Best Walk-in Bathtubs in Vermont

To choose the best walk-in tub in Vermont, start by evaluating your mobility needs and the physical constraints of your home. Prioritize features that keep bathing safe and comfortable in winter, and factor in the size of your bathroom and the age of your plumbing. Here’s what to keep in mind when making this important decision:

1. Compare comfort and safety features

Safety should be top of mind for Vermont homeowners. Look for tubs with grab bars, non-slip surfaces and anti-scald protection. Fast-fill and fast-drain systems are especially valuable in cold climates, reducing the time spent sitting in chilly air. A low threshold for entry and a wide door will help ensure you or your loved one can bathe without risk.

Heated seats are a smart upgrade for added comfort on cold days. Hydrotherapy jets are great for relieving aches and pains.

2. Consider tub design and materials

Door style matters if your bathroom is tight — an inward-swinging door saves space, but an outward door makes transfers easier for wheelchair users. In Vermont, tubs made from thick acrylic offer better insulation, keeping bath water hot longer.

For Vermont's cold winters, choose a tub made from thick acrylic for its insulating properties, and consider a model with a heated seat for extra comfort.

3. Think about tub size and capacity

Measure your space before you shop. Vermont’s older homes can have smaller bathrooms, so a compact tub may be necessary. Also, make sure your water heater is large enough. Compact tubs may need 40 gallons, but a luxury or two-seater tub could require 100 to 120 gallons. The right match keeps bath time safe and comfortable.

If your water heater is not big enough to support your tub, you will run into problems. Diana from Bradfort reported this issue with her walk-in tub. She said, “We can't use it as a Jacuzzi yet as we don’t have a big enough water heater. We only have a 40 and it takes an 80-gallon hot water heater to heat it. So, other than taking a shower, we haven’t done anything with it.”

4. Read reviews

Take time to review feedback from Vermont homeowners who have installed walk-in tubs. Look for comments about installation in older homes, how quickly the tub drains and whether the jets provide sufficient relief. Reviews can also shed light on customer service and warranty support.

5. Compare total costs

The price of a walk-in tub is only part of the equation — installation and necessary updates to plumbing or electrical systems can add up. Vermont’s unique housing stock often means more extensive renovations. Always check if sales tax exemptions apply and request detailed quotes.

A walk-in tub may be exempt from Vermont's sales tax if it is being installed as a permanent fixture during a larger 'capital improvement' project on your home.

6. Prepare for installation

Expect the process to take one or two days, but if your home is older, you may need extra time for upgrades like new plumbing or electrical work. Always verify your contractor is licensed and insured, and ask for a clear estimate of the timeline.

For a Vermont installation, ensure your plumber holds a valid license by checking with the Secretary of State's Office of Professional Regulation.

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How to hire a walk-in tub installer in Vermont

When hiring a walk-in tub installer in Vermont, start by confirming that installation is included in your purchase. If not, look for a contractor with strong experience in bathroom accessibility upgrades, and check that they are licensed and insured. Ask for local references and get a written quote outlining all work, including necessary plumbing or electrical changes.

Vermont’s older homes and farmhouses often have cramped bathrooms and outdated plumbing. Installations here often require a full remodel and system upgrades.

Expect to pay $4,500 to $9,500 for installation in Vermont. Costs are driven up by contractor scarcity and the installation complexity in older homes.

Walk-in tub prices in Vermont typically range from $2,000 to $30,000, depending on tub type, features and brand. Installation costs typically add $4,500 to $9,500.

Ask whether installation, haul-away of your old tub and warranty coverage are included in the price.

Financial assistance for walk-in tubs

Medicare typically does not pay for walk-in tubs, but some Medicare Advantage plans might help with home modifications if medically necessary. Always ask your insurer about your coverage.

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency offers improvement loans. Some Medicaid Waiver programs under the state’s Global Commitment to Health may also cover assistive devices.

If you’re a veteran, you might qualify for VA grants that cover the cost of a walk-in tub. Medicaid may also help cover the cost of a walk-in tub in some cases — check the Green Mountain Care website for more information.

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