Remodeling your bathroom is a great way to add value to your home but sometimes a full bathroom remodel just isn’t in the budget. You can do smaller things in the bathroom which can add tremendous value to your home however and one of those things is to replace your bathtub. Having a plumber in Downriver Michigan come out and remove your old bathtub and install a newer more modern bathtub that looks better and is more energy efficient is a great home improvement project. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your project.
Tips to Get a Bathtub Replacement in Downriver Michigan
Typically there are two types of bathtub replacements available. A full bathtub which is known as a standard tub and a liner. A liner is not actually a bathtub rather it is a shell that covers your existing bathtub. Bathtub liners are relatively inexpensive and can sometimes be a good project but most look cheap and are not very durable.
Tubs are designed to last decades without worrying about any serious issues. But just because your tub hasn’t sprung a leak doesn’t mean it is working for your needs. Many homeowners opt for a liner, rather than replacing their tub to try to resolve some of their issues. But replacing your tub, while more expensive, comes with many more benefits than simply adding a liner.
What Is A Tub Liner?
Sheets of PVC plastic or acrylic are layered to lay against the shape of your tub. It is then glued down, providing a new top layer to your tub.
Why Go with Replacement?
While you may not want to buy a whole new tub, and remove the new one, it is much more beneficial to put in the extra cost and effort for a superior product.
Get What You Need Out of Your Tub
Some tub users require extra support to navigate safely in and out. Many people assume that you will gain more grip to the bottom of your tub by adding a liner, but that isn’t a guarantee. Liners are also not a permanent solution, only providing you with a decade at most if nothing goes wrong. By replacing your tub, you can choose one with more grip on the floor, seating, or even a door to make it easier to get out.
Adds More Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to it feeling much more pleasant to bath in materials other than plastic or acrylic, bathtubs also look more aesthetically pleasing when they don’t have the liner. Even though the material of the liner is molded to the tub, it still looks sub- par compared to the look of a tub without one. Liners come in very limited color options, making it harder to find the right match for your home. A new tub entirely will look the best, especially when going with more luxurious designs.
Fully Resolve Any Problems
Liners can provide you with a temporary fix to certain problems, but can also lead to their own problems. For example, bathtub liners can crack, causing leaks. These leaks can lead to mold and mildew growth, which is difficult to fully clean, and harmful to your health. When a liner is damaged, it is also incredibly difficult to remove and replace with a new one. Ripping or cutting out the old liner can damage your tub further, making it harder to get the best seal with the new one.
Better Financial Investment
On average, you are looking at between $1,300 and $4,000 to install a bathtub liner, not including the cost of the labor to install it. Only licensed plumbers can install bathtub liners, and it can take a week or more to get the measurements done and liner delivered to your home. After that, it will take about a day to install the liner in your tub. You will also face any costs of repairing or replacing the liner, requiring a professional once again.
Replacing your tub with a new one is a one- time cost, which can be installed professionally, or done yourself if you know what you are doing. It also comes with a warranty, helping to protect your investment for decades to come. Overall, you can end up paying about the same for a new tub and a liner overall. Be sure to call the experts at Downriver Plumbers today 734-548-9925 for professional installation of your bathtub.