What Really Happens During a Walk-In Tub Installation

Hi there, I am Mason Cricket, and I have spent over two decades installing walk-in tubs in Kent, WA. During this time, I have encountered everything from older homes with tiny bathrooms to family suites, as well as luxurious remodels. I have catered to every type of family, budget, and need.

What keeps me going after all these years? It’s not just the tools or the tile work: it is the people. I have met seniors who want a little safety, middle-aged children assisting their parents to age in place, and gentler bathing options for recovering surgical patients. Each individual story, every installation is personal and matters deeply.

Most folks don’t really see what goes into installing an easy-access tub—and honestly, I don’t blame them. From the outside, it seems pretty simple: you buy the tub, hire someone to put it in, and before long, you’re enjoying your new walk-in bath. But the truth is, there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to make sure everything is done safely, properly, and in a way, that’s tailored to you—your space, your needs, your comfort.

If you’re contemplating a bathing solution and are curious about the processes that follow once you engage a remodeler, I would love to explain the precise steps we undertake—from beginning to end. There are no tricks or unnecessary details here, just the straightforward facts from an industry veteran who has spent time in the trenches (and under more bathtubs than I can count). And if you’re specifically planning your bathroom renovation in the Kent area, this will give you a clear idea of what to expect when working with experienced local professionals.

1. The First Visit Is All About Listening

Before a tile is set or a tub is purchased, there is an initial conversation. I meet you in your home to evaluate the area, consider your accessibility challenges, and discuss your priorities. It could be anything from hydrotherapy, grab bars, or aesthetically matching the bathroom design.

At this point in the process, a competent remodeler has no intention of pitching you anything. We’re focused solely on you.

2. Measuring, Planning, and Permits

I know this might sound dull at first but bear with me since this is the part of the project that is most interesting. Accurate measurements of your existing bathroom layout are important. A easy-access bath is an oversized, specialized fixture. We need to know if the doorway is wide enough, whether the subfloor needs reinforcing, and how the plumbing integrates with your current system.

At this stage, an accurate and thorough installation plan can be developed. If there are any structural modifications or electrical work needed, permits are requested so that everything is up to code.

You won’t have to manage any of this work as it will all be done for you; however, professional courtesy dictates that the client be informed as to why they are being kept in the loop and why each step is important.

3. Demo Day Isn’t Just Dust and Sledgehammers

Many people think of demolition as the broad term ‘demo’ is used when describing a renovation, will bring to mind images of a savage destruction spree—someone taking a sledgehammer to a wall, debris flying everywhere in an all-out frenzy stampede. In truth, good demolition is less about destruction and more about care, precision and preservation.

When I arrive to remove your old tub or shower, the first step for me is not picking up a hammer; rather, it’s laying down protective coverings. I shield your property as if it were my grandmother’s house. This involves protecting doorways, using dust barriers, as well as safeguarding your floors and fixtures every step of the way.

Every space requires thorough checks for concealed damages after the visible portions have been opened. In some instances, these checks lead to revealing some not so pleasant hidden pipes or slight water damage that definitely needs tending to. On the lone chance that you encounter me in one of those not so pleasant surprises, rest assured I will be straight forward even when my answer is the dreaded no. Trust is earned over time and the trust I have earned has been invaluable.

Before commencing any loud work, clients who happen to be home are given prior notifications. This courtesy is extended to all my clients as everyone knows, regardless of the scale of work being done, their home transforms into a construction site where improvements take place and we are merely visitors.

4. Installing the Tub: It’s About Precision, Not Just Placement

Let me share an insight few people understand: A walk-in tub cannot be simply plugged in. These tubs are quite complex and are heavy, often tailored specifically to the bathroom they will be placed in. So, it’s not as easy as sliding in a new microwave. Every single connection and dimension has to be spot on.

We begin by setting the tub in the correct location, which requires a lot more detail than just centering it. It needs to perfectly align with the plumbing, drains efficiently, and sit flat on the floor. Each of these components must be spot on to ensure there are no leaks or on-going concerns. For this reason, we ensure plumbing and leveling are perfect with no margin for error.

Then, electrical and plumbing features will need to be implemented. These features include jets, heated seating or quick-drain parts. In this case, we employ experts to ensure they follow the necessary codes (or in my case, after 20 years, I’ve worked side by side with the best pros in the area). Paying special attention to this will guarantee a seamless experience right off the bat on day one.

As the last step, we perform a full series of tests. My protocol includes filling and draining the tub. Before calling it a day, I test every button, every seal and every fixture. As a personal rule, I do not consider my work done until my mother could use it.

5. Final Walkthrough & Peace of Mind

With every job I finish, I take my time explaining all the parts of your new tub. Its operation features include the door’s operation, cleaning procedures, and temperature control adjustments among others. I also ensure that you are comfortable taking it from here.

As for servicing and supporting, being local to King County, WA means you know where to look for me in case you will need me later.

Conclusion

To me, a thoughtful specialized bath installation goes beyond a smooth caulk line or proper tool use; it encompasses trust, as in the trust that the installer can be depended on to do the job correctly and exclusively right. This type of work often involves stepping into someone’s home and coping with very sensitive aspects of their lives, and having the master of the craft earn their trust requires a lot more investment beyond tools and the skills to use them.

Allow me to remind you that I deeply understand how intimate these choices are. Letting someone remodel a house for you, unsure if the investment aligns with value added, and complex dos and don’ts of asking questions are all valid concerns. I have been in that exact position alongside hundreds of other people. And remember, my duty is to streamline your experience.

Once the dust settles and a new walk-in tub is installed, the perceived value of owning a bathroom is dramatically altered. It goes from just an upgrade to a source of daily comfort, confidence, and independence. That is the understanding of the value of comfort that guides our objectives.