Mobile Home Tubs: How To Get Best Value For Your Money

Choosing the right bathtub for your mobile home can be a challenging task. With so many options on the market, it’s important to understand what makes a quality tub and how to get the best value for your money. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when shopping for mobile home tubs and provide tips on how to remodel your bathroom on a budget.

What Are Mobile Home Tubs?

Mobile home tubs are specifically designed for manufactured homes and modular homes. They are usually smaller in size to fit the compact floorplans of these types of residences. The most common sizes for mobile home tubs are 54 x 27 inches for a standard tub and 54 x 54 inches for a corner tub.

Mobile home tubs are typically made of fiberglass, acrylic, porcelain-enameled steel, or cast iron. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are lightweight, easy to install, and available in many colors and styles. Porcelain-enameled steel and cast iron tubs are extremely durable but much heavier.

Importance of Getting the Best Value for Your Money When Choosing Mobile Home Tubs

Investing in the right tub for your mobile home is important because it’s a purchase that should last for many years. The wrong choice can lead to leaks, mold growth, or the need for premature replacement. Considering the costs of installation and the disruptiveness of replacing a tub, it pays to spend a little more upfront to get a quality product that will provide lasting performance.

Many homeowners try to save money by opting for the cheapest tub available. However, lower-priced tubs often lack durable materials and protective coatings. Over a few years, these cosmetic issues can turn into moisture damage or rust. In the long run, it ends up being more expensive to replace failing plumbing fixtures multiple times.

That’s why it’s wise to balance upfront affordability with long-term durability and performance when tub shopping. The goal is to maximize value – not just minimize initial costs. Investing in a tub made of quality materials engineered for longevity is the smartest financial decision.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Mobile Home Tubs

Size and Dimensions Comparison Between Traditional Home Tubs and Mobile Home Tubs

When shopping for a bathtub for your mobile home, the first consideration is proper sizing. Mobile home tubs are smaller than what you would find in a traditional site-built home due to space constraints.

Here is a comparison of typical dimensions:

• Standard mobile home tub: 54″ x 27″
• Corner mobile home tub: 54″ x 54”
• Standard site-built home tub: 60” x 32”
• Corner site-built home tub: 60” x 60”

It’s important to carefully measure your existing tub space or alcove to ensure that any new tub you select will properly fit. Most tub surrounds and enclosures are also sized specifically for mobile home dimensions.

Features to Look for in Mobile Home Tubs to Ensure Best Value for Your Money

To maximize value on your mobile home tub purchase, look for the following key features:

• Durable materials like enameled steel, acrylic, or cast iron that resist chipping, scratching, and moisture damage over decades of use.
• Protective coatings such as porcelain enamel, gelcoat, or acrylic to prevent corrosion and discoloration.
• Reinforced walls and bases for added strength and rigidity.
• Pre-leveled tub bottoms for easier and secure installation.
• Slip-resistant flooring for safety.
• Insulation underneath the tub to prevent heat loss and condensation issues.
• Complete warranty covering both materials and workmanship – the longer the better.
• Premium design features like integrated or drop-in cleaning systems, custom jet configurations, and decorative aprons or skirts.

Tubs with these types of enhanced durability, safety, energy efficiency, and aesthetic features may carry a somewhat higher price tag but deliver superior, long-lasting performance that protects your investment over decades of use.

Ways to Remodel Your Mobile Home Bathroom on a Budget

While investing in a quality tub is advisable to get the most value from your purchase, there are also affordable ways to give your mobile home bathroom a fresh, updated look without breaking the bank. Here are some budget-friendly remodeling ideas:

A Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to transform the look of your bathroom is with paint. For just a few dollars, you can coat the walls and ceiling with trendy new hues for an instant facelift. Painting trimwork, doors, and existing fixtures is also an option. Be sure to use high-quality bathroom paints that resist moisture and mildew.

Finding New Mobile Home Bathroom Organization Tools

Reclaim wasted space and get organized with specialized storage solutions designed for mobile home bathrooms. Corner shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, freestanding towers, and under-sink caddies maximize every inch to keep toiletries tidy. This prevents clutter from taking over while adding style.

Re-Whitening Your Caulk or Grout

Over time, the caulk around your tub and the grout between surrounding tiles can become dirty and discolored. Rather than re-caulking or regrouting, which takes skill and labor, you can renew these surfaces with whitening products available at any hardware store. Just apply and let set for dramatic results at a fraction of the price.

Refinishing Tub Instead of Replacing

Is your current tub scratched, chipped, or just feeling dated? Instead of bearing the costs of removing and replacing it, consider professional refinishing services. In a matter of days, technicians can resurface your tub with durable new coatings in contemporary colors for like-new shine and appeal.

Finding a Tub Surround for a Corner Tub in a Mobile Home

If you have a corner tub, take advantage of surrounds specifically tailored to 54″ x 54” dimensions common in mobile homes. Corner tub surrounds seamlessly fit the angled walls while adding updated style. Choose affordable fiberglass or PVC surrounds or splurge on higher-end tile, acrylic, or solid surface materials.

Conclusion

Finding the right tub for your mobile home doesn’t have to be an expensive or frustrating process. Focus on durable construction and key features to maximize value. And consider budget-friendly DIY updates – like paint, organization tools, caulk refreshing, and refinishing existing tubs – to give your bath an affordable makeover.

Investing in quality mobile home tubs and smart remodeling projects allows you to enhance comfort, functionality, and décor for an improved home lifestyle over the long haul.