How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost in Chicago? [20225 Data]

Replacing a bathtub in Chicago, Illinois costs between $747 and $1,422 on average, with most projects landing at $1,052. Between the city's aging housing stock and higher-than-average labor costs, you'll want to plan carefully. Outdated galvanized pipes are common in Chicago’s historic neighborhoods, and they may need to be replaced when you install a new bathtub.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

The 10.25% sales tax in Chicago, Illinois applies to everything from fixtures to flooring, directly impacting the cost to replace a bathtub. The style and material make a big difference, ranging from builder-quality fiberglass tubs to luxurious jetted tubs for unwinding after a long day at work.

Bathtub Type

Many tub styles balance aesthetics and utility to bring comfort and relaxation. Here’s a look at the average prices for different bathtub types.

Standard Tub 

A standard bathtub is one of the least expensive options, with costs ranging from $200 to $800, depending on the tub material. General-purpose tubs are rectangular or oval-shaped and have a showerhead above. You may also need to install a surround for an additional $500 to $2,000. 

Soaking Tub

Deep-basin soaking tub costs range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more. Like other styles, the price of soaking tubs is mainly determined by material and size. Because these are deeper than standard tubs, confirm that the tub will fit your space before purchasing.

Jet and Whirlpool

Bathtubs with jets help soothe stiff muscles and sore joints. The average Whirlpool-style tub costs $1,000 to $4,000, and these come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. Jets require electricity, so additional work is required to install these tubs, which means higher labor costs and possibly a more substantial remodel.

Freestanding

Freestanding bathtubs have space to move around on all sides. They make for a distinctive element to your bathroom, especially if you’re accustomed to traditional built-in tubs. Freestanding tubs average $2,500, but ensure you have enough space before committing.

Walk-In

Walk-in tubs offer safety and comfort features, including a door, and allow for easier access for older adults and people with disabilities. They cost between $4,000 and $22,100 and can increase your home’s value. 

Accessible Bathtub 

While walk-in tubs offer one form of accessibility, accessible bathtubs can offer more features (including walk or slide-in functions). Most accessible bathtubs are larger and may include a wider, sometimes motorized, entryway. The cost of accessible bathtubs ranges from $4,000 to $12,000. 

Clawfoot

Distinctive clawfoot tubs can cost $2,000 to $10,000 or more, but you can find options that fit just about any price range. Depending on the material used, the job may require flooring reinforcement.

Bathtub Material

The bathtub material you choose is a major factor in how much it costs to replace a bathtub. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass tubs are an affordable option. They’re lightweight and come in a variety of colors. You'll pay between $200 and $800 to install a new fiberglass bathtub. Unlike some other materials, fiberglass is not great at retaining heat.

Ceramic 

Adding a ceramic tub to your bathroom costs anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, with prices varying based on the colors and styles of ceramic tile you choose. Ceramic tubs offer unique bathtub design choices, but you will have to clean the grout and repair chips.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a popular material for families due to its resistance to bath toys and dog paws. Standard acrylic tubs cost $500 to $2,000, with high-end models approaching $14,000. Opt for acrylic for a lightweight, durable bathtub option.

Steel

Enameled steel is a lighter and more cost-efficient alternative to cast iron, with a price range of $300 to $1,500. However, steel drawbacks include the risk of chipping, and they can make a cacophony of sounds while filling.

Copper 

Copper bathtubs cost $2,000 to $5,000. In addition to its chic appearance, copper is a durable, long-lasting material that’s resistant to mold and bacteria. This material also holds heat well, making it ideal for long, hot baths.

Cultured Marble

Stylish marble makes for a show-stopping bathroom. Installing a marble tub will run between $2,000 and $5,000. Unlike acrylic, marble is heavy and susceptible to cracks. Ask your pro about extra care and reinforced flooring when you opt for marble.

Cast Iron

Porcelain enamel-coated cast-iron tubs come in a range of styles to fit your dream bathroom. They retain heat well, but cast iron is heavy and may require extra reinforcements. Cast-iron bathtubs cost between $400 and $14,000.

Granite 

If you want a bathtub that doubles as modern decor, you can install a granite tub for $10,000 to $20,000. This material is incredibly durable and long-lasting, but can be heavy and difficult to install.

Additional Bathtub Replacement Costs 

Removing the old tub and inserting the new one isn’t always as easy as it sounds, and there are plenty of additional costs.

Old Tub Removal and Disposal

The cost to remove and dispose of an old bathtub depends on its type. Fiberglass tubs, which are lighter in weight, cost $50 to $100 to remove. Hauling away a heavy cast-iron bathtub could cost $300 or more.

Shower-to-Tub Conversion Cost

Converting a shower into a bathtub costs $2,000 to $10,500, about the same as how much a tub-to-shower conversion costs. You’ll need to remove the shower—and since tubs are larger than showers—you might have to remove walls, relocate plumbing, or move electrical wiring to make room for a tub.

