Walk-in tubs for Evanston homes
Evanston's lakefront mansions, Victorians, bungalows and vintage courtyard buildings make it one of the most varied housing markets in the region. Here is how to plan a safer bath, and where Evanston seniors find local help.
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Old houses, older bathrooms
A large share of Evanston's housing predates World War II. Walk a few blocks and you pass Queen Anne and Prairie-style houses, Chicago-style bungalows on the west side of town, brick two-flats and the vintage courtyard apartment buildings that line streets near the lake and the CTA and Metra lines. Many of their bathrooms have been remodeled once or twice, but plenty still have original tile, cast iron tubs and radiators.
Vintage charm is wonderful until stepping over a tall tub wall becomes risky. The good news is that walk-in tubs come in compact sizes, and a low-curb shower can be built into almost any footprint. We help Evanston families choose and install walk-in tubs, transfer tubs and roll-in showers, planning by phone and photos and confirming everything before ordering. We do not have an Evanston showroom.
Large older houses
Many of Evanston's larger homes put every full bathroom on the second floor, with steep or turning staircases. For a family planning to stay put, the first question is whether the upstairs bathroom should become the safe bathroom, or whether a first-floor bath, sometimes carved from a back hall or butler's pantry, makes more sense long term.
If the answer is upstairs, the main challenge is getting the tub there. Older staircases can be narrow with tight turns at the landing. We measure the route carefully, and in some homes a compact tub or a shower built in place is the practical choice.
Historic districts: Evanston has several local historic districts. Their review generally focuses on exterior changes, so an interior bathroom project typically goes through regular permits. Confirm with the City of Evanston if you are unsure.
Courtyard buildings and condos
Evanston's courtyard buildings, many from the 1910s and 1920s, were later converted to condos or remain rentals. Units often have a single compact bathroom with a tiled tub alcove, a radiator and a small window.
Board approval
Condo boards usually want a scope of work, license and insurance documents and a schedule before plumbing work begins.
Walk-up access
Many courtyard buildings have no elevator. Stairwells can be narrow. We measure every turn.
Shared risers
Plumbing stacks serve units above and below. Keeping the drain in place minimizes disruption for neighbors.
Renters
Tenants need written landlord permission for a permanent change like a walk-in tub. Fair housing rules address reasonable modifications for people with disabilities.
Tips for vintage bathrooms
- Plaster and tile: removing a built-in tub can crack surrounding tile and plaster. Plan for a clean surround or panel finish.
- Cast iron: old cast iron tubs are very heavy and are often broken up for removal.
- Radiators: note the radiator's position relative to the tub door and add a cover to prevent burns.
- Door swing: inward-swing tub doors need no floor clearance in front, helpful in narrow rooms.
- Hot water: older buildings may share a boiler or have small tanks. Ask how hot water is supplied before choosing a deep tub.
- Grab bar backing: plaster over lath needs proper anchoring into framing.
One bathroom, one decision
Many Evanston condos and older houses have only one full bathroom. That raises the stakes. Whatever you install has to work for the person who needs it, for a spouse or partner, and for visitors. It also means the bathroom will be out of service during the install, so plan where everyone will shower that day.
If the main bather loves to soak and can manage a low step, a walk-in tub keeps baths possible for everyone, with a handheld shower for quick rinses. If the main bather uses a wheelchair or needs help every time, a low-curb or roll-in shower may serve the household better. We will lay out both options honestly.
Install day tip: arrange for the bather to shower the day before, and plan a place to go during the work if noise or dust is a concern.
Help for Evanston seniors
City of Evanston Senior Services
The city's Senior Services office runs the Access Evanston program, a single application through which eligible residents can explore subsidized transportation, certain fee discounts and handyman program assistance. Eligibility depends on age, disability, residence and income.
Evanston Senior ServicesLevy Senior Center
The city's senior center offers programs and activities for adults 55 and older.
AgeOptions
The Area Agency on Aging for suburban Cook County, including Evanston.
ageoptions.orgLong-term care ombudsman
Evanston runs a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for residents of care facilities and their families.
Nearby communities we serve
Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glenview, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood and Chicago’s Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods.
Evanston questions
Can a walk-in tub go into a vintage Evanston condo?
Often, yes, with board approval. Compact models fit many courtyard-building bathrooms. We check the stairwell, door widths and radiator placement first.
Does Evanston help seniors with home repairs?
The city's Access Evanston program includes handyman program assistance for eligible residents. Contact Evanston Senior Services for details and eligibility.
Is it better to put the safer bathroom on the first floor?
If stairs are already hard, a first-floor option is usually better, even if it is smaller. If stairs are still comfortable, making the upstairs bathroom safer may be the right first step.
Can I use the Access Evanston handyman program for grab bars?
The program includes handyman program assistance for eligible residents. Contact Evanston Senior Services to ask which repairs qualify and whether you are eligible. A full walk-in tub install requires a licensed plumber and, for jetted tubs, an electrician.
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