Frequently Asked Questions

It depends heavily on the model: expect roughly $5,000–$8,000 for a basic soaking tub, climbing to $10,000–$15,000 or more for a heated dual-massage unit, plus whatever plumbing work your bathroom needs. Those are general national market figures, not a Chicago-specific quote — we haven't found reliable local pricing data to publish here. We give you a firm number after seeing your bathroom and talking through which style fits, not a guess over the phone.

Generally, very little. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) treats a walk-in tub as a home modification rather than durable medical equipment, so it typically does not cover the cost. Some Medicare Advantage plans include supplemental benefits that may cover part of it — call your specific plan to check, since it varies plan to plan.

The biggest one is timing: because the door has to be closed and sealed before the tub fills, you sit in an empty tub while it fills and sit through the drain cycle before you can exit — both take longer than stepping in and out of a standard tub. It also generally isn't usable as a shower for anyone bathing standing up, unless you choose a model with a handheld shower head.

Start with how you'll actually use it: a basic soaking model covers the safety win at the lowest price, while hydrotherapy-jet or heated dual-massage tubs add features worth paying for if you're managing arthritis, circulation issues, or chronic pain. Beyond the model, look for an installer who does the work themselves rather than subcontracting it out, is licensed and insured for plumbing and bathroom modification in Illinois, and gives you a firm quote after seeing your bathroom in person.

A soaking tub is the simplest, most affordable option — a sealed-door tub with a low threshold that you fill and soak in, no extras. A hydrotherapy tub adds water jets aimed at joints and muscles, which many customers choose specifically for arthritis pain or circulation problems, and typically costs more due to the added plumbing and pump hardware. We'll walk you through both in person.

Often, yes — it depends on the scope of plumbing work and your specific ward's requirements. Chicago generally requires a permit for bathroom plumbing modifications of this kind. We handle the permitting as part of the job, so it's not something you have to navigate on your own.

In most cases, yes — but every bathroom is different, especially across Chicago's mix of vintage two-flats, bungalows, and newer construction, where plumbing access and framing don't always match what a floor plan suggests. That's exactly why we do a free in-home assessment before quoting anything, including which tub styles will actually fit.

A curbless shower conversion is usually the less expensive of the two, since it typically involves less plumbing work than a full sealed-door tub install — though the exact gap depends on your bathroom's layout and whatever extras you add (grab bars, a bench, jets). We'll give you real numbers for both during your in-home visit.