Replace Bathtub... What About The Tiles?

tackyjan

Hello All!!!

I have a bathtub that is surrounded by tiles. The tub needs to be replaced. Does whomever I hire have to remove the tiles to take out the bathtub? If so, does that mean I need to redo all the tiles in my bathroom or just the ones he removes? (I was also wondering if they would just have to remove the first "row" of tiles, the ones that are directly on top of the tub?)

Thanks!

oh'mike

Usually about a foot above is removed---and six inches to a foot in front of the tub.

Most people would replace the entire tile wall----the tile is stuck to a backer board--so that will be removed along with the tile face----

It's very difficult to patch the walls and have the job look good----budget will be your deciding factor..---Mike----

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tackyjan

Well, that makes my decision easy! Replace all the tiles and the tub!

What about the glass door and frame mechanism? Can that be removed and put back?

tackyjan

I also have another question that is probably impossible to get answered but I will try!

What should I expect to pay for someone to re-tile my bathroom? It is very small (I live in a 630 sq ft condo). I will buy the tub and the tiles myself so I am just looking for a labor cost.

Here are some pics of my bathroom:








BTW... notice the yellow spot at the bottom of my tub? This is why I have to replace it. I used to have a very heavy roommate and she somehow "dented" the tub. Now the water doesn't drain completely and it stagnates in a pool right there and eventually the tub at that spot turns yellow. :O

Thanks!

FTF-Tom

I would charge no less than 500 labor to do that job, but around here that's cheap. Location can vary pricing.

oh'mike

Yep---pricing varies by area----for a skilled pro to add new cement backer---waterproof the backer and set the tile--then grout and caulk---
Just the tub surround---no floor or other wall work?? Guessing about $1000 to $1200

You need to ask locally----prices here are higher than Kansas or Georgia---and less than New York city!

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Msradell

Have you looked at me of these tub relining companies? They actually put a complete insert into your existing tub. I've seen some that looked very nice and it's certainly much simpler. You could even keep your old tiles without a problem.

oodssoo

By the way things look, you'd be better off to just gut everything out and start over. Nothing against people that weigh a ton, it is possible that the tub shifted that led to the tub not properly drain.

In most cases where a new tub is installed, the laborer sures up the support underneath the tub as needed.

The glass door will be hard to reuse. It is possible, but can get tricky to put back. Usually we just replace with new unit altogether.

With a house over the age of 20 years, the joists can sag. As for saving the existing tiles, just know that the tiles will crack very easily during this work.

Hope this helps a little.

ktkelly

Check locally for a company that does bathtub liners.


My in-laws used Bathfitter and it turned out great. Fixed their problems and has lasted several years (glass doors were removed and reinstalled).




In your case there would probably be no need to remove any tiles, and the glass doors would most likely be able to be removed and reinstalled.


It's worth checking into...

oodssoo

It seems like a remodeling is in the works, rather than restoration. I mean, if I were to critique the bathroom based on the photos, a new age look wouldn't increase the usability of the room and increase overall the quality of the house..

Msradell

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this comment? It seems like bathfitter will provide a reasonably priced alternative without changing the look of the room. I'm not sure what you mean by new age look because that's not what bathfitter does.

chrisBC

I would not recomend going with bathfitter.

Nothing wrong with an acrylic tub surround- However better to demo and change any plumbing like the shower valve as well as the tub. Then you know the bathroom is new, opposed to just an old one covered up with plastic. (this is what bathfitter does) An acrylic tub surround is easy to put up, and it would not take too long to demo the old tub surround and take that tub out.

Plus the rates they charge it will probably be cheaper to have it demo-ed and tiled, and would definitely be cheaper to pay a competent contractor/handyman to demo and install an acrylic tub surround.

Bathfitter puts lipstick on a pig, and they charge a hefty amount to do it. I've taken apart their work, their liners just cover the old walls, often mould and all.