Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Our Bathtub to Shower & Walk-in Tub Conversions
What is the Safeway Step?
Where’s the Tub's Door?
Can We Have Shower Doors With Our Installation?
How Long will my Bathtub to Step in Shower / Walk-in Tub Conversion Take?
Will a Walk- Step-in Shower Conversion Affect the Resale Value of My Home?
Is a Tub to Shower Conversion Process Reversible?
What is the Cost of a Tub to Shower Conversion?
Can You Convert Cast Iron Bathtubs?
Does It Leak?
Can I Purchase a Tub to Shower Conversion Kit?
What is Your Experience?
Are our Services Available Outside the NE Ohio Area?
What is the Safeway Step?
The step is a u-shape molded acrylic liner that is custom fitted into an opening that is cut & removed from the side of an existing tub for the conversion of a bathtub into a walk-/ step in shower. The walk-in finished opening is 24 inches (wide), while the door model is 19 inches wide. The resulting step height for both is reduced to about 5-7 inches. Our tubcut conversion process is an affordable process, for converting an existing bathtub into either a step-in or walk-in shower. For more information on our walk-in shower specifications, see: Tub to Walk-in Shower Conversion Specifications.
Where’s the Tub Door?
Upon seeing the photo of our walk-in shower for the first time, some clients ask, “where’s the door?” We normally feature the step in shower photo because it is our most popular service. If you visited Bathtub to Walk-in Tub Conversions, you know that we do offer a door model that allows a bathtub to be filled for bathing. We call this our walk-in / thru bathtub and it generally appeals to multi-generational families. As with any walk-in tub, unless you can step over the bathtub wall, you need to be inside the bathtub with the door closed during both the fill & drain cycles. Once seniors realize this “restriction” about 99% opt for our bathtub to shower conversion insert.
Can We Have Shower Doors With Our Installation?
We don’t install shower doors on our units nor do we advise having them for any bathroom used by a senior. If you’re a senior & currently have shower doors, we strongly recommend that you consider replacing them with a shower curtain & adding grab bars. Why? First of all, as we age, our sense of balance slowly deteriorates. To compensate, the inside towel bars on shower doors sometimes give seniors a false sense of safety. These towel bars are designed to hold towels, not people! (And if I had to fall in a bathtub, I’d prefer reaching for the grab bar first and possibly falling through a shower curtain - rather than crashing through a glass & metal door holding the towel bar.) Secondly should the senior’s health ever deteriorate to the point where he/she would need a caregiver’s assistance while bathing, shower doors will impede the aide’s ability to help. If so, you may then end up having to pay someone to remove them. On the other hand, there are many independent shower door installers who will be glad to install doors for you.
How Long will my Bathtub to Step in Shower / Walk-in Tub Conversion Take?
Normal bathtub conversions take 5-7 hrs to complete and you can shower (step-in model) in 24 hours; bathe (door model) in 48 hrs.
Will a Walk- Step-in Shower Conversion Affect the Resale Value of my Home?
Since no one can predict the bathing needs of the next homeowner, this is a difficult question to answer. On the one hand, you can spend thousands of dollars remodeling your bathroom and achieve an elegant walk-in shower or bathtub only to have a potential home buyer say that they prefer a Jacuzzi, soaking tub etc. What I encourage my clients to consider is the importance of the installation to them – now - such as reducing the likelihood of a fall with its expensive, extensive & “inconvenient” medical & rehab & costs.
Is the Conversion Process Reversible?
Most installations can be restored back to a better than original bathtub condition via the installation of a tub liner. To do this, the Safeway step would be removed and a tub liner (e.g. ReBath) would be placed over the entire tub. The liner would not only conceal the original tub cut out but also any subsequent “dings” or discoloration the bathtub may have incurred during its “life” as a shower. Surround tub units however are generally not candidates for bathtub liners. Also there are 3rd party adaptation kits available for retrofitting the bathtub to shower conversion kit back to a bathing-only tub.
How Much Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Cost?
Unlike many bathtub renovation projects (tear out & replace), our walk thru installations are generally 80-90% LESS than the cost for a typical bathtub to shower remodel. Variables to our cost algorithm include tub’s make up (i.e. cast iron, steel or fiberglass) and other factors such work/tool accessibly. Given the proper information over the phone, we usually come in at our estimated cost. Of course an accurate estimate can only be given after a visit to your home (or using photos for long distance jobs.)
Can You Convert Cast Iron Bathtubs?
Except for old fashioned claw-foot tubs most built-in bathtubs can be converted into step-in / walk-in bathtubs or showers. We’ve converted the bathtubs in several mobile home communities. Exceptions arise for garden tubs or tubs where the outer tub wall bows / curves out into the room (generally found on acrylic tubs). Tubs that have a liner, i.e. – has the bathtub been Re-Bath®, Nu Bath®, etc. – require an extra step.
Does It Leak?
I’ve been doing bathtub to shower conversions since 2005, so I’ll answer this question with a question: In this sue for whatever reason you can get world, do you think that I’d still be in business if my clients were taking me to court for water damage and/or mold? Both products when used according to our directions do not leak. And to date I have never had a call back on an installation.
Can I Purchase a Tub to Shower Conversion Kit?
The short answer is yes. But before you rush off to order a kit, please consider that I have invested over $400 in tools just to be equipped to do bathtub to shower & walk-in bathtub conversions. Also I know how to measure your tub in order to procure the proper size insert that will compliment the rail. Next consider that once you make the tubcut, you’re committed to completing the job - even if it means replacing the bathtub with a shower unit (which in turn could require relocating & re-plumbing the drain). Lastly if you cut the insert incorrectly, you’ll have to order another shower conversion kit, at which point you could probably have had the job done professionally for less money.
The long answer is that your DIY tub to shower conversion project could end up being an expensive one-time project. Starting in 2011, Safeway Step began partnering with Home Depot for tub to shower installations (similar to the agreement they have with Re-Bath). While the Safeway Step roll-out will first occur in larger markets, somewhere “down the road” you will be able to purchase a Safeway Step installation thru NE Ohio Home Depot stores. When this service becomes available in NE Ohio, I hope that local residents will contact me first for a free estimate. We can discuss your situation and if you’re comfortable working with me - great! If not, you can always contact Home Depot, and for a nominal estimate fee, they’ll send out “whomever” (installer?) that they have available in your area.
What is Your Experience?
First of all, we are a family business that has been doing bathtub to shower conversions since 2005. We do not subcontract any of our bathtub conversions. The person you meet / speak to is the person who will do your installation; i.e. no “he said/she said” conflicts. Moreover we are insured & bonded (where necessary) and are members of Concord/Leroy Chamber of Commerce. References are available on request. To learn more about us, visit About Affordable Tub to Step In Showers.
Are Our Services Available Outside the NE Ohio Area?
While our market niche of homeowners & institutions extends from Toledo, east to Lorain/Elyria & Cleveland, south to Akron-Mansfield-Parma-Warren and eastward to Erie, PA, you can find a local installer on the Safeway Step website: www.SafewayStep.com. Here you can also learn more about the bathtub to walk-in shower or tub conversion process.
Affordable & Complete
in One Day
Call (440) 667-TUBS for a free quote & discover why seniors from Toledo OH to Erie PA are choosing our tub to shower conversion services for their affordable walk / step in showers and tubs. Tub to shower conversions cost less & installations are completed in one day.
Key areas served:
Northeast Ohio • Cleveland • Lorain
Elyria • Toledo • Akron • Warren • Erie
