My plumber told me that only a carpenter should install grab bars, to ensure that they're properly anchored into the studs. I suspect that a really good handyman or someone in home construction could handle the job, but the latter probably wouldn't be interested in a "small" project like that unless it was part of a bathroom renovation.
If your state requires carpenter to be licensed, get a list of those who are and start calling. Or, if you have other contractors you trust, ask them, as contractors seem to know a lot of other contractors and can often recommend someone.
Write your own workscope (i.e., "installation of 1 grab bar parallel to bathtub, 1grab bar at a 45 degree angle to the bathtub, one grab bar x inches from exterior front and back doors....etc. All grab bars are to be installed only in studs. Customer will purchase grab bars for installation."
You should also consider whether you want the white ones or the steel bars. I researched them both, but that was way back in 2000 and I don't recall the difference or which was better.
As an aside, though, a carpenter installed grab bars in the entry stairway from my side door. After about 16 years, the screws in the right end of the installation plate came loose. I suspect the threads were stripped as I generally hold onto that bar when I come in, especially with packages or if I'm tired.
Just a comment on HD...I asked them for recommendations of contractors in a specific field, was given a number for their contractor referral service or something like that. The e-mail with the information for the contractor required an agreement to indemnify and hold them harmless before contacting the contractor. That offended me; there's no reason I should indemnify them for a referral, unless they're NOT even vetting the contractor to whom they refer.
So I told them how I felt about this egregious requirement, cancelled the referral request and made it clear I would never use this service again, ever.
My plumber told me that only a carpenter should install grab bars, to ensure that they're properly anchored into the studs. I suspect that a really good handyman or someone in home construction could handle the job, but the latter probably wouldn't be interested in a "small" project like that unless it was part of a bathroom renovation.
If your state requires carpenter to be licensed, get a list of those who are and start calling. Or, if you have other contractors you trust, ask them, as contractors seem to know a lot of other contractors and can often recommend someone.
As an aside, though, a carpenter installed grab bars in the stairway. After about 16 years, the screws in the right end of the installation plate came loose. I suspect the threads were stripped as I generally hold onto that when I come in, especially with packages or if I'm tired.
My aunt had an OT evaluation yesterday. Today I met with him and he recommended Loews or a specific plumber he knew that installed them. There isn't a Home Depot near her home. So BB and FF are right on according to him. If there is not a stud where the bar needs to be some sort of bracing would need to be installed. Also we discussed placing a bedside commode to go over the regular commode, giving bars on either side to assist in standing with the added benefit of the increased height of the seat. I'm not sure what the cost would be at this point. Your local area on aging may have a suggestion of an agency that would provide your seniors this service at no cost.
Citizen, when my parents needed to have bathroom grab bars installed, they called their favorite local plumbing company who knew exactly what they needed and installed said bars. It was worth the cost, because if the grab bars are not installed correctly they can rip right out of the walls or tile, and maybe injuring the person in the process.
I would call Home Depot or Lowe's. They sell grab bars and their estimates will give you a clear idea of what is being charged in your area.
It's generally considered important that grab bars be installed into studs, for strength and stability. Make sure to ask how they've determined where the studs are.
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If your state requires carpenter to be licensed, get a list of those who are and start calling. Or, if you have other contractors you trust, ask them, as contractors seem to know a lot of other contractors and can often recommend someone.
Write your own workscope (i.e., "installation of 1 grab bar parallel to bathtub, 1grab bar at a 45 degree angle to the bathtub, one grab bar x inches from exterior front and back doors....etc. All grab bars are to be installed only in studs. Customer will purchase grab bars for installation."
You should also consider whether you want the white ones or the steel bars. I researched them both, but that was way back in 2000 and I don't recall the difference or which was better.
As an aside, though, a carpenter installed grab bars in the entry stairway from my side door. After about 16 years, the screws in the right end of the installation plate came loose. I suspect the threads were stripped as I generally hold onto that bar when I come in, especially with packages or if I'm tired.
Just a comment on HD...I asked them for recommendations of contractors in a specific field, was given a number for their contractor referral service or something like that. The e-mail with the information for the contractor required an agreement to indemnify and hold them harmless before contacting the contractor. That offended me; there's no reason I should indemnify them for a referral, unless they're NOT even vetting the contractor to whom they refer.
So I told them how I felt about this egregious requirement, cancelled the referral request and made it clear I would never use this service again, ever.
If your state requires carpenter to be licensed, get a list of those who are and start calling. Or, if you have other contractors you trust, ask them, as contractors seem to know a lot of other contractors and can often recommend someone.
As an aside, though, a carpenter installed grab bars in the stairway. After about 16 years, the screws in the right end of the installation plate came loose. I suspect the threads were stripped as I generally hold onto that when I come in, especially with packages or if I'm tired.
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Your local area on aging may have a suggestion of an agency that would provide your seniors this service at no cost.
It's generally considered important that grab bars be installed into studs, for strength and stability. Make sure to ask how they've determined where the studs are.