When your bathtub is old, ugly and stained, it’s time for a plan to make it beautiful again. Should you replace that old ugly bathtub or refinish it? Making that decision on what is best will require you to think about how much time do you plan on investing in this project and what amount of money you are willing to pay. Here is an analysis on both decisions to help you prevent headaches and problems along the way.
Labor:
Bathtub refinishing is a good choice for many reasons. One is that it is much cheaper than a complete tear out of the old bath tub. Modern day refinishing technologies can make the bathtub look brand new with even a stronger bond than porcelain. Companies like Miracle Method, a national surface restoration franchise, uses a proprietary chemical bonding agent that works similar to a skin graph. The paint that is sprayed via high pressure sprayers actually makes the tub look like a show room model. When replacing a tub the process is more elaborate. The tub needs to be demolished first, which all the broken pieces will need to be removed. The flooring and pipelines might also need to be changed depending on their condition. Another part that needs to be removed is that of the area around the tub and then replaced with new load bearing construction. After all this is done a new tub can then be installed. Replacement of a bathtub will take a lot of labor and the cost for this portion will also be more. On the contrary refinishing is not as much of a labor extensive process and is a better choice.
Cost:
This is a key point which distinguishes between the two. Since homeowners are always looking to save money on renovations, this is why refinishing your bathtub is a better deal. If you go for refinishing your bathtub it will cost you under $600.This includes the tech coming to your home for two days. The first day includes the resurfacing tech taping of all unprotected areas, while cleaning and prepping the bathtub for spraying the new coating. The second day, includes the tech coming back and sanding and buffing the tub for a perfect high gloss look and feel. While if you go for replacement there are many different cost involved. First is you must buy a basic tub worth $200. A good quality tub costs $1000 almost. Then you have to transport it in a friend’s truck or pay a moving company, which will cost $200 - 300. In the case where you take a professional’s help for installation, it will cost you an additional $1000. Then if there are any tiles missing or damaged walls and floor from the tear out, there will be obviously additional cost.
Durability:
Bathtubs are made to be installed for a lifetime. That said, if you try and tear out the bathtub, there is a ton of work that needs to be done and you are potentially compromising the structure of your home. Even if the tub is in bad condition you can get it refinished and install a new beautiful coating which can live for a long long time. Bathtub Refinishing is a good option if you don’t want to spend a ton of money and want a new looking, durable, bathtub. Now that you know what the comparison between replacement and refinishing, looks like you can make a decision which won’t be heavy on your pocketbook, and still look like you spent a lot of money.
