Get matched with top bathtub replacement pros in Tonopah, NV

The plumbing industry has standardized the sizes for bathtub drains. They are 1 1/2 inches wide to fit all standard bathtubs from 14 to 26 inches deep. The standard sizing is to ensure that the drain fits into the P trap, a special part of your piping that prevents sewer water from bubbling up into your home (yuck).

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.

Whether replacing a bathtub with a shower affects your home's value depends on several factors, with the most significant being whether it's the only tub in the house. Removing the sole bathtub can lower a home's value because many prospective buyers, particularly families with young children or pets, require at least one.

However, a tub-to-shower conversion can also increase home value. A modern walk-in shower is often seen as an upgrade in a secondary bathroom and can be a desirable feature for its accessibility and style, appealing to older homebuyers or those without children. The overall impact is also influenced by your local real estate market and its typical buyer demographic.

If your bathroom layout allows, installing both a freestanding bathtub and a separate shower can be an ideal solution that appeals to the widest range of potential buyers.

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.