First Things First Know What Kind Of Job You Are Actually Paying For
A lot of homeowners say they want a fancy new bathtub but that can mean two completely different jobs.
Like one is a straight replacement where the old tub comes out and a new one goes into roughly the same space and the plumbing usually stays close to where it already was.
While the other one well it is a full new bathtub installation where the whole tub may be added to a bathroom that did not have one before.
So yeah that difference matters and it is there for a reason.
Because a bathtub installation vs the replacement is not just about buying a tub in fact it can affect your walls, flooring, drains, water lines, waterproofing, labor time and the final price.
Replacement Is Far Cleaner But Not Always So Simple
Now if your bathroom already has a tub then the replacement often seems a lot more straightforward.
Because you can just remove the old one and slide in the new one and connect the drain and be done.
But once you replace the old bathtub then yeah surprises can show up fast like in the form of:
- Soft flooring
- Mold behind the surround
- Rusted drain parts
- Damaged subfloor
- Old shutoff valves
- And poor waterproofing
So yeah that is why even a simple swap needs a proper inspection before anyone promises you that it will be easy.
Installation Oh Boy It Means More Planning Up Front
Moving on to a fresh installation it is a far different game because the bathroom may need some new plumbing routes.
And so that can involve cutting floors, opening walls, running supply lines, connecting the drain, adding all the venting and making sure that the tub has enough support underneath it.
So if you want a better know how then check out the guide from Master Builders where they lay out everything for you.
That is why if you want a tub moved across the room then the answer is yes it may look better but the plumbing bill will also grow hovering over you like a dark cloud.
The Drain And Faucet Are Not Even The Side Show Here
Now here is the deal and that is the tub itself gets all the attention in a showroom.
But let me tell you that the real work often happens around the bathtub drain and its faucet plumbing.
Because a tub needs proper drainage, venting, water supply, access where needed and secure connections.
And if for some reason the drain does not line up great then the floor may need to be opened or if the faucet is moving to another wall then the plumber may need to reroute hot and cold lines.
That is why the rough in stage is where a clean bathtub project is either set up properly or made difficult from the start so watch out for this one.
The Real Cost Depends On How Much Your Old Bathroom Fights Back
Okay so a basic bathtub replacement usually costs less than a new layout or a major upgrade.
And just to get a rough idea here a basic bathtub replacement can cost you from somewhere about 800 Dollars to 5,500 Plus Dollars depending on the tub type, labor, demolition, disposal, flooring and plumbing changes.
But that wide range is normal because no two bathrooms behave in the same way.
Because a lightweight acrylic tub in the same location may stay manageable while a heavy cast iron tub, jetted tub, walk in tub or any kind of layout change can push the cost much higher.
That is why if you want to read more about it then take a look at the KKR Bath guide.
So How Long Does The Whole Work Take?
So the thing is that a clean bathtub replacement may take a day or two if everything lines up and no damage is found.
While a larger installation can take several days or longer especially if it includes things like the tile, waterproofing, flooring repair, fixture relocation or any wall changes.
And the biggest delays usually come from other hidden damage like the rotten subfloor, old plumbing, bad framing or moisture behind walls which can turn a quick job into a real big remodel.
Annoying? Yes it is but it is better to fix it now than seal a new tub over that old damage.
Don’t Ever Choose The Tub At Least Not Before Checking The Whole Space
Before you start buying anything just measure every detail carefully.
Like make sure to check the tub length, its width, drain side, wall opening, floor strength, door clearance and the faucet location.
Plus also think about who will use it like a deep soaking tub looks great but it may be uncomfortable for older adults or children or a walk in tub may improve access but it costs more and needs a lot of proper plumbing planning.
That is why if you are stuck here and are looking for some of the best professional bathtub plumbing then Paradise Plumbing has some good news for you because we can help you review the existing setup, check whether the replacement or installation makes more sense and make sure that the whole plumbing side is planned before the bathroom gets torn apart.