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Your old tub is stained and cracked, and you know it needs to go. A full bathtub remodel sounds like more time and money than you may be willing to spend. Is it possible to swap out the old tub and put in something new without tearing into the full tub and shower area?
Shugarman's Bath has completed more than 6,500 tub and shower remodels, and we don't do tub-only replacements. We do full remodeling jobs because we want to fix any issues behind the walls of your tub and shower area. We want a full remodel to serve you for decades down the line.
This article goes into detail about what happens when you only replace the tub, why most reputable contractors won't take that job, how long a tub-only replacement lasts, and the cost differences between a tub-only replacement and a full remodel.
Table of Contents:
- Can You Replace Only Your Bathtub?
- Why Do Most Reputable Contractors Refuse to Replace Only the Tub?
- How Much Does It Cost To Replace Just The Tub?
- How Long Does a Tub-Only Replacement Last?
- Are There Hidden Costs If You Just Replace the Tub?
- Does Replacing Only the Tub Come With a Warranty?
Can You Replace Only Your Bathtub?
Yes, it is possible to replace only the bathtub without touching the rest of the tub and shower area. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a reputable contractor willing to take on the job.
Whoever you hire will cut into the old shower wall materials to install the new tub. Replacing only the tub leaves a horizontal seam where the new tub meets your old wall material. That seam can fail and act as a weak point for water to get into the walls.
A tub-only replacement also tends to mean a lower-quality tub. Many are cheap fiberglass or thin-walled acrylic.
Many acrylic tubs are only rated to hold around 300-400 pounds. A solid, quality-built tub can support far more weight without relying on legs to stay in place. For example, the BP-Cor2 tubs Shugarman’s Bath uses have a minimum weight rating of 560 pounds.
Why Do Most Reputable Contractors Refuse to Replace Only the Tub?
Reputable contractors won’t take on a tub-only job because they know that the seam between the new tub and old wall will eventually fail. Homes in the United States are built on wood-frame construction. Wood doesn’t handle trapped moisture well. Water can lead to mold or wood rot.
They don’t want their name attached to how bad the seam looks and its eventual failure. Reputable contractors will recommend a full remodel to address issues that already exist behind your walls and prevent those problems years down the line.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Just The Tub?
A tub-only replacement usually costs around $8,000. Keep in mind this means you keep your existing plumbing and shower walls.
Contrast this with a high-quality tub and shower remodel, which can be in the range of $12,500 to $22,000 or more. A full bathtub remodel should properly waterproof the tub and shower area, along with replacing pipes and drains.
How Long Does a Tub-Only Replacement Last?
Depending on the material, a tub-only replacement can last around 8 years before you're dealing with the same problem again.
Remember, you might be dealing with extensive damage behind your shower walls. At some point, you’ll end up paying for a full remodel.
Are There Hidden Costs If You Just Replace the Tub?
Hidden costs are common when an unlicensed handyman or contractor only replaces the tub. What typically happens is you’re quoted one price upfront, only to be upcharged if or when they find damage behind the tub.
For example, they might find a damaged stud or subfloor that needs to be replaced. They’ll then add a change order with a project cost increase for materials and labor.
Does Replacing Only the Tub Come With a Warranty?
Replacing only the tub likely doesn’t come with a warranty. However, if a warranty is included, it usually has limited coverage. Often, it is one year on parts and labor at best.
A full remodel from Shugarman's Bath is backed by a true lifetime warranty covering both materials and labor for as long as you own the home.
A Cheaper Tub Now Can Cost You More Later
You certainly can choose to only replace your tub, but not many reputable contractors may be willing to take on that project. Plus, saving a few thousand dollars now could end up costing you more later, especially when you aren’t addressing all of the issues in your tub and shower area.
A tub-only replacement might look like the more affordable choice on paper. However, a full bathtub remodel is designed to solve all the problems in your tub and shower area. Check out our article on the cost breakdown between a tub-only replacement and a full remodel.
If you're picturing what a full bathtub remodel could look like in your own bathroom, take a look through some finished installations in our project gallery.
The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.
FAQs About Bathtub Remodeling:Q: How long does a typical bathtub remodel take?A typical bathtub remodel takes 1-2 days. More complex projects in larger areas can take longer. Q: What materials do you use for your tub and shower products?Our products are mainly composed of a material called BP-Cor2. It's a high-tech polymer made up of 15% acrylic and 85% ABS, the same material used to make football helmets. It's a step up from traditional tile and standard acrylic. Q: Does Shugarman's Bath Do Repair Work?No, Shugarman's Bath does not do general repair work. Repairs are temporary fixes that buy time but do not solve the underlying problem. Most homeowners end up paying for the same repair more than once, or eventually replacing the materials anyway after spending money trying to maintain them. |
