How Long Does It Take to Replace a Bathtub?

Determining how long it takes to remodel a bathtub is quite tricky. This is because you have to sit back and ask yourself some questions whose answers can give you a rough estimate of the expected timeline. Are you working with a contractor or are you doing the job yourself? Is it a cosmetic replacement or a complete overhaul? Are the materials readily available? What type of bathtub do you want? Depending on the answers to the above questions, this is approximately how long it should take you to replace your old bathtub.

Demolition

The old bathtub has to be removed from the bathroom to create room for the new one. Luckily, demolishing a bathtub should not take so long and you can even do it by yourself. All you have to do when removing an old bathtub is loosen the nuts and studs.

If you are installing the new bathtub at the same place your old one sits on, then you should be very careful not to damage the plumbing. If you will be using a different spot for the new bathtub, then you have to remove the floor. If you are doing the job yourself, then you should call for help because the bathtub is usually very heavy for two hands. All this work should take up to 2 days.

Rough-In Connections

If you are doing the strip to stud replacement of your old bathtub, then you have to change the water and electrical connections. This is the case especially if you are moving the spot for the new bathtub. You have to erect new spouts and taps, and all this work should take approximately 4 days. Whether DIY or the contractor way, the water and electrical connections must be inspected for state or municipal compliance building codes. A verified appointed municipal or a representative of housing state should conduct the inspection. The inspection takes about 20 minutes and if you are given a clean bill of health, then you can proceed to the next step.

Insulation

This stage is dependent on whether you are doing a complete overhaul of the bathtub where you had to tear down the drywall. Installing insulation is easy and does not take long. This is because it could be done on one or two walls or even just a part of the wall. All you have to do is spray the insulator, which should take around 1-hour, maximum.

Drywall Installation

Installation of the drywall involves holding the panels in place and the use of a power screwdriver to mount them on the structure. Afterward, there is application of a sealant on the joints and sanding, which should take a maximum of 2 days maximum. If you are doing the job by yourself, this is where you might need an extra hand to help hold the drywall panels in place because they are quite heavy.

Painting

This is the most exciting step of a bathtub replacement. This is because it does not take long and is quite easy to do compared to other tasks. As you do this, remember to cover the new bathtub with a cloth to avoid staining it with paint. If a contractor is doing the job, it should take them at least a few hours. Even if you are doing the job yourself, it should not take you more than 1 day.

Fixtures and Cabinetry

Installation of cabinetry and fixtures like taps, lighting, sinks, and the toilet is probably the hardest part of a bathtub replacement. If you are doing the job yourself, it is advisable to buy ready-made cabinets to reduce the time you would have taken to construct them. Ready-made cabinetry is easier and cost-effective to install since there are no waste materials produced. This is the part where you should consider working with a contractor even if you had decided to do the job yourself. Mistakes in the cabinetry and fixtures would mess the whole process and the results will not be pleasing any bit. Installation of fixtures and cabinetry should a maximum of 3 days.

Flooring

Installation of tile, marble, wood veneer involves quite a lot of work and can even take some days to do the job. If you are working on a vinyl type of floor then you are a little lucky, as it takes 1 or 2 days.

DIY bathtub replacement can take close to a month, especially if you did not have a ready budget for the project. It should not be a worry if you have extra bathrooms in the house. However, if you have only one bathroom, then you should work with a contractor to avoid the inconveniences of having to wait that long.