Guide On Having a Private BathTub in Your HDB Unit
Having a bathtub for you to soak away your stress is always a great way to get yourself relaxed. Where bathtubs are often only available on staycation or vacation places. Now you can install one yourself at your very bathroom instead with this full guide on how to grab yourself a bathtub.
With a typical bathtub measure around 1.53m x 0.8m, this can fit mostly into the most bathrooms but even if you have a tighter space on your HDB unit, here might be some great ideas for you or you can simply expand your bathroom. But anyway, here is the guide for how to make this bathtub:
Placement of bathtub
Bathtubs can only be installed within the original bathroom space provided by the HDB – which might be a bummer for those of us hoping for a window-side bathtub, or one in our bedroom. But from a practical standpoint, dealing with water damage outside of the bathroom will be an actual nightmare – both for you and the neighbour downstairs.
Weight limitations
Reinforced plastic bathtub
Image credit: Prodigg Bathrooms
Make sure your bathtubs are not too heavy when you’re picking one for your HDB home. The weight limit is set at 150KG/sqm, or 400KG for tub and capacity.
This means tubs made of heavier materials like marble or those fitted with hefty cast iron legs are out of the picture. While browsing your options, zoom in on lightweight materials like acrylic or fibreglass-reinforced plastic instead, which fall safely within the weight requirements.
Renovation of the bathroom floor
If you’ve just purchased a sparkling new BTO, ask your contractor if the bathtub you’re considering requires hacking out the bathroom floors.
It may not seem like a big deal, but this could, in the worst case, hold back your renovation plans for a couple of years. According to the HDB guidelines, any replacement of existing toilet floor finishes can only be done at least 3 years after the completion of the block, with a permit.
Otherwise, to get a bathtub ASAP, consider options that don’t require excessive renovation like standalone tubs and Japanese ofuros.
Choosing your bathtub
Choosing the perfect tub out of all the different designs out there is possibly the most thrilling part of the installation process. Below are 6 different types of bathtubs to choose from – including minimalist and compact options.
1. Standalone bathtub
For a bathroom that resembles one from a romantic boutique hotel, check out standalone bathtubs. Sleek and modern, they’re a simple yet eye-catching addition that’ll fit right into the aesthetic of most bathrooms. Not to mention, placement options are more flexible and hacking isn’t required for installation.
Cons: Takes up more space than a built-in bathtub. You’ll probably also need a separate shower space.
Price: $
2. Built-in bathtub
Image credit: @kpconstruction
Also known as alcove or drop-in tubs, built-in bathtubs are the most common type of bathtub you can find in Singapore, with good reason. Where space is tight, these fit in seamlessly alongside your bathroom walls, taking up less room than other similar-sized options.
Cons: You’ll probably have to retile your bathroom floors.
Price: $$
3. Corner tub
Image credit: @diamondcontractyeg
Corner tubs are perfect for the awkward nooks of your bathroom because of their unconventional shape. For an overly boxy-looking bathroom, its rounded edge also adds an extra element of shapeliness to spice up the look of the place.
For young families worried about sharp corners for the kids, this is also an option that’ll make bath time extra-safe.
Cons: It may also be hard to work the other bathroom furnishings around the curved bath.
Price: $$
4. Japanese ofuro
Image credit: Apartment Therapy
Bring the experience of a relaxing onsen into your home with a Japanese ofuro, or wooden tub. Typically shorter in length, it’s a snug option to fit into small HDB bathrooms.
The walls of most Japanese ofuros also tend to be a little higher, reaching up to the neck area, so you can sink in and unwind without leaving your upper body cold and exposed.
Pro-tip: Avoid using detergent to clean the tub as it can damage the wood. Wipe it down after each use with a cloth instead.
Cons: Too deep for young kids. Good ventilation is also needed for the tub to dry properly to avoid mould.
Price: $
5. Walk-in bathtub
Image credit: @debernardidevelopment
For seniors out there, climbing into a regular bathtub may be difficult but that doesn’t mean that the joys of soaking in one are impossible. Walk-in bathtubs come with a mini-door that you can enter through and then shut tight to fill the tub with water.
They also come with a seat, which makes it the perfect option for those with a fall risk to shower safely. For the rest of the family, this offers a comfy way to soak in the bath seated upright, making it lots easier to read a book in there or catch up on social media.
Cons: You’ll have to wait for the water to drain out before exiting through the mini-door.
Price: $$$
6. Jacuzzi
Image credit: Singapore Bathrooms
Nothing completes a 5-star bathroom quite like a luxurious jacuzzi does. It’ll essentially provide a private spa experience that you can get on the daily – hop on in and turn on the jet streams after a long day to unknot all those tight muscles.
To feel like royalty, grab a home projector, and air your favourite Netflix show onto the wall or ceiling while you soak.
Cons: Chunkier design that needs more space for installation. Motors could also be noisy when they’re running.
Price: $$$
Maintaining a bathtub
All good things come with a price and keeping a bathtub clean isn’t easy. With extra corners that bathroom grime can get stuck in, along with cracks that can form over time, you’ll often have to give the tubs a good scrub at least once a week – extra work to the already arduous task of cleaning the other parts of the bathroom.
However, if you want to reduce maintenance works, here are some tips:
- Get a bathtub with minimal design elements – those that come with grip handles or fancy tiling along the side will need more cleaning.
- Make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated to keep the area dry. Consider installing an exhaust fan too.
- Different materials require varying levels of maintenance. Fibreglass and reinforced plastic are easier to keep mould-free than wood.
- Fix tub cracks at home with a tub repair kits you can get on online sites like Amazon.
Where to buy a bathtub in Singapore
Hansgrohe x AXOR showroom
An interior designer will usually sort this out for you, but if you’re searching for one on your own, below are some bathtub retailers to look out for in Singapore, based on online recommendations and reviews:
- Hoe Kee – sells standalone and built-in bathtubs
- Bathroom Warehouse – has 4 showrooms across Singapore to check out bathtubs and other bathroom essentials
- Sim Xiang Choon – corner and spa tubs available
- Singapore Bathtubs – variety of chic bathtub designs
- Sansei – carries premium bathroom brands with minimalist tub designs
- Hansgrohe – luxury bathroom fixtures and tub
- Toto – round-shaped free-standing bathtubs
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