We have a house that was built in 1964. The bathtub is the original one built in the house, probably cast iron covered in porcelain. It's surrounded by the four inch tiles.

The grout is cracked between the tiles, and now a couple of the tiles on that wall have actually fallen out. We have two people to come this weekend to give estimates on replacing the tub with one of those "pieced in" things with a tub, and the walls that surround it.

Anyone have any idea on how much that will cost to replace? We priced the tub at $275 already.

They are only replacing the tub/shower and working around the high window there on that wall. The floor, etc., is all intact and not to be replaced.

Thanks,
--CakeLady--

ballengerb1

Glad to hear there will be two more quotes. What did he mean when he said "using rubber backer-board" I have not run into a rubber board or a need for one. I use Hardibacker screwed directly to the studs for the base of all my ceramic work. I think he may have had a rubber head.

speedball1

Good morning Lady,
Had I been your plumber, (and that cast iron tub was still in good shape), I would have advised you to do exactly what you ended up doing which was, I'll opt to keep a cast iron tub any day over a plastic one, even with walls. I think the plumber attempted to blow smoke up the wrong ladys skirt. I'd place you on one of my crews any day of the week. If your dad is still with us give him my regards, I too was raised by a master plumber. Regards, Tom

CakeLady

Ohh, Tom! Thanks so much for the kudos!

Had another gentleman show up Friday afternoon, after a recommendation from a well-known builder here. This man was vastly different from the first, let me tell you! He showed up in an OLD Ford pickup (always a good sign!), wore clean-but-well-worked-over clothing, brought his measuring tape and a tablet inside, and generally made an easy impression.

He was more of the "ask what you want" type than a "know it all" and his first question? Did I want to keep the tub in place! After a bit of discussion on costs and other things, we came to an agreement that he would leave the old huldy in place, being that the floors, studs, and plumbing were all good. He DID say that he recommended replacing the faucet system---which we're all for, bearing on the age of it all.

All in all a better experience, and he's supposed to call Monday with a final quote after checking on tile and faucet prices. I will re-post to let y'all in on the price he gives after that....along with our decision, which hopefully will include my excitement at actually being able to fully SHOWER once again without the aid of a huge black garbage bag taped over the whole wall back there....

Thanks again to everyone who has commented here!

Sincerely,
Cake Lady

speedball1

Please Keep us informed. good luck, Tom

CakeLady

Hi all,

Just a quick note to let y'all know that the job is finally finished. The two gentleman came in and did it all in less than two full days of work. They went down to the studs, replaced one stud, replaced insulation, used cement backer board, new tile and grout. They even replaced the two towel racks in the shower area and bathroom.

The total cost for all of that was $1300 and we paid cash, as we do for everything. We don't like the credit card racket!!

Thanks for all the answers suggestions and replies!!

Sincerely,
Cake Lady

ballengerb1

Sounds like you got a fair deal. I was ballparking $1500 but its always a bit of a guess without knowing what tile and fixtures will be selected. I have put in some $75 toilets and some $450 toilets, both seem to do what they are meant to do.