Replacing a tub?

Question

We have a small bathroom shared by our kids. The house is about 25 years old and the tub in their bathroom is in bad shape. The drain, faucet, and shower head are all corroded and generally in in poor shape. The tub is dingy and needs new caulk. And, the tiles around the tub are loose.

I was at Home Depot and saw 'tub inserts' for around $300, this is the tub and the walls all together as one piece. This looks like the perfect solution, it would resolve both the tile wall and the bathtub issues with one 'swoop'. I have several questions...

- Are these inserts any good? We live in an area where mold/mildew in bathrooms is a constant issue. I am hoping a 'sealed' unit will make for easier cleaning.

- What can I expect to pay to have the new tub put in?

- It is worth it to do some of the work myself? such as the demolition?

Answer 1

It's possible to do this. Some of the inserts are very nice. But before you plunk down your money, do some careful homework and measuring.

Can you get the one-piece insert into your house, and into the room? Are the doors wide enough? Will the unit make the turn from the hallway into the bathroom? I helped a friend bring one home, only to find it wouldn't fit up the stairs to the 2nd floor, where the bathroom was located.

Will the unit fit where your existing bath tub is located? Is it longer/shorter/wider/narrower? Is it too tall to fit?

Does the existing plumbing line up with the new insert? If the plumbing is at the north end of the existing tub, but the insert expects it to be at the south end, you'll either have a major plumbing bill, or you'll have to return the unit.

Does the color fit in the bathroom OK? This is a minor detail, as you can always paint later.

If you have problems with fit and such here, consider this: There are still fiberglass tubs and surrounds that come in 2-3 pieces. They are a whole lot easier to maneuver in and around. The surround walls are designed to fit a range of sizes, so that you can adjust it a bit if it's not a perfect fit. The panels have sections that overlap, and you caulk the seam to seal it.

Some units are very good. Some are probably not so good. Cost is a good indicator, though not perfect. Look closely at the differently priced models, and look at the features and thicknesses of the material. Look at the warrantees, also.

If you do replace the old tub, how will you get the old one out? It may have gone in before the walls were closed in. Sometimes you can make a hole in the wall, and take out that way. Sometimes you have to break cast iron tubs up with a sledge hammer.

What's underneath that tub now? Is there an access panel that will let you look in there? Is there mold, or water damage? If so, you'll end up replacing a lot more material than the walls and tub.

Answer 2

I'm in the same stale with you. I haven't look into expenses as of yet,but I do know from my neighbors around me who have had renovations done, that after that many years you really need to replace the plumbing. After all, if you just put a band aid on the problem, you'll just have major surgery later, and it will end up costing you alot more. Better to spend the money and have it done right, then to have to go back later and rip it all out and redo it.