Best bathtub replacement pros near Fairview Heights, IL

A standard bathtub can be used for soaking, but they tend to be shallower (between 15 and 18 inches deep). A soaking tub is designed to be deep enough to totally submerge yourself in the water (about 20 and 24 inches deep). Additionally, most soaking tubs are freestanding, while regular bathtubs come in various styles with drop-in, surround, and wall-mounted options available.

An alcove tub is designed to fit into a three-walled enclosure in a bathroom. A drop-in tub, on the other hand, is placed into a custom-built frame or enclosure. This frame can be fitted to an alcove, making a drop-in tub a viable alternative if you want a more custom or spa-like look. Because the frame is custom, drop-in tubs offer more design flexibility and a wider range of materials, such as cultured marble or tile, compared to the simpler acrylic or fiberglass of a typical alcove tub. The frame for a drop-in tub can also be placed anywhere in the bathroom it fits, not just in an alcove.

The average cost to convert a tub to a shower is around $3,000, but prices can range from $1,000 to as high as $15,000. A more typical range is between $1,200 and $8,000. The final cost depends on several factors, including the amount of plumbing work required, the size of the shower, and the type of materials and fixtures chosen. A prefabricated shower stall is a more budget-friendly option, while a custom shower with features like luxury tiles, unique tiling, smart technology, or accessibility features will be at the higher end of the cost spectrum.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.