Get matched with top bathtub replacement pros in Ord, NE

Alcove tubs come in fiberglass, acrylic, or enameled steel. Fiberglass is the most affordable but least durable, while acrylic is the highest-end and most durable (as long as you don’t go with a poor grade of acrylic, which will be prone to scratches). Enameled steel, where a steel tub is coated in a layer of porcelain, is a wallet-friendly middle ground. This material is highly durable but prone to chips.

The cost to install a shower or a tub is roughly the same. Shower installation costs range from $2,400 to $8,800 and vary depending on the type and size, materials used, and the complexity of the features. For similar reasons, the average bathtub cost can range from $2,000 to $9,400.

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.

While Medicare will pay for some bathroom modifications, it won’t pay for all modifications done to help make the room more accessible for older adults. Plus, the improvements must be approved in advance, or they won’t cover the upgrade. Check well in advance of construction if you have coverage for grab bars, walk-in tubs, wider doorways, higher toilets, and more.