The Financial Benefits of Installing a Walk-In Tub
To lower long-term care costs and age in place with confidence, homeowners are reaping the financial benefits of walk-in tubs. Discover why a walk-in tub is a home improvement offering long-term savings, higher resale value and a better quality of life.
Strong ROI for Bathroom Renovations
According to the National Association of Realtors, the last two years saw an increased demand for bathroom renovations. If your home’s bathroom is starting to show its age or making safe bathing challenging, it may be time for an upgrade.
The average return on investment (ROI) for a bathroom renovation is at least 50%, making an upgrade a cost-effective way to add value to your home. While realtors are also seeing strong demand for renovated kitchens and new roofs, bathroom upgrades can often be finished in as little as one day, and at a fraction of the cost.
A walk-in tub or tub-shower combo is a specially designed bathtub with a watertight door that allows users to step in and out easily without climbing over a high edge. It’s a simple bathroom update that future-proofs your home and can turn your daily routine into a spa-like experience, offering peace of mind and a strong ROI.
The median cost of a luxury bathroom remodel in 2024 was $70,000, Houzz reports. Walk-in tubs, however, offer a faster and less expensive luxury solution. They can usually be installed without extensive renovations, saving you money on labor and materials compared to other home projects. You may also be able to recoup some costs through insurance, Medicaid and grants for veterans.
J. Chipman of Austin, Texas, invested in a walk-in tub for his home from Safe Step. “This walk-in tub is a Godsend to me. The only problem I have is not wanting to get out of it. Best money I have ever spent,” he said.
Boosting Your Home’s Resale Value
Installing a walk-in tub can increase your home’s resale value, especially if you live in a senior-friendly neighborhood or multi-generational home. It can make your home more appealing to older buyers, retirees or families caring for aging relatives.
Walk-in tubs and tub-shower combos offer a variety of safety-focused features, such as a low-step entry and a handheld shower wand. These make bathing more accessible, convenient and therapeutic for seniors and those with limited mobility or disabilities.
3 Ways Walk-In Tubs Cut Long-Term Care Expenses
Making a one-time investment in a walk-in tub can save you money and help you retain your independence. Here’s how:
1. Reducing Long-Term Care Costs
The cost of assisted living can be as high as $200 per day. Upgrading your bathroom to accommodate your changing mobility needs as you age enables you to stay in the comfort of your home for as long as possible.
2. Limiting Medical Bills
Slips and falls in the bathroom are a leading cause of costly injuries among older adults. A walk-in tub’s low step-in threshold, slip-resistant flooring and built-in grab bars reduce accident risks, potentially saving thousands on ER visits, hospital stays or rehabilitation.
In addition, hydrotherapy jets and warm water soaking can help relieve arthritis pain, improve circulation and support better mobility. Over time, these benefits may contribute to fewer doctor visits, reduced medication needs and better overall health management.
3. Easing Caregiver Strain
Caring for an elderly relative can be stressful and time-consuming. Almost one in four caregivers provides 40+ hours of care each week, and many are also raising their own families at the same time. Beyond the emotional strain, this level of responsibility can come with significant financial costs, such as missed work hours or paying for outside help to fill in the gaps.
Helping a loved one reclaim their independence and alleviate some of the strain of providing care by installing a walk-in tub can be a welcome relief for the entire family.
Lower Utility Bills with Energy-Efficient Designs
Walk-in tubs can also lower your energy bills. Many models come with energy-efficient features such as low-flow faucets, insulated walls and heated surfaces. These features can reduce the energy and water you use, resulting in lower utility bills over time.
Potential Tax Advantages
Purchasing a new walk-in tub may be tax-deductible. According to the IRS, “You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for special equipment installed in a home… if their main purpose is medical care for you, your spouse or dependent.”
Generally, to qualify, the walk-in tub must be medically necessary and doctor-recommended. For example, you must install the tub as part of bathroom modifications in support of a health condition, disability or mobility limitation. Check with your primary care physician, accountant or financial advisor if you have questions about ensuring your walk-in tub is tax-deductible.
Get Peace of Mind as Part of ROI
ROI on your bathroom remodel isn’t only about dollars, it’s about peace of mind. Reduced fall risks ensure you live happily and safely. Stability and comfort have measurable long-term personal value and improve your quality of life. A walk-in tub can be a big support as you seek that personal comfort.
Invest in your long-term well-being and safety with a walk-in tub. When you choose Safe Step, you’ll enjoy our best-in-class lifetime warranty on tubs, parts and labor. Plus, with custom pricing and a lowest price guarantee, we’ll help you find the walk-in tub you need without breaking the bank.
Request your free quote today to get started.
