Best Walk-in Bathtubs in North Carolina

To select the best walk-in tub for your needs in North Carolina, focus on the features that support safe, independent bathing and suit your home’s unique layout. Take into account your mobility, your bathroom’s size and ventilation and your available budget.

Here’s a practical step-by-step guide:

1. Compare comfort and safety features

Adjustable jets ease joint pain.

• Look for grab bars and textured flooring: These are critical for preventing slips and enabling steady movement in and out of the tub.
• Check for anti-scald valves and fast-drain systems: These make bathing safer and reduce waiting time.
• Consider low thresholds and wide doors: These features make access easier for anyone using a walker or wheelchair.

2. Consider tub design and materials

• Choose the right door style: Outward-swinging doors work well for wheelchair users, while inward-swinging doors can fit smaller bathrooms.
• Evaluate material durability: Gelcoat tubs last longer and resist fading, but acrylic tubs are lighter and less expensive up front.
• Choose a tub with antimicrobial surfaces: With North Carolina's humidity, this will help protect your tub.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

• Compare tub measurements: Standard tubs are about 30 inches wide, 50 inches long and 40 inches high, but options exist for smaller or larger spaces.
• Check your water heater: Compact tubs may only need 40 gallons, but large tubs could require 100 to 120 gallons. Make sure your water heater is up to the task. Dawn from Southport found out too late that her water heater wasn’t going to work. She reported, “I was very upset about that because the rep looked at my hot water heater and said it was large enough.”

  Carol from Swannanoa ran into the same issue. She told us, “I made a $28,000 mistake. My hot water heater doesn't last long enough to fill it up.”

4. Read reviews

• Seek out North Carolina experiences: Reviews from local residents will help you understand each company’s reputation and how the various models perform in real homes, especially when it comes to installation and ongoing support.
• Search for reviews in different parts of the state: See how companies perform in large cities like Charlotte and more rural areas such as the Outer Banks.

5. Compare total costs

• Add up all expenses: Include the cost of the tub, installation, any needed upgrades for older homes and ongoing maintenance.
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging in North Carolina: Inquire about Project C.A.R.E. or other programs that may assist with funding for seniors.

6. Prepare for installation

• Expect a one-to-two-day process: Modern homes may only need minor adjustments, but older homes could require electrical, plumbing or structural work.
• Check licensing: For projects in North Carolina, ensure your general contractor is licensed by the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors.

How to hire a walk-in tub installer in North Carolina

To find a qualified walk-in tub installer in North Carolina, prioritize companies that provide in-house installation services and have a strong local reputation. If you hire a contractor independently, make sure they are licensed and insured, with proven experience in accessibility modifications for bathrooms.

North Carolina's housing stock is diverse, featuring classic Colonial and Farmhouse styles as well as modern designs. While newer homes in suburban areas offer straightforward installations, older homes may have smaller bathrooms and require system upgrades.

Given the state's moderate cost of living and newer average home age, a realistic labor cost for a standard installation would be in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.

Walk-in tub prices in North Carolina typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. Installation costs typically add $2,000 to $5,000.

» MORE: How much does it cost to remodel for aging in place?

Financial assistance for walk-in tubs

Walk-in tubs are not usually covered by traditional Medicare, but some Medicare Advantage plans may reimburse a portion of the cost if the tub is deemed medically necessary. In North Carolina, seniors and adults with disabilities who meet income requirements can apply for the Urgent Repair Program or the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) to help with accessibility upgrades.

Check with your local Area Agency on Aging for additional resources, and explore VA grants if you are a veteran. For more information on Medicaid coverage, visit the NC Medicaid website.

» LEARN: How to get financial assistance for walk-in tubs