Installing a bathtub in an old bathtub makes the old tub looks out of date. In most cases bathtub replacement is cost prohibitive. In this article I will share with you some tips on setting up a modern bathtub for a more updated look.
Most plumbers and bathtub replacement install bathtubs themselves. They do it cheaper this way. A simple bathtub replacement usually only takes 1 day. A tile surround installation and underlayment installation usually takes 3 days or more. The average lifespan of a tub is 10 years to even more.
Some homeowners have tried to do their own tub replacements. If you are looking to save money this may work for you. You can learn from YouTube videos on how to do a bathtub replacement or some may just show you a step by step guide on replacing bathtubs yourself. It’s easy once you get the hang of it. But if you are not someone who feels comfortable doing something like that for your home then the professional plumber is your best option. There are risks to replace the bathtub yourself but most plumbing companies offer a warranty on the work so if something does happen to go wrong then you will be happy with the replacement.
The average cost to replace a bathtub or a surround is between $500 and more. The price will vary depending on the company you choose to do the work. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind when choosing a plumber is the lowest price and the better quality they offer.
There are different ways of replacing the bathtub yourself. Most people, however, hire a professional tub installation expert because doing it yourself could end up costing a lot more in labor cost and time. And if you choose to replace a bathtub instead of a surround it could end up costing double the amount of both bathtubs and surrounds. But don’t worry as long as you get the estimate in writing the labor cost shouldn’t really matter.
One reason why some homeowners attempt to replace a bathtub or a surround without getting a professional estimate is because they are afraid that replacing an existing bathtub might cause problems with the pipes around the tub. Even though new bathtubs are made with a special material that does not leak or corrode easily, it is still possible that the old material is wearing down. When this happens it is often harder and sometimes impossible to find the exact same style of tub in the new location. And since the new bathtub will likely come with all new hardware including new faucets it is possible that you run into the same problem when installing your new bathtub. And Reglazing is almost always more expensive than simply replacing the bathtub.