If you're looking to upgrade your bathroom or replace an old tub, the most important question on your mind is probably how much it will cost to do so. Before calling in a plumber for an estimate, it's best to do your research to ensure you're not in over your head. We've looked into this for you and will be going over what can have the most significant impact on your replacement cost.
Replacing a bathtub could range in cost from around $1,000 up to $20,000! On average, though, including tub, you should expect the price to be between $3,000 and $5,000. The cost of replacing a bathtub can vary based on:
- Choice of tub model.
- Installation choices
- Modifications
While all of the factors covered above are included in the cost ranges given, in this article, we will go into detail about each. Remember, replacing your bathtub is not usually a DIY project. If you're looking for more information on how the cost of replacing a tub breaks down, keep reading!
Cost Variables for Replacing a Tub
Choice of Tub Model
Choosing the tub you want is the one factor that has the most significant impact on the cost of replacing your bathtub.
Fiberglass tubs are the lowest cost option, ranging from $200 to $1,000. Acrylic tubs have the most variety and range from $200 to $15,000. Of course, this depends on tub type, size, style, and additional features built-in. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are the most common, but other material options include different metals and stone types. These will almost always be much more expensive and land on the higher end of the cost range.
Tub style also makes a difference, so keep this in mind when choosing tub models.
Installation cost
The installation cost includes the labor cost to install your tub and any additional materials and work needed. Once they remove the old tub, the plumber will have to clean and prep the surface to install your new tub. On top of this, if there is any damage or repairs needed, they will need to be fixed at this time. Any required additional plumbing for the new tub and the replacement of faucets also need to be taken into account.
Plumbers labor per hour generally costs between $45 and $65 per hour. Sometimes bathtub installation for plumbers comes at a fixed rate, between $500 and $1,100. Electricians will usually cost $65 to $85 per hour if you need one for wiring. An electrician will be necessary if you intend to have incorporated electronics.
Modifications
Modifications can include a variety of options. Creating a new concrete slab under your tub and removing the old one might be necessary, depending on the tub you choose. Installing a bathtub with jets or electronic components such as speakers will add to your cost and install time. Repairs and additional plumbing are another consideration.
Fitting your new tub to the space adds additional work to ensure there are no leaks. Any issues with the existing pipes will also cause the lines to be replaced, which means getting inside the walls. That means drywall work, which can still be done by your plumber but will take extra time.
Make sure to discuss modifications with the plumber during the estimate phase. Depending on how many changes are needed, hiring a person to remodel your bathroom totally might be a good choice as well.
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How Long Does It Typically Take to Replace a Bathtub?
How soon an installation can take place is dependent on the plumbers in your area and their schedules. Don't expect them to be available immediately. Call around to receive estimates to get a better idea of pricing and possible scheduling dates. Once scheduled, installation generally takes between 6-9 hours. Assuming there are no significant issues, only one day is needed. Factoring cost into this, be prepared for the higher end, around 9 hours.
At this amount of time, labor is between $585 and $765. Installation could take longer if there are repairs to do, extra plumbing needed, or additional cleanup. Keep in mind; installation time does not include the hours required for electricians.
How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Bathtub?
Removing your old bathtub is usually fairly straightforward. The cost of this includes the hiring of a plumber to remove it from your bathroom and a small fee if you want them to haul off the old tub and waste. Removing the tub will usually not be too expensive a cost, only around a hundred dollars.
The cost of hauling off the old materials can be much more. On the low end, the price will be around two hundred dollars. If there is much more cleanup to do or the tub unit is much larger than expected, it could range up to a few thousand dollars. However, the higher-end is much less common, and removing a tub should cost somewhere between two hundred and one thousand dollars factoring all of this in.
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What's the Cost To Replace a Tub and Shower Stall?
Adding a shower stall to your tub is relatively simple. The same costs apply for removing the old tub. Shower stalls come in kits, and installation (including the kit) will usually run from $1,500 to $4,000. Including a shower door will be an extra cost, usually another $1,000.
If you aren't looking to add in a full stall, installing a showerhead above your tub will give you a showering option at the cost of additional plumbing work. This usually costs between $600 and $1,500, depending on existing structures and the work required. Enclosing your tub and adding a shower area next to it is another option with additional costs based on materials and labor.
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Cost To Change Bathtub to a Walk-in Shower?
Exchanging your bathtub for a walk-in shower requires a partial remodel of your bathroom, and consequently, the expense may reflect that. The overall cost will be determined by if you choose to replace your tub with a one-piece shower unit or if you want to build a fully-tiled luxury masterpiece.
On average, replacing a tub with a walk-in shower will run you anywhere from $2150 To $7950.
