Refinishing bathtub or installing new one?

gante · 02-17-2008, 09:04 PM

Hi guys,

I will be buying a fixer upper pretty soon. I will be living in the house and getting stuff done at the same time. This is my first home. I honestly don't have a lot of cash therefore I am trying to stretch my dollars. The bathroom will require inmediate attention. I plan to redo the whole bathroom eventually but for now I will just clean it up. My plan for now is to install new tile, paint the walls, replace the toilet seat and do something about the bathtub. Here is where my problem is. The bathtub looks really dirty and ugly. I was wondering what would you recomend to do. Should I install a new tub or have it refinish it professionally?. This is a small bathroom and it seems to fit the space just fine. How much would it cost me to install a new tub versus having it refinished by a professional ( I understand this is not a DIY project)?. I live in southern california (if this makes any difference) and I am not looking to get anything fancy or expensive high end bathtub just and affordable fiberglass tub.

I need your advice.

Thanks

LakeTahoeDan · 02-17-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

I honestly don't have a lot of cash

then this is a good place to save a few bucks , imo

I would refinish it if it is structurally sound and has no dings, cracks etc. It will be cheaper for sure. If it fits fine then the refinished one could be better than new if you want a different color etc.

Replacing it can become one of these.
you'll need to deal with replacing or cutting in new tile backer board etc and maybe adjust the plumbing if the new one is not configured identically. So the additional cost's can grow quickly.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...=Google+Search

gante · 02-18-2008, 12:37 AM

I believe I will end up refinishing the tub. My bathtub is on the small side for tubs. How much would be a fair price to refinish it?. Has anyone done it lately?.

LakeTahoeDan · 02-18-2008, 12:40 AM

I have no idea but I know it is way cheaper than replacing the whole thing.

Make sure to get 2 or 3 quotes and when you meet each one you will learn more about what to look for., ie, apples vs oranges etc.

Make some quick calls. I am sure you can get an idea of Price over the phone:
http://local.yahoo.com/CA/Los+Angele...Bathtubs+Sinks

Good luck

Rehabber · 02-18-2008, 01:11 AM

I have refinished a number of tubs/showers very successfully. The key is proper preparation. The kits available at HD/Lowes work just fine, however do NOT attempt to brush or roll it on, it has to be sprayed with an HVLP or automotive type sprayer. Clean shower/tub according to directions, sand with 320 wet or dry sandpaper (finish sanding with 600 if it's a fiberglass tub) and paint.

kshankle · 06-20-2008, 05:41 PM

did you refinish the tub? how did it turn out?

santawatt · 06-22-2008, 10:13 AM

Refinish it. It would save you a good amount of cash.

silverxxx · 06-23-2008, 03:54 PM

I had my bath tub refinished when I moved into my house 2 years ago. I have an old cast iron tub and didn't want to crack the plaster walls behind it (my parents replaced their tub 4 years ago and they got quite a few cracks from removing the old tub). I decided to go with the cheaper guy who did the work on the side and "you get what you pay for"($150). It looked good for about 6 months...and then it started turning yellow. I am probably going to be doing it again in the near furture and will be going with a more professional company.