Get matched with top bathtub replacement pros in Auburn, ME

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.

Completing a full standard bathroom remodel offers the best value, with an average return on investment (ROI) of 70%. However, you don't need a full remodel to make an impact. To maximize value, focus on key components like flooring, the tub and shower, vanity, and cabinets. High-value upgrades include installing a walk-in shower, resurfacing a tub, retiling, or expanding the shower. For more budget-friendly options that still increase value, consider repainting with a light, neutral color, or updating the mirror and light fixtures. It's also crucial to address any necessary repairs, such as leaks, mold, or cracked tiles, as buyers will notice these issues. Avoid flashy upgrades like bathtub jets or steam showers, which don't add as much value.

You can resurface or reglaze your bathtub, and it’s faster and less expensive than replacing a bathtub. Plus, replacing a bathtub is an extensive and intrusive process that requires wall repairs. Refinishing is an excellent option if the old one is in good working condition.

There are also options to install a bathtub liner over your existing tub. However, if you’re seeking a new bathtub with new features, you’ll likely want to replace your tub.

A peeling bathtub is not a good thing. It’s a sign that the finish is coming off, and continued exposure to water and cleaning products can continue to damage the finish and eventually the underlying structure of the tub. What starts as a few chips or flakes can worsen into large chunks peeling off.