Demolition and structural repairs
This cost includes removal and disposal of the old unit, repairs, and upgrades to existing plumbing or even structural repairs. If you have an older home, be prepared for this! Since bathtubs are not routinely replaced, the plumbing or even walls or flooring structure is often unseen for decades, becoming a hiding place for mold or decay. There is nothing like budgeting to install a shower and finding out that your floor joists need repairing too! Pros suggest budgeting 5% to 15% more than your anticipated costs to cover nasty surprises such as this!
Installation of new Shower
Once you have the old out and everything is ready to go, your next step is installing the new shower. This is where the costs can vary, depending on the type of walk-in shower you choose. If you want to install a direct-to-stud shower unit, an experienced do-it-yourselfer can probably handle this, saving the installation costs. If you have a professional do the work, you can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $1600, including the shower stall and supplies.
For a tiled luxury walk-in shower, the sky is the limit when it comes to cost. The cost of a fully tiles shower ranges on average from $1800 to $4000, with some homeowners paying more than $10,000 if they choose more expensive tile or intricate designs. The costs of the tiles themselves make a significant impact, considering your basic ceramic tile costs around $1.00 per tile, while one-of-a-kind handmade tile can be $100 per tile or more.
If you are concerned about sticking to a budget, you should get a quote from a professional (or two), so you know what to expect before starting!
How Much to Replace a Tub and Tiles On the Wall Too?
How much tile is being replaced? A full wall will, of course, cost more than just going around your tub. Get accurate square footage during your estimate, so there are no surprises. Removing tile will be an additional labor charge for the time it takes, so keep that in mind. Tile ranges from fifty cents up to fifteen dollars per square foot.
Choose your tiles wisely; material choice for tile makes a huge difference. Ceramic tiles are usually the cheapest, while stones are on the expensive end. Regardless of material choice, a stylish tile is out there. Material and installation cost included, you should expect to factor in an additional eight hundred dollars. Remember, this is in addition to the cost of the tub and installation.
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How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Bathtub Faucet?
If you want to upgrade your bathroom style, one easy way to do this is by changing out the hardware on your sink and bathtub. Changing the faucet on a sink can usually be done pretty easily by a do-it-yourself champion. Still, the bathtub can be a bit trickier since vital components might lay behind your shower surround or a tiled wall. This can increase the project's cost, but it is worth it to make sure that the job is done right.
The cost to have a professional plumber replace the faucet in your bathtub and shower can be from $100 to $400. This includes the cost of the hardware and arts, which accounts for the wide range.
Installation costs are usually pretty standardized based on your location unless you have a special circumstance. Lowe's and Home Depot offer bathroom installation services, so you can easily schedule this service when you purchase your new faucet.
Bathtub and shower sets range from around $100 to $200 on average but can go higher if you choose something really high-end.
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How Much Does a Bathtub Refinishing Cost?
If you are looking for a cost-effective means of freshening up your old bathtub, then you should consider refinishing or re-glazing your tub. This is a good deal less expensive than purchasing and installing a new one. Resurfacing a bathtub costs between $334- $629, depending on the tub type. It includes fixing any chips, cracks, and discoloration and can last 10 to 15 years. Even better, it only takes a couple of hours to complete, so you don't have to go without a shower for days while your bathroom is in disarray!
If you choose to refinish your tub instead of replacing it, be sure to choose a reputable company to do the work. The process involves caustic chemicals, so they must be handled with care. This is especially important if you are refinishing an antique tub, as find a replacement can be challenging at best!
Fiberglass
Repairing a fiberglass tub will cost between $250 and $600, depending on the number of repairs needed. A tub/shower combo can take this cost to as high as $1200.
Porcelain
Porcelain tubs are similar in cost to repair unless you have an antique tub, which will be more costly.
Cast Iron
Refinishing a cast iron tub is ideal, as these are usually antique beauties found in secondhand stores or salvaged from old homes. Or maybe you are lucky enough to have one that is original to your home! Cast iron tubs are very expensive to purchase new, costing as much as $5000. However, having one refinished costs only $300 to $500 and can make your rusty work tub look as good as new!
Bathtub liners
Another option is a bathtub liner, such as Bath Fitters. This option is customized for your bathroom and can save you some of the demo costs. However, it can still be costly, running $700 to $1400 for the tub liner alone and $4000-$7000 for the liner plus new surround panels. To learn more about Bath Fitters, check out our post "How Much Does a Bath Fitter Tub Cost?".
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Bathtub?
The cost of replacing a bathtub can vary greatly, but on average, expect it to cost between $3,000 and $5,000. After reading through this article, you should have a good idea of what to expect and what choices can impact the total cost. To get a quote near you, call a local plumber.