Installing a grab bar is within reach of anyone who can find a stud and use a drill. A few situations are worth hiring out.
Do it yourself when
- The wall is drywall or ceramic tile and you can locate studs or use a rated hollow-wall anchor.
- You're installing a standard horizontal or vertical bar.
- You own or can borrow a drill, a stud finder, and a carbide bit for tile.
Budget about an hour per bar the first time. Every LiveWell bar ships with mounting hardware and instructions, and our spec sheets and install videos walk through it.
Hire it out when
- The wall is natural stone, large-format porcelain, or glass tile.
- The shower is a fiberglass surround with no backing and you're not comfortable with hollow-wall anchors.
- You're installing a fold-down bar and the rear wall studs don't line up, so blocking has to be added.
- You're doing a full bathroom for someone with a disability and want an occupational therapist to specify placement.
Who to call
A handyman handles most installs for a modest hourly rate. For a bathroom being remodeled for accessibility, look for a contractor with the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation. Many home health agencies and Area Agencies on Aging also keep lists of installers.
Whoever installs it, test it
Before the installer leaves, put your full weight on every bar and push and pull it hard. A bar that moves at all is not done.
Questions about your bathroom? Call LiveWell at (440) 499-7221 or email info@livewellhs.com. We ship grab bars from Ohio to homes, contractors, and senior living communities nationwide.