Will a walk-in tub fit in your California bathroom? A measuring guide

Most walk-in tub problems are fit problems. A tub that is a little too wide for the opening, a door that cannot swing open because the toilet is in the way, or a tub that will not turn the corner in a 1950s hallway can derail a project. The good news is that you can catch almost all of these yourself.

What you need

• A metal tape measure, at least 16 feet long
• A phone to take photos
• A notepad, or the checklist at the end of this page
• A helper, ideally, to hold the other end of the tape

Step 1: measure the tub opening

1. Length. Measure from end wall to end wall at three heights: at the floor, at the top of the tub rim, and at about shoulder height. Walls are rarely perfectly straight. Write down the smallest number.
2. Width. Measure from the back wall to the outside front edge of the current tub at both ends and the middle.
3. Height clearance. Walk-in tubs are taller than standard tubs. Measure from the floor to the bottom of any window, soap niche, shelf or valve that sits low on the wall.
4. Drain side. Facing the tub from outside, note whether the drain is on the left or the right.
5. Faucet location. Note whether the faucet is on the end wall or the back wall, and take a photo.

Step 2: measure the floor in front of the tub

The area in front of the tub is where the person stands, turns and sits down, and where an outward-swinging door opens. Measure from the front of the tub to the nearest obstacle, such as the toilet, vanity or opposite wall. Note what is in that space. If the person uses a walker or wheelchair, this measurement decides a lot.

Step 3: measure the path into the house

Walk the route the tub will travel, from the driveway or street to the bathroom. At each point, measure the clear opening, not the door frame.

• Front door or garage entry width (with the door open)
• Every interior door on the route, including the bathroom door
• Hallway widths, especially at turns
• Stairs: width, any turn or landing, and the ceiling height above the turn
• Elevator door width and interior depth, if it is a condo building

Take photos of tight corners. A corner that looks fine to the eye can be the hardest part of moving a large, rigid object through an older house.

Step 4: measure the person

The tub should fit the person who uses it, not just the room. A specialist will ask about:

• Height and build. Taller people may want longer interior space for their legs. Larger bodies may be more comfortable in a wider or bariatric tub with a wider door.
• Step height they can manage. Watch the person step onto a low step or curb. Is a step of a few inches comfortable?
• Sitting and standing. Can they sit down onto and stand up from a chair without arms? Seat height and grab bar placement matter.
• Reach and grip. Can they turn a lever or press a button while seated? Is grip strength limited by arthritis?
• Transfers. If they use a wheelchair, do they transfer sideways? An outward-swinging door and clear floor space help.

Step 5: check the utilities

• Water heater. Note the size in gallons from the label and its age. Walk-in tubs use more hot water than many people expect.
• Electrical panel. Take a photo of the panel and its labels. Jets and heaters need a dedicated circuit.
• Foundation. Is the house on a concrete slab, or a raised foundation with a crawlspace? This affects how plumbing changes are made.
• Floor level. Is the bathroom on the ground floor or upstairs? A filled walk-in tub is heavy.

Common fit problems and fixes

Fit notes for common California homes

• Post-war ranch and tract homes (much of the San Fernando Valley, Orange County, Sacramento suburbs, Fresno and San Jose): the hall bath often has a standard 60-inch alcove, the easiest fit. Note whether the house is on a slab.
• San Francisco and Peninsula homes over garages: the path includes a flight of stairs from the street. Measure stair width, landings and the ceiling above any turn.
• Eichlers and mid-century modern homes (Bay Area, Palm Springs): large, low windows and radiant or slab floors. Measure window height carefully and keep the drain where it is if you can.
• 1920s Spanish and Craftsman homes (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, older Sacramento and Fresno neighborhoods): small bathrooms, narrow interior doors and floors that may have settled. Check level and door widths.
• Condos and mobilehome parks: measure the elevator or the home's entry door, and ask the association or park office about approval and permits before ordering.

Your fit-check list

• Opening length (smallest of three) and width
• Lowest obstacle height on the walls around the tub
• Drain side and faucet location, with photos
• Clear floor space in front of the tub
• Narrowest door and hallway on the route, plus stair details
• Person's height, mobility aid and stronger side
• Water heater size and age; panel photo; slab or raised foundation

Send these with the quote form or have them ready when you call. They make a phone conversation much more useful.