Contrary to popular belief, installing a bathtub or shower doesn’t have to be a big renovation project. You can choose to replace your old shower or bathtub with a sleek new model with loads of features. And you can even use this as an opportunity to do a complete bathroom remodel. Just know that there are a wide variety of options available to you, depending on your budget.
Out with the old… not necessarily!
Many people assume that if their tub or shower has reached the end of its useful life, it needs to be ripped out and replaced. This can be a big and complicated job for someone who just wants to freshen up worn fixtures. But these days you can get custom-made bath and shower fixtures that can be installed right on top of your existing fixtures, which won’t damage tile, walls, flooring, or plumbing. It’s an easy fix that can be completed in about 24 hours, without the mess or the need for a plumber.
But for those who want to upgrade for added pleasure and convenience, here are a few things to consider.
Can you go through the door?
It would be nice to replace your standard tub with an oversized two-person tub with all the jets money can buy. But before you buy anything, make sure it’s right in the door. Bath tubs are usually installed in new homes before the walls and floor are finished, so even replacing the existing tub with the same size could present a problem.
Due to their bulk and weight, one-piece tub and shower enclosures are generally reserved for new homes or large remodeling projects. For a simple replacement job, there are many sectional shower stalls and tub surrounds on the market that, once installed, are often difficult to distinguish from one-piece units.
Bigger tubs require bigger pipes
Beyond the tub itself, don’t forget to consider factors like plumbing, water heaters, and floor supports. If your home is equipped with standard half-inch water supply pipes, filling an extra-deep bathtub will be a time-consuming task. You may want to consider installing three quarter inch supply lines.
Similarly, consider whether your current hot water tank has the capacity to fill a large bathtub. Combining an 80 gallon (or larger) tub with a smaller 50 to 75 gallon water heater will result in a lukewarm bath. In this case, consider buying a bathtub that has an inline heater. This device will continuously heat and recirculate the bath water, resulting in a constant water temperature during bathing.
Can the floor support the extra weight?
You should also consider whether your floor can support the weight of an oversized bathtub filled with water. While today’s custom homes can accommodate most luxury bathtubs, bathroom floors have traditionally been built to support the weight of a standard bathtub. If you’re installing an oversized bathtub in an older home, you may need to reinforce the floor joists.
Whichever route you decide on for your new tub or shower, you may want to take this opportunity to install an anti-scald device. These are special pressure-balancing valves that automatically adjust to extreme fluctuations in water temperature when someone flushes the toilet or starts a load of laundry. Burn devices have become, or will soon become, mandatory in 31 states for all new construction and remodeling projects. Check with your contractor to see if it is required in your state.
Will you need a building permit?
Be sure to check with your contractor or municipality to see if you’ll need a building permit for your new shower or tub installation. Laws vary between municipalities and you may be forced to start over if you start working without a permit. Use the Cost Estimators to get a preliminary idea of the costs of installing a new bathtub or shower.
