Best Walk-in Tubs in Tulsa, OK

Walk-in tubs make senior living easier in Tulsa

Bathroom safety is a top concern among Tulsans who want to live in the comfort of their home without the risk of falling in the bathroom. Walk-in bathtubs have a variety of safety features, including a low threshold for easy access, no-slip floors and grab bars for stability. Their therapeutic features are relaxing and can help ease joint and muscle aches. Best of all, walk-in tubs can be easily installed in most homes, even older homes in midtown Tulsa, in just a few days. You’ll need a professional plumber to install your walk-in tub, and most walk-in tub companies will set you up with a local certified installer.

The latest census projects that the population in and around Tulsa aged 55-84 will grow at a much faster rate than other age groups. With the population growing older in Green Country, more people are starting to think about how to age in place so they can enjoy senior living from their own home instead of moving into an assisted living facility.

Walk-in tub costs in Tulsa

When you install a walk-in tub, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to replace your existing tub or if you want to do a complete bathroom remodel. On average, it costs about $3,200 to have a professional replace a bathtub in Tulsa, but the price may be slightly higher if you’re getting a walk-in tub. Having your entire bathroom remodeled averages about $10,000 in the Tulsa area.

The price for adding a walk-in bathtub in Tulsa will increase if you choose a tub that won’t fit where your existing tub is. To help you save money, companies like Safe Step make walk-in bathtubs that have the same footprint as standard tubs. Choosing a company with those options ensures you won’t need to move walls or do significant construction when you replace your tub.

When considering the cost to install a walk-in tub in Tulsa, remember that injuries related to falls are often some of the most expensive to treat. On average, a hospital stay associated with a fall costs about $30,000, and the average monthly cost of staying in an assisted living center in Tulsa is about $3,000. If you or your loved one make home modifications, like installing a walk-in tub, and take advantage of aging in place services like the LIFE PACE program in Tulsa, you’ll likely be able to stay in your home much longer and save money.

If you live in one Tulsa’s rural suburbs and fall below a maximum income requirement, a USDA Single Family Housing Repair Grant could help pay for a walk-in tub or other renovations that make your home safer for you or an elderly loved one.

Tulsa building permits

Some cities and counties require you to get a permit if you’re making major renovations to your home. Most cities in the Tulsa metro area, including Owasso, Broken Arrow and Sapulpa, require you to obtain a permit for an interior remodel.

Any time you change the piping in your wall, the City of Tulsa requires you to get a plumbing permit. Most walk-in bathtubs also require an electrical permit. In Tulsa, expect to pay around $75-$80 for each, for a total permit cost of around $150-$160. Keep in mind that you might need to upgrade your water heater, since a walk-in tub holds up to 45 more gallons than a traditional bathtub, so your total cost might be higher.

When you’re installing a walk-in tub or remodeling your bathroom, it’s a good idea to call your city first to ask if you’ll need a permit. If you hire a professional to do the work, they should be able to obtain the permits and deal with any inspections. Most cities require a licensed plumber to do plumbing work, so ask if a contractor is licensed before you hire them.