diy "tubcut" ?

fangoose

Hi all, looking for some advice or thoughts, thanks.
My 85 year old mum cannot get into her bath any more. Her bathroom is pretty old and she can't spend loads of money refurbishing. I have come across the principle of "tubcuts" (US websites) where a hole is cut into the side of the bath and I am thinking it might be worth having a go. Her bath is a cheap plastic one so hopefully not to hard to cut. I'm guessing I may need to sure up the front to provide support and then cover the gaps with some white acrylic sheeting over wood inserts.

I'm a dit novice so any advice, thoughts or warnings appreciated!

EssexExile

Not a chance of that working with a British plastic bath!

PasturesNew

What you see online ... is never the issues, problems, etc.

There are more usual ways people find to fund this type of work. How it might work depends on where you are, financial circumstances.

e.g. if she's only getting the OAP and no private pensions, there's probably a grant available from the local council to have the bath replaced with something else.

For those with a higher income/etc, there might be other funding options, or repayment terms.

The best bet is to get a proper solution in place, not something you've bodged in a weekend with a cheap saw, watching a Youtube video ... and 6 assorted tubes of sealant.

Nilrem

I would not try cutting any normal plastic/acrylic/fibreglass bath, you're risking a lot of water getting out of the bath due to the opening not being sealed properly (it might seal when empty or full with static water but not when there is someone moving in it), if not the total collapse of the bath..

As PasturesNew says contact your mother's local council and ask for an assessment of the house, there are grants for things like converting the bathroom to be more suitable for the elderly and disabled.
The downside is it can take 3-6 months start to finish.

FreeBear

Assuming the existing tub is in good condition, take it out and stash it somewhere safe. Then go pick up a cheap walk-in tub - http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/walk-in-bath - Several there under £500.

patman99

Don't forget that cutting a big hole in the side of a plastic bath with weaken it's structural integrety to the point where it will break when the end user actuall fills it with water.

It is worth asking about grants. Although these days, the grant is secured against the house (if owned) and reclaimed once the property has been sold.

My F-in-L is in the process of having his bathroom converted to a wetroom with such a grant.

fangoose

Thank you for your replies. I spoke to her today and she is not interested - says she happy for a wash down with a bowl of water!
So be it. But much appreciate your help.