How hard is it to remove a bathtub and install shower?
by
Frankie L
+5
Would like to remove our standard size bathtub and install some type shower. Is it really difficult - A DIY job or would I need to dcall in a plumber? I've seen the surrounds offered by Home Depot and Lowes and they are not appealing. Suggestions?
8 answers
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I am going to be doing the same thing in a few months, Frankie, and I can tell you it is not going to be a do-it-yourself job for me!
Douglas Hunt
on Oct 03, 2012
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let us know what you end up doing. That is my goal in another year or so.
Becky P
on Oct 03, 2012
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Frankie, I agree with you many of the shower surrounds are not that nice. Besides that you need to worry about other factors such as scratching and wear. Many posts on this site are people asking how to get the dirty look out of the fiberglass floors. All a result of using abrasive cleaners over time. So this leaves you with the only other option of installing a tile surround and floor. This can be a daunting task for the DIY'r as many skills are required not only make the job look right, but to prevent leaks and future issues that come up over time if the job is not done correctly. I would suggest that you contact someone who does bathroom remodels. You can expect to pay upwards from $7,000 if they do the whole job. Or you can work out a deal where they after you demo, install the framing, and plumbing for you and you do the finish tile work. This can save you a few thousand dollars also. It is not a easy job. It is messy and time consuming even for the seasoned pros. The last thing to remember, You need at least one tub in the house. So be sure that your not taking out the only one you have. you will devalue the house doing so.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 03, 2012
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I have done a couple of these...on the DIY scale it is up at the very top. One very easy by comparison DIY project is to re-tile your tub enclosure...when that is complete you can have a pro refinish the tub. Installing a tub is a total pain in the butt, because you need to have some good access to the drain connections..these are normally buried in finished walls or ceilings. I just installed a tub last week and we were lucky in that there was a framed "shelf" type area at the foot of the tub. The hardest part of getting a tub installed is physically placing it...the clearances are small and normally a tub get install concurrent with some framing...and always before wall coverings. installing a shower pan is easier than a mud bed but still requires access to the drain etc. Another possible DIY would be to have a plumber remove the tub and install the shower pan...from there it is a mid grade DIY project. last weeks new tub http://www.hometalk.com/kevin/posts#!/599778
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 03, 2012
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As for me........I've seen it done, and @Frankie L that's something you're not going to want to do yourself.
Becky H
on Oct 03, 2012
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Thanks for your posts on this project. Looks like its a job that will need to wait a while.
Frankie L
on Oct 03, 2012
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Frankie, I too would love to have a tub remobed and a big shower put in so we could use a bench...but the cost of having any kind of work done is almost prohibitive! Bathrooms are particularly costly because they are close quarters and require a lot of different skills! Good luck!
Jeanette S
on Oct 04, 2012
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I would say do not remove a tub get one of those new lay overs makes your tub look new. I have watched many hgtv house hunters People want a bath tub I f little ones are in the picture a tub is a necessity and women folk want a tub... Sometimes it will make or break the deal on house hunters. Just something to think about. GOOD LUCK DHALL
Allinthefamilysingers
on Feb 11, 2016
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