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Walk in Tubs
Independent Home Review 2024
Modernize Rating: 4/5
Average Cost:$7,500 - $15,000
Independent Home is a family-owned company offering customizable walk-in tubs and showers with prices generally ranging from $7,500 to $15,000, depending on the model and features. They are known for their quick installation and high-quality products, serving customers across all 50 states. Independent Home is a trusted choice for accessible and safe bathing solutions.
Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.
Independent Home has been in business for almost 20 years and has installed over 10,000 tubs. Their work across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. primarily includes installing walk-in tubs at affordable prices. The all-inclusive work includes free consultations, assistance with selecting your favorite product, installation, and service after the sale, as well as a lifetime warranty. This Independent Home review dives into what homeowners need to know about the company and their accessibility options.
Overview of Independent Home
Independent Home is a trusted provider of walk-in tubs and accessibility solutions, known for its customer-focused approach and comprehensive service offerings. The company emphasizes quality craftsmanship, ensuring each tub is designed to meet high safety standards and enhance comfort for users. With a reputation for reliability and a commitment to long-term customer satisfaction, Independent Home provides a seamless experience from product selection through installation and beyond. Their dedication to accessibility and independence for all homeowners has made them a popular choice for those looking to enhance their bathroom’s safety and functionality.
Start by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of working with Independent Home.
Pros
Customization Options Available
Lifetime Warranties Provided
In-House Construction
Generous Discounts Offered
Cons
Water Heater Upgrade May Be Required
Pricing Information Not Available Online
Pros
Customization Options Available: Wide range of customizations available to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Lifetime Warranties Provided: Lifetime warranties offer long-term security for your investment.
In-House Construction: All models are built in-house, ensuring consistent quality and craftsmanship.
Generous Discounts Offered: Generous discounts can help reduce the overall cost of your project.
Cons
Water Heater Upgrade May Be Required: Might need a water heater upgrade to accommodate the new system.
Pricing Information Not Available Online: No prices are available online, making it harder to estimate costs upfront.
What Does Independent Home Offer?
Diverse Walk-In Tub Models
Eight Models Available: Independent Home offers a range of eight walk-in tubs.
Customizable Options: Each tub can be customized to meet individual needs.
Built-In Safety Features
Standard Safety Inclusions: Features like quick drain technology and fast-fill faucets come standard, unlike other companies where these are often add-ons.
Optional Upgrades for Enhanced Comfort
Hydrotherapy & Massage Jets: Choose between air or water-driven jets for a spa-like experience.
Chromotherapy & Aromatherapy: Enjoy the soothing benefits of color therapy and aromatherapy.
Tub Varieties
Deep Soak Models: Full immersion up to the shoulders for a relaxing soak.
Massage Tubs: Experience hot tub-like massages within your own bathroom.
Wheelchair-Accessible Tubs: Designed for ease of access with ADA-compliant seating.
Size and Space Considerations
Standard Sizes: Tubs range from 33″ x 35″ to 26″ x 26″, fitting into standard bathtub spaces.
Specialized Options:
The Royal: Features power-controlled seats, ideal for larger users.
The Cube: A compact tub designed to fit into shower stall spaces, offering a simple, no-frills bathing experience.
Walk-In Showers
For Shower Lovers: Walk-in showers are also available, perfect for those who prefer a shower or have limited bathroom space.
Safety First: ADA-compliant seats and grab bars are standard features.
Quick and Efficient Installation
Timely Delivery: From contract signing to installation, expect the process to take 10-14 days.
One-Day Installation: The actual installation of the tub or shower typically takes just one day.
How Much Does Independent Home Cost?
One of the downsides of Independent Home is the lack of pricing transparency. The average cost of walk-in tubs generally ranges from $7,500 to $15,000 depending on the model and features, but cost is not specifically available on the website. In order to get a precise quote, you must have an in-home consultation. However, you might be able to get a quote on some upgrades, like hydrotherapy, without an in-home visit.
That being said, an inspection of your bathroom and assistance in choosing the right features can help Independent Home give you a firm quote. That quote is good for up to one year after it is presented.
Financing is available, and the company often has installation specials and tub discounts for those who qualify. For instance, a common promotion for Independent Home is $1,500 off installation.
Factors Affecting Cost
There are numerous factors that can affect the cost of your walk-in bathtub project. Some of these factors are within your control, while others are not. Here’s the breakdown:
Type and Size of Tub. The model of tub you choose will affect your total price. For instance, a larger tub is likely more expensive than a smaller one, and a tub that has certain elements, such as hydrotherapy as a standard feature, will cost more than a tub that doesn’t have such bonuses.
