You've decided it's time to revamp your bathroom. Whether you're going for a complete overhaul or just changing one aspect of the space, replacing an old and outdated bathtub can make a big difference in the feel of your bathroom. Once a utilitarian device, the bathtub has become a stylish and exciting feature in bathroom design. But with a dizzying array of materials, styles, shapes, sizes, and features, choosing a bath isn't always easy. This bathtub buying guide by our agents will help you navigate the bubbly waters and choose the perfect tub for your home and lifestyle. Here's what to consider when choosing a tub for your bathroom renovation.

• Types
  Bathtubs have personalities. There are many styles to fit just about any bathroom, but they fall into two main categories: freestanding and inbuilt. Your choice will depend on level of comfort, price, material, size, and personal preference. Here are a few bathtub installation types to consider:
  
  
  • Freestanding: Designed to be self-supporting, this tub offers flexible placement and easy installation. It has an exterior faucet attached to the floor or wall.
    
    
  • Clawfoot: Popular since the 1800s, this raised free-standing-style tub is supported by four legs on the bottom. "Slipper"-type designs a high back for neck and head support.
    
    
  • Alcove: Also known as a recessed tub, an alcove tub is built to be installed in a recess of three connecting walls and has one finished side that faces outward. A wall-mounted shower is a common accompaniment.
    
    
  • Undermount: This is also designed to sit inside an enclosure, but the rim is hidden underneath the surrounding deck.
    
    
  • Soaking: Either oval or circular in shape, this bathtub type has higher sides and increased depth for full submersion.
    
    
  • Whirpool: Houses self-contained jets that push water around the tub for a deeper massage sensation and hydrotherapy.
    
    
  • Walk-In: Designed for the elderly or people with mobility issues, walk-in tubs include a side-panel door and a built-in seat. Many come with additional safety features, like grab bars, slip-resistant floors, and grooves and notches along the sides.
    
    
• Size
  Your tub choice will depend on the configuration of your bathroom, the amount of space you have, and the material used. A standard tub is 30 inches wide, 60 inches long, and 14 inches deep, but other shapes and sizes are available. Take careful measurements of your bathroom and doorways to determine what your bathroom can accommodate. Make note of where the drain is to make sure it works with the design you've fallen in love with. Generally, if you have space for it and your home can support it, a larger or freestanding tub is recommended. But if your space is more limited, soaking, drop-in, and alcove styles might be more suitable.
  
• Materials
  Factors in choosing the right material for your bathtub include comfort, durability, cleanability, and price. Every material you touch will feel different, so you should test out which is the most comfortable as you'll spending a significant amount of time in your tub. The most comfortable materials may be a bit heavier and pricey, so you should do some research on what your budget and bathroom allow before purchasing. Bathroom materials to consider include plastic, enameled steel, cast-iron, acrylic and fiberglass, copper, stone, wood, cast-polymer, and proprietary composites.
  
  
• Weight
  Weight is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a bathtub. Similar to size, weight will determine where your tub can be placed. While some materials such as copper, cast iron, and natural stones are highly desirable, they're often too heavy for many bathrooms. If you're considering a heavier material, you want to make sure your floors can handle the weight of the bathtub, water, and people. One way to solve the weight problem is to reinforce your floor with bracing or supports.

Contact us today for home improvement tips, and talk to our agents about how we can help you find your dream home among the listings of Bakersfield homes for sale.