Subfloor Preparation and Reinforcement

Heavy tubs need structural support underneath, which can cost $300 to $800. Repairing floor joists costs $4,000 to over $12,000, depending on the condition of the existing floor joists. The cost of subfloor replacement due to damage under your old tub is $3 to $10 per square foot, but your bathroom remodeling project may not require it. 

Surround 

Installing a bathtub surround costs $500 to $2,000. For bathtub-shower combos, you’ll want to install a surround consisting of waterproof panels to protect the drywall from shower water. 

Bath Liner

Bath liners cost $6,400 on average, but they range from $2,700 to over $10,000, depending on the size of your existing tub. A bath liner is a customized acrylic layer that fits over an existing tub to give it a new look and feel.

Faucets 

Adding a new faucet or other bathtub hardware costs about $50 for basic options to over $900 for hardware made from copper or porcelain. You can spend over $700 for high-end faucets, like waterfall or spa-style faucets.

Electrical Upgrades

Upgrades to an electrical panel cost $1,600 on average. You may also need to upgrade or add electrical wiring to your bathroom. This may be necessary if you install a jetted or Whirlpool-style bathtub or a tub with high-tech features, like lighting or speakers. If you’re adding a jetted tub, you’ll need a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which costs an average of $210 to install. 

Water Damage Repairs 

When you take out the old tub or shower, you may encounter water damage in the floors or walls. Water damage restoration costs an average of $3,850. Smaller cases cost as little as $450, while extensive damage and repairs can cost over $14,000.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Replacement

You may choose to refinish or replace a bathtub, depending on its condition and your preferences. Refinishing involves sanding the tub and coating it with primer and paint to remove any small dents or scratches and give it a clean and fresh appearance. Bathroom contractors can complete the refinishing process in a day, and it costs an average of $480. 

If your bathtub is severely damaged or has major leak issues, it might not be in good enough shape to refinish, making bathtub replacement a better option. If leaks have damaged the flooring or surrounding wall, you’ll need to make repairs and remove mold. Depending on the new tub, you might need to reroute plumbing to make the bathtub replacement work. Bathtub replacement is another job for a qualified bathroom contractor and possibly an electrician or plumber. 

Bathtub Replacement Pro Costs

Chicago's skilled tradespeople command premium rates, and your bathtub replacement reflects that reality. What’s more, you may need to replace aging galvanized pipes in older homes, adding $2,500 to $4,000 to your project cost. Chicago's tight building layouts and multi-story walkups can also complicate removal and delivery, pushing costs higher than suburban projects.

Labor

Licensed bathtub replacement pros in Chicago charge $100 to $200 per hour. The total labor cost to replace a bathtub ranges from $100 to $2,000, depending on complexity. Costs go higher if you relocate plumbing lines, remove or install a heavy bathtub, or make repairs to subflooring.

If you’re installing a different type of tub than the existing one or placing the new one in a different spot, you might need some plumbing work. Budget $400 to $1,900 to move plumbing lines and pipes.

Permits

If your project involves structural changes or relocating plumbing lines, you’ll need to add a building permit from Chicago’s Department of Buildings to your bathroom remodel cost estimate. While cosmetic updates like replacing tiles generally don’t need permits, installing plumbing fixtures like showers and tubs requires a permit from the Department of Water Management.

Building permits cost $50 to $100 for basic plumbing work, and $50 to $150 for electrical work, depending on the complexity of the project. Other specialized approvals may incur additional fees of up to $500. For example, you’ll need to add a minimum fee of $350 to the cost to demo a bathroom, even if there is no structural work.

Ask your contractors about the necessary permits, and don’t start work until you secure them, even if you’re DIYing. Chicago inspectors can issue stop-work orders and fines if they discover unpermitted work, and you'll struggle to sell your home without proper documentation of improvements.

Condo Restrictions

If you live in a Chicago condo or high-rise, factor in additional time and potential costs for building compliance. Many condo associations require board approval before starting renovation work, and some charge fees for using freight elevators or working during restricted hours. This can affect who you hire for a bathroom remodel, based on their availability. 

You may need to provide proof of insurance, a detailed work plan, and a letter from your contractor. Some buildings limit work hours to weekdays only, which can extend your project timeline and potentially increase labor costs. Check with your property manager before hiring a contractor.

Does Bathtub Replacement Increase Home Value?

Small to medium bathroom updates in Chicago typically recoup 40% to 60% of the cost at time of resale, depending on scope, finishes, and current market conditions. Major accessibility or luxury upgrades may improve desirability, but often do not return the full cost when the home is listed for sale. 

In Chicago's older housing stock, a clean, updated bathtub signals to buyers that your home has been maintained and won't require immediate work. This reassurance carries real weight. Buyers consistently rank updated bathrooms among their top priorities.

If you're planning to sell within a few years, consult with a local Chicago real estate agent before making major decisions to ensure your investment aligns with buyer expectations in your specific area.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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