How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost in Detroit? [2025 Data]

The average bathtub replacement cost in Detroit, Michigan is $1,176. Most Detroit homeowners should budget between $743 and $1,659 for projects, or more if you decide on premium materials or accessibility features. Many neighborhoods feature brick homes built before the 1950s, so you might encounter additional costs for subfloor reinforcement or plumbing updates.  

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

Tub type significantly impacts your budget. Standard tubs in Detroit, Michigan start around $200 to $800, while walk-in and accessible tubs can go as high as $22,100, making them a considerable investment for aging-in-place renovations. Acrylic tubs offer affordable durability, in contrast to cultured marble and granite, which command premium prices. 

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 styles. 

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 $600 to $13,000. 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 $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 $700 to $1,000, 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 $200 to $1,000. 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, similar to how much a tub-to-shower conversion costs to do. 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 an average of $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 $1,000 to $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

Depending on its condition and your preferences, you may choose to refinish or replace a bathtub. 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 $300 to $700. 

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

With over half of Detroit's housing stock featuring brick construction and many homes dating back to the 1920s to 1950s, reinforcing subflooring for heavier cast-iron or granite tubs can add $300 to $800 to your project. Remember to budget for local permitting requirements, too.

Labor

Professional bathtub installers in Detroit charge $45 to $200 per hour, with master plumbers at the higher end of this range. Budget $100 to $2,000 in total labor costs, possibly more 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. The brick construction common in Detroit homes may also require additional labor time for accessing plumbing behind walls.

Permits

If you need to relocate plumbing lines or electrical wiring, you’ll likely need to apply for permits through the City's Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department. Building permits cost $50 to $500 for basic plumbing or electrical work, more if the work involves structural changes or requires the city to review your plan. There is a non-refundable application fee of $73, plus a $44 fee for each bathtub, if applicable. 

When deciding who to hire for a bathroom remodel, know that only a licensed Michigan master plumber can pull the permit and record their license number on the application. Don’t start work until you secure all necessary permits, even for DIY projects.

Local Cost of Living

While Detroit's overall cost of living sits below the national average, bathroom remodeling costs remain competitive with other Michigan markets. You'll find skilled tradespeople in Wayne County at fair prices, but premium materials and specialty work still command higher fees.

The city's extensive historic housing stock means many contractors have experience working with older homes and can navigate challenges like limited access, vintage plumbing, or structural quirks that newer homes don't present.

Does Bathtub Replacement Increase Home Value?

Detroit homeowners can expect to recoup 60% to 75% of midrange bathroom remodel costs at resale. A straight, like-for-like tub swap alone will recoup less than a full bathroom remodel, but it can still materially improve buyer appeal if the existing tub is damaged or the house is older.

Avoid over-improving for your neighborhood. Installing a $10,000 clawfoot tub might feel luxurious, but it likely won’t deliver proportional returns in a modest post-war bungalow when you list it for sale.

If your goal is resale value, focus on cosmetic updates and avoid large structural changes, like moving plumbing or major layout changes, unless necessary. The cost to demo a bathroom to accommodate these bigger changes doesn’t always translate proportionally to increased resale value. A modern tub with a good surround usually gives the best value for money.

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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