Choose a pro with a general contractor’s or plumbing license who offers a labor warranty
A bathtub installation needs a licensed professional because most states require permits and proper plumbing connections to prevent leaks and water damage.
Typical costs range from $100 to $2,000 for labor alone, with full bathtub replacement averaging $5,700 depending on your project scope.
Your bathtub choice matters for your space, so research shower-tub combos, walk-in tubs, jetted tubs, and freestanding options before meeting with your pro.
Hiring a local bathtub installation professional keeps your bathroom safe from plumbing mistakes and handles removal, hauling, permit work, and fixture connections with confidence.
Ready to upgrade your existing bathtub or install a brand-new tub in your new house? Your next step is to hire a local bathtub installer with the right skills, tools, and experience to get the job done right.
In most states, bathtub installers only need a general contractor’s license, but if your installation involves relocating or updating water or drain lines, make sure your pro has a plumber’s license, too. You should only hire professionals who are fully insured, and you should look for a pro with at least five years of experience. Let’s review how to hire a bathtub installer to set you up for a stress-free installation.
Local bathtub installers handle bathtub installation projects, which may involve related work, like removing the old unit. Your pro is likely to offer the following services.
Removing your old bathtub
Hauling away debris
Restoring the flooring and wall tile around your bathtub
Many bathtub installers also handle other aspects of bathroom renovations, including the following:
Relocating existing fixtures for layout updates
Installing new fixtures
Replacing toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures
Retiling floors and walls
Installing new vanities
It’s best to hire a professional with plumbing experience to install a bathtub. Removing an existing bathtub is physically demanding and requires maneuvering the unit in a tight space.
It’s also worth mentioning that many municipalities only allow licensed professionals to handle plumbing work, so always hire a pro if you need to rough in your bathtub or relocate water lines or drain lines. Even if it’s legal to DIY bathtub installation in your area, minor mistakes can cause severe water damage and mold growth over time, so hiring a pro is worth it.
The average cost to replace a bathtub is $5,700, and the average cost for labor alone can range from $100 to $2,000. Prices can vary widely based on local permit costs, the type of bathtub you choose, the complexity of the job, and your location. Consult a local bathtub installer to get an accurate estimate based on the specifics of your project.
Follow these tips to find the best bathtub installer for your project budget, scope, and timeline.
Whether you’re just swapping out an old bathtub with a new one of the same dimensions or are overhauling your entire bathroom, your project should start with a clear plan. Think about whether or not you want to move fixtures within the space, add new fixtures or remove existing ones, and replace surrounding materials, like flooring and wall tile.
Consult your pro about your plan and ask them to coordinate with other professionals, if necessary, to get specialized tasks done correctly.
Make sure you research the different types of bathtubs, including shower/tub combos, jetted tubs, walk-in tubs, and freestanding or clawfoot tubs. Knowing what options and modern features are available allows you to have a more meaningful initial conversation with the pro when making a final decision.
Always make sure that the pros you’re considering are licensed in your state and fully insured. Ask your pro for license and insurance information, and then use our online contractor license look-up tool to verify that the license is active.
You should speak with at least three bathtub installers near you before deciding which is the best fit. Compare the estimates from each to rule out quotes that come in significantly higher or lower than the others, and be sure to compare apples-to-apples to find the best value.
You should consider avoiding contractors who charge for estimates, provide prices that seem too good to be true, or try to push you into signing a contract before speaking with other pros.
Bathrooms contribute significantly to the value of a home, so you want to make sure your new bathtub looks good for years to come. Ask each pro you’re considering for references, and call previous customers to ask about their opinion of the workmanship and value. You can also ask your pro for pictures from previous jobs to gauge the quality of the work.
There are a handful of questions you can ask bathtub installers to narrow down your options and find the right fit for your needs.
Are you licensed and insured in my state?
Can you legally handle plumbing work if necessary during the process?
Will you pull all necessary permits for the work?
Do you have experience installing the specific type of bathtub I want?
What other services do you handle that I might need as a part of my bathroom renovation?
Will you remove the old tub and haul it away? Will that cost extra?
What’s your process like if you find damage to the subfloor or framing around the tub?
Do you offer a labor or workmanship warranty?
Choosing the right bathtub installer near you means hiring a qualified pro who will ensure that your tub lasts for many years with a low risk of leaks and other issues. Mistakes made by disreputable bathtub installers can result in severe water damage, issues with mold, and even structural problems in your home, so you should take great care to hire a reliable, licensed professional.
You should always confirm that the pro you’re hiring is properly licensed and insured, and it’s a good idea to choose an expert who has at least a few years of experience in bathroom renovation and includes a labor warranty for peace of mind.
After the bathtub is in place, ask your installer for professional tips on how to maintain the tub to get the most out of its lifespan. Most bathtub installers won’t expect a tip upon completion, but if your pro maneuvered materials up or down flights of stairs or through especially tight areas, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. You can also leave your pro a positive review online and offer to be a reference for other customers in the future.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The Waterworks1st Choice Renew is simply the best! We hired them for a complete home renovation, and they transformed our space into something truly amazing. The team attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident throughout the project. They were easy to work with, very responsive, and always...
Save A DimeAmazing job. Efficient and quick without compromising quality. Basement feels brand new. Would use them again in a heartbeat.
AffordaPro RestorationBest cleaning I've had at my property
Supreme Brick & Chimney did an excellent job restoring the brick and mortar joints on my home. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and completed the work on time. I highly recommend them and will hire them again in the future! Thanks!
Supreme brick & chimneyCustom Paint Jobs LLC brought life back to my old furniture. Highly recommended for their restoration work!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingOverall the work went well. We had some miscommunication over the damper, because of my lack of knowledge regarding fireplaces. When I pointed the issue out to New Buck they corrected the issue, and did not charge me. They were very clean, with their work considering how messy restoring a...
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