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

Not sure why you are asking this since it sounds like you will have two estimates this weekend. Did you just want a ballpark to compare to the pros? Removal of the old tub needs to be included in their estimates, a cast tub can weight up to 500 lbs and needs to be broken or cut out, not fun.

CakeLady

You're right, I am looking for ballparks. I don't want to get "taken" by these "pros." So that's why I'm asking, along with wanting to be prepared for the hit my checkbook is going to take. I am paying cash and I've saved up to do it.

ballengerb1

Not sure of labor costs in your area but your ballpark is about $1500 parts included.

CakeLady

Thanks very much. That's what we'd figured, pretty close.

--Cake Lady--

cacochran

Hi,

I can't speak much to the install/labor costs, but as someone who is currently having a similar tub/shower unit installed, I can give you a few bits of info. We got one of the Sterling Kohler units because they were recommended by our contractor. It cost about $500 for the tub and three walls.

We had it delivered and have had major issues with units coming in with cracks in them. At this point we've sent one tub back, and now have to send a set of walls back. Any little hairline fracture will prevent installation, so when you get them, look them over really carefully, and don't let you're installer pull out the old tub until you are SURE they are in perfect condition. We got stuck without a tub or shower for 4 days because I didn't look at ours carefully enough the first time.

hope that info helps in some way.

CakeLady

Wow! Surely good advice there, CACOCHRAN---we will have to have the same kind installed here, because there's no way they can get one of those one-piece ones in through the narrow hall and doorway there.

I will for sure look out for that.

The guy is coming today to give his quote---I will let y'all know what he says this evening!!

Thanks,
Cake Lady

ballengerb1

Best to get 3 quotes and the lowest isn't always the smartest.

CakeLady

Turns out the 3 piece idea won't work either (which I'd thought) because there's a high window there in the bathtub which would have to be cut around...impossible to seal out the water effectively from around that window.

So---the first guy came, said to rip out old tub, go to the studs, replace insulation, using rubber backer-board, paint with mildew retardant/killer, repaint with rubber paint sealer, using rubber headers on all screw points, re-plumb new tub in and replace all tile around tub.....

$1800-$2000. Which is crap, because I happen to know what every piece of supplies will cost, using a tax-free contractor's license, adds up to $800 at home depot.

I'm willing to pay someone about $400-$500 labor to do it. $1000 labor is stupid.

My other option is to leave the tub installed, rip out the wall myself and replace it and the tiling myself with the husband. Not anywhere near the costs of having someone else replace the tub. Because the wall studs and plumbing is all still in good useable order---I may just end up doing that.

I have no problem paying someone what the job is worth---I am not sending them on summer vacation because of it, though. I think the guy really thought he was talking to a woman who had no idea what he was saying. WRONG. My father was a master plumber and I learned. I just don't have the tools or the manpower to rip out that old tub.

I do however have the tools and the know-how to replace the surrounding wall and tiling. Which I should have done a year back, and I wouldn't have had to deal with his condescending plumber/remodeler talk yesterday!!

Cake Lady

CakeLady

I've got two more people coming for quotes this week...forgot to add that in the last posting.

Thanks,
Cake Lady