REFINISHING VS. REPLACING A BATHTUB
There are many reasons for giving your bathtub a facelift. Whether your existing one is simply old and unsightly or you’re remodeling the entire bathroom, rehabbing the tub can make a significant difference in the look of the room.
When it comes down to getting the job done, the question remains: should you replace or refinish?
Replacing
Most basic tubs retail for as little as $300, which may be equal to or even less expensive than refinishing. Before you start shopping, you need to consider the hidden costs involved in replacing a bathtub, which include:
- Demolition and removal of the old tub typically adds $70 to $150 to the final price
- Hiring a plumber to re-attach pipes costs $299 according to the national average
- Installation of the new tub costs $2,896 according to the national average
- If you’re thinking of replacing your tub with a shower pan, first consider the effect this could have on the home’s resale appeal. Most prospective buyers shy away from homes without a bathtub, particularly if they have children
- Once you add everything up, that $300 tub turns into a project that costs more than $3,000. There’s also always the chance that you’ll encounter structural or plumbing problems along the way, which extends the time and cost of the project.
Refinishing
To refinish a tub, most homeowners spend between $200 and $900, with the average cost coming in at around $460. If you consider all of the costs associated with replacing, refinishing seems like a real bargain. Additionally, if you have an irreplaceable antique or rare bathtub, you likely want to keep it to preserve the charm of your decor or the historical accuracy it provides in an older house