How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Bathtub?

Bathtub replacement includes removing the existing tub and installing a new one in the same spot during bathroom renovation. The costs vary significantly and depend on how much you pay for the tub and the professional installation service. Don’t forget to confirm that the final quote you receive covers both.

The entire bathtub remodelling can cost as little as $200, but it can also go up to $14,000. On average, households in the US spend about $5,600 for tub replacement. Our guide reveals details about the entire process, mentioning differences by material and tub type and all other factors influencing the tub replacement price.

Bathtub Replacement Cost by Process Stages

Understanding the process of replacing a bathtub will give you a better idea of factors that affect the total process cost and the cost of total bathroom renovation. Here’s an overview of how the replacement process looks like from initial to final stages:

• Removing the old tub. The first step is getting the old tub out, which isn’t an easy task. Weight and size directly affect the price. Acrylic and fibreglass tubs are relatively light, so taking them out can cost from $100 to $350. Owners of cast iron or other heavy tubs should expect to pay up to $3,000 or more for the removal. If you have any walls that require demolition, that could increase the price.
• Getting rid of the old bathtub. A tub is heavy and large, meaning that you can’t just throw it in the garbage disposal. Instead, it’s necessary to find a nearby recycling center or talk to the service provider if they accept taking the tub and any leftover parts. The disposal could cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500.
• Potential plumbing work. Choosing a different bathtub type might mean that plumbing adjustments are necessary. Moving or inserting new pipes and lines will require hiring a plumber who can charge anywhere from $50 to $250 per hour. Please note that some work might require building permits. That applies to potential plumbing and electricity adjustments. Apart from extra time, this adds anywhere from $50 to $500 to the total price.
• Preparing the surface. A professional will analyze the subfloor because it’s necessary to secure optimal structural support for the bathtub. If it needs strengthening, that could cost you up to $1,000. The general rule is that replacing the subfloor goes anywhere from $4 to $12 per square foot.
• Placing the new bathtub. The actual labor process can be anywhere from $150 to $2,500, depending on how much work is necessary and the service provider you choose.
• Installing surrounds and faucets. You might want waterproof panels to protect the bathroom from water damage. The price could be from $300 to $2,200. You’ll also need new faucets to match the tub. Depending on the material, you can pay anywhere from $50 to $900.

Differences in Cost of Bathtub Replacement

Two factors primarily determine the cost of bathtub renovation. Those are the tub type and the materials you select. Your picks depend on desired functionality and aesthetics, as well as the preferred budget.

Cost Differences by Bathtub Type

The main tub categories to choose from include the following:

1. Standard tub. It serves general purposes and is the most frequent and affordable choice. General tubs are usually not that deep, and they can be oval or rectangular. The price could be anywhere from $200 to $1,000, and that doesn’t include any surrounding elements.
2. Soaking tub. It is similar to general bathtubs, except they are deeper and offer the possibility of soaking. The price is anywhere from $500 to $8,000 or more. Soaking tubs take up a lot of space, so not everyone can fit them in their bathrooms.
3. Whirlpool style tub. These elements come with jets that provide a massage-like effect aiming at providing muscle relaxation. The actual tub can cost anywhere from $700 to $3,500 or more. It will also require some electrical work, which costs extra.
4. Freestanding tub. You can approach this bathtub from any side, and that’s why many position it close to the bathroom’s center. They can be an ideal choice if you want a new and refreshing design for the renovation. The price is anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
5. Clawfoot tub. Their retro design gives a more traditional feeling and a fashionable touch to your bathroom. Clawfoot bathtubs cost anywhere from $600 to $5,000 or higher.
6. Walk-in tub. Easier access and increased security are the biggest advantages of these tubs. They are a common choice for older people, and the price varies from $1,200 to $8,000.
7. Accessible tub. These take accessibility to the maximum level. They could have a big or motorized entryway for wheelchairs. The cost is from $4,000 to $12,500, depending on the size and work needed.

Cost Differences by Bathtub Materials

The selected bathroom material can have a huge influence on your tub’s replacement price. Here’s an overview of commonly used materials:

1. Fiberglass. The material is lightweight but could be better at retaining heat. However, it’s great for those who don’t spend hours in a tub. Apart from being a common, it’s also the most affordable choice. The price goes from $200 to $1,000, with the upper limit usually reserved for whirlpool-style pieces.
2. Acrylic. While it’s lightweight, it’s more durable and resistant to damage than fiberglass. It’s why families with children or pets prefer acrylic. Tubs cost anywhere from $600 to $4,000, and you can also find more expensive luxurious models.
3. Enameled steel. It’s the go-to option for those who find cast iron tubs too expensive. With a price of around $300 to $3,000, they can provide an affordable, stylish addition to your bathroom. However, enamelled steel is prone to chipping.
4. Cast iron. They have been around for centuries, and these tubs are famous for their excellent durability. The available styles and designs ensure you’ll find a perfect match. The downside is that you need additional structural support due to material heaviness, which leads to the total cost being anywhere from $500 to $15,000.
5. Ceramic. Offering great design options and adding uniqueness to your bathroom are ceramic’s main advantages. Many stay away from this material due to its demanding maintenance since regular chip repairing and grout cleaning will be necessary. Ceramic tubs cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000.
6. Copper. Here’s a great choice for those enjoying long baths. Copper tubs start at $1,500, with the highest price rarely going over $5,000. Apart from retaining heat well, they offer fantastic bacteria and mold resistance and guarantee excellent durability.
7. Marble. The material is the best choice if aesthetics are your primary consideration. Your bathroom will look fantastic, and marble isn’t too expensive – you’ll pay from $2,000 to $5,000. However, these tubs are heavy and require solid structural support. Marble is also prone to cracking, so you need to take care of it when using the tub.
8. Granite. Granite is a luxurious option, with its price anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000. These tubs are heavy and difficult to install, but they are long-lasting and durable.

What Else Influences the Final Bathtub Cost?

Some things that you might not account for in the first place but have an effect on the total bathtub replacement price include the following:

• Converting a shower to a tub. If you are going with this option, expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000. That covers a lot of work, such as taking out walls and adjusting electricity and plumbing.
• Repairing water damage. Damage might become noticeable only after you remove the tub. The cost depends on the restoration and can be anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Upgrading the electrical panel. It’s usually necessary when installing whirlpool tubs or those with features that require electricity. Increasing the amp rating and adding CFGI might take the price up to $2,500.
• Replacing the water heater. A bigger tub might require more water to have an enjoyable bath. That’s why you might also need a fresh water heater, which could cost up to $1,500.

For a customised estimate, you can contact our condo bathroom renovation specialists and they will prepare an estimate for your project.

Why Choose CSG Renovation?

Hiring a professional to handle bathtub replacement is imperative to ensure everything goes smoothly. You can sit back and relax while experts remove the old tub and install a new one, knowing it will serve you flawlessly for years.

CSG Renovation is a licensed and insured home renovation company with years of experience in the business. We offer fast and reliable services that will be completed in the promised timeframe. Our skilful experts will ensure the tub has adequate structural support and handle the installation with utmost care, even for the smallest details. Don’t hesitate to send us a message to receive a free estimate and get in touch with our experts to start working on your tub renovation project!

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