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CakeLady · May 7, 2008, 02:37 PM

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? :confused: 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 · May 7, 2008, 02:43 PM

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 · May 7, 2008, 02:56 PM

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 · May 8, 2008, 08:14 AM

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

CakeLady · May 8, 2008, 09:40 AM

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

--Cake Lady--

cacochran · May 12, 2008, 07:27 AM

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 · May 12, 2008, 10:30 AM

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 · May 12, 2008, 07:10 PM

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

CakeLady · May 13, 2008, 08:13 AM

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

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

Thanks,
Cake Lady

ballengerb1 · May 13, 2008, 12:26 PM

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 · May 18, 2008, 04:47 AM

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,

to leave the tub installed, rip out the wall myself and replace it and the tiling myself with the husband.

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 · May 18, 2008, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by 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

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 · May 19, 2008, 04:55 AM

Please Keep us informed. Good luck, Tom

CakeLady · Jun 4, 2008, 10:21 AM

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 · Jun 4, 2008, 10:25 AM

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.

Matthew Bruns · Sep 8, 2008, 04:33 PM

The supplies and materials aren't what's going to cost you money on this job.
It's the time involved in exposing the tub and demo'ing finished walls and plumbing to do that. Some might even cut it out. Lot's of dirty hard labor and disposal of demo'd items as well as re-framing, gyping, finishing painting.
I would think $1800 is fair price for a totally completed and customer satisfied job in this day and age.

CakeLady · Sep 8, 2008, 05:37 PM

Yes, Mike you would be right, if there were any finish painting and other stuff to be done. However, the plumbing was all good, the old tub stayed. Only thing they had to do was remove the three walls around the tub, replace one stud, replace three walls of backerboard, put tile up and seal it in.

I could have done it all myself had I had the right tools... and time. I didn't though, and I am glad to have it all done. Every time I stand inside the new shower now, I am very grateful for the guys' hard work and fast timing doing it. They completely finished it in within 2 days of work, hauled everything away, were very kind and professional and we are very satisfied.

One little thing: The new grout is peeling in a couple places, but I bought some of those little "snap packs" of grout and re-did it quickly. Let it dry for a day and showered again! LOL

Thanks everyone for the great replies and help!

Sincerely,
Cake Lady

ballengerb1 · Sep 8, 2008, 05:43 PM

Glad things worked out for you. Ou know I'd call the guy about the grout. If its peeling now, never should peel ever, you may have bigger issues later. Most of us do not mind call backs, too much. We want you satisfied so you tell your friends. I'm thinking he will scrape out the failing grout and redo it free of charge. I'd use an epoxy stain proof grout.

CakeLady · Sep 8, 2008, 05:47 PM

:) Ballenger, you can tell they used two different kinds of grout, too. The dry, chalky kind in between the tiles-----and along the tub itself, the rubbery silicone-ish kind. It's the rubbery bit around the tub that peeled off some, so I just ran a new few inches of bead, smoothed it (like a pro, if I do say so!:p ) and it's fine.

I'm neurotic about the tub now. ANY little thing and I'm on it. I'm scared to death something else is going to "pop up" if you KWIM.

Cake Lady

ballengerb1 · Sep 8, 2008, 05:53 PM

The two types are the right way to seal the tub. The rubbery stuff is likely silicone used on the wall inside corners and where the tub meets the wall. The space between the tiles gets the hard stuff. If the rubbery stuff is peeling there was probably water or dust on the surface when it was applied and you did the right patch job. If the hard stuff was peeling the I'd do a call back.