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CarolWang21 · Jun 16, 2010, 09:59 PM

I just bought a brand new home and moved in about 2 weeks ago. Then I found there is a 25 inches of hairline crack in the bottom edge of garden bathtub. The builder said it can be repaired and I won't even noticed it, and it will not leak forever. I believe it need to be replaced just because this is a brand new tub. Suggestion?

Milo Dolezal · Jun 17, 2010, 01:39 AM

I am sure you have new home warranty on the house. Builder has to replace the tub. Period. He is telling you "stories" so he can sneak out of it with little or no cost to him. Broken tub is broken tub. Send him a registered letter with a request for tub replacement supported by pictures.

hkstroud · Jun 17, 2010, 04:07 AM

I wouldn't call what he is telling you "stories", I'd call them lies. You are paying for new, undamaged tub, demand one. It will cost him money and he knows it. Not only will it cost him for the tub, it will cost him more for the labor. Probably have to have tile and paint work done also. That's what he is trying to skip out on. Do not accept substandard work on the replacement.

I agree with Milo, put it in writing.

afaroo · Jun 17, 2010, 04:27 AM

I agree with both experts above no question about it, good luck.

John

speedball1 · Jun 17, 2010, 07:28 AM

The builder said it can be repaired and I won't even noticed it, and it will not leak forever. I believe it need to be replaced just because this is a brand new tub. Suggestion?

The contractor is simply trying to get out of the expense of pulling and replacing the tub.
Demand that it be replaced under warranty. Let us know how you make out. Good luck, Tom

fiberglassdude · Jul 27, 2010, 08:27 PM

As a true professional in this field, the above comments are incorrect. That crack can be easily repaired, will never leak and you will never know it was there. 7 out of 10 new home bathtubs are damaged during construction and need repairs. Normally they are done BEFORE the home owner sees it. If your tub is a "built in" tub, the only option is to repair it. Otherwise you will need to tear out walls to move it and bring in a new one. That's why tubs get damaged. They are the first thing that goes into a house, then the walls are framed around it. Your contractor has a very good tub repair company, that I promise you.

hkstroud · Jul 28, 2010, 04:33 AM

Dude

I disagree with just about everything you have said.

7 out of 10 new home bathtubs are damaged during construction

If 7 out of 10 tubs were damaged during installation the subcontractors would change their practices. After a project is done the sub contractors sit around the table and charge each other for damages done to one another's work. Not only that, but as you know if you are the fiberglass professional you claim, fiberglass is a pretty strong material and not easily damaged.

tub is a "built in" tub

They are the first thing that goes into a house

The tub in question is a garden tub, not a one piece tub and shower enclosure. It goes in after the tile work. Probably the last thing before the painting.

Developers are money driven. A developer will always do the minimum. Its money in their pocket.

Your contractor has a very good tub repair company, that I promise you.

How could you possibly know (and promise) the quality of the work done by a tub repair company you don't know, engage by a contractor you don't know.

Finally, the buyer is entitled to an undamaged tub, no matter how well repairs may be made and no matter what it cost the developer/ builder. However, the buyer will only get an undamaged tub if demanded.

fiberglassdude · Jul 28, 2010, 10:03 AM

I bow to your great knowledge. If you think tubs and showers are not easily damaged, you're a lot less smart than you think you are!

Do they hold up well during normal use after the homeowner has moved in? Sure.

Do they hold up during construction while all the workers piss in it, through scrap wood and nails in the bottom, and throw a piece of plywood over it to protect it while they stand on it? Nope. They get impact spider cracks, scratces and long stress cracks, just like the op stated.

I've owned and operated a fiberglass, porcelain and vinyl window repair company for 12 years. Unless you do "new constuction" and not home improvements(which is well after the home has been completed), like your avatar says, your opinions are uneducated and uninformed. If you think there is no damage done during ne wconstuction, you are living in a fantasy world...