kids take, in which case you may not want all the accessory bells and whistles.
Tub installation requirements. If you are set on a tub with heaters and jets, speak with your contractor first. Often, the pumps, heaters and equipment required to power the jets need to be installed in a separate location, up to 5-feet from the tub. You'll want to make sure your bathroom space and breaker panel can accommodate that.
How big is your water heater? Finally, if you are upgrading to a larger tub, check the hot water requirements. There's a chance your hot water heater isn't large enough for the task.
Contact Kitchens & Baths Unlimited before buying a tub for your Chicago bathroom remodel. We'll make sure all the right questions are asked and answered so you get the tub that's right for your bathroom space.