Customized Safety Features. Though many safety features come standard, such as a textured floor or a built-in grab bar, you can add other safety features as well. These might include anti-scald technology, additional grab bars, or special coatings for antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.
Geographical Location. Where you reside has a lot to do with the price of your tub. Because the tubs are made in the factory and shipped anywhere across the nation, the price of the tub won’t change much. However, the cost of labor certainly will. For instance, it will likely cost more to install the tub if you live an urban area, such as New York City, versus the lower labor costs you might find in places like the Midwest or South.
Plumbing and Other Bathroom Work. Most walk-in tubs can be installed where your old plumbing is, with little to no adjustments necessary. If you do need changes in plumbing, the representative from Independent Home can let you know and address it in the quote.
Nasty Surprises. Sometimes little surprises pop up that no one expected. For instance, if your old tub is removed and there is wood rot underneath from water leaks or the pipes are heavily corroded and unsafe, you will have to have additional work done to fix those issues.
Potential Grants and Assistance. Some individuals might be able to get help with the cost of their walk-in tub. For instance, if you are a veteran with a disability, you might find help through the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant. Those who live in rural areas or those with severe disabilities might also be eligible for programs that bring the cost down.
Benefits of Investing in Independent Home
Many customer reviews rave about the installation services of Independent Home. The contractors are quite knowledgeable and get the job done as promised, and before they leave, they take the time to teach the homeowner how to use the tub. Customers like that the quote is good for one year, which allows them time to plan and budget.
Quality of life can be greatly improved with a walk-in tub or a walk-in shower. These options allow for much more safety when bathing, which promotes good hygiene practices. It also helps prevent some of the deadly consequences that individuals might face if they fall in the bathroom, as stepping over a 6-inch threshold is much easier than climbing in and out of a standard tub.
For the elderly, walk-in tubs allow them to live independently in their own home for longer. That not only improves their quality of life but can also help them save money over the cost of assisted living.
Independent Home vs. Its Competitors
Independent Home has many competitors in the walk-in tub space. These are names you might recognize, such as Safe Step, Kohler, and American Standard. It’s important to note that these are larger companies while Independent Home is family owned and has their own factory, which means that your specifications for a walk-in tub don’t bounce from one department to another.
Safe Step
Company Overview: Safe Step is a well-known name in the walk-in tub industry. As a larger company, they offer a wide range of products but may have a more complex process with multiple departments involved in customizing your tub.
Safety Features: Safe Step includes several standard safety features and offers various add-ons to enhance the bathing experience.
Installation Time: Like most competitors, Safe Step claims to install their tubs in a day, but the overall timeline from order to installation may be longer compared to Independent Home.
Kohler
Company Overview: Kohler is another major player in the market, recognized for its high-quality bathroom products. As a large corporation, customization requests might take longer to process through different departments.
Unique Features: Kohler’s walk-in tubs are known for having one of the lowest thresholds in the industry, at just 3 inches, making them especially accessible.
Installation Time: While Kohler also offers one-day installation, the time to order and ship the tub can be lengthier than with Independent Home.
American Standard
Company Overview: American Standard is a trusted name in bathroom fixtures, including walk-in tubs. As a larger company, their processes might involve multiple departments, which could extend the customization timeline.
Product Offerings: American Standard provides a variety of walk-in tubs with standard safety features and the option for additional customizations.
Installation Time: Similar to other large companies, American Standard can install a tub in a day, but the overall process from order to installation may take longer.
Why Choose Independent Home?
Family-Owned Advantage: Independent Home is a family-owned business with its own factory. This streamlined operation ensures that your specifications are handled directly and efficiently, without being passed between multiple departments.
Faster Timeline: Independent Home’s timeline from order to installation is typically faster compared to larger companies. While most competitors offer one-day installation, the overall process with Independent Home is often quicker.
Safety Features Comparison: Independent Home offers a 6-inch threshold for its walk-in tubs, which is higher than Kohler’s 3-inch threshold but still provides ease of access. The choice of safety features and add-ons varies, so it’s essential to consider what’s most important to you.
Making the Right Choice
When comparing walk-in tub companies, focus on what matters most to you:
Warranty: Consider the level of coverage and duration offered.
Must-Have Features: Determine whether features like aromatherapy or a low threshold are essential for your needs.
Customization Options: Think about whether you want additional options, such as a shower/tub combination.
Answering these questions will help you decide which company and product best suit your needs.
Is Independent Home Right for Me?
If you’re ready for a walk-in tub, want to work with a family-owned company, and hope to have the job done within a matter of weeks, Independent Home could be right for you. Take the time to look through all the options on the website and then give them a call to schedule an in-home consultation. Remember, the resulting quote is good for one year, so you will have plenty of time to think it over and make the financial plans you need to make it happen.
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