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Installing a drop-in tub yourself is possible, especially if you’re replacing your existing tub with a new one of the same size. If you’re replacing a different type of tub, you’ll need to build the structure to hold the new drop-in tub and finish the exposed sides. The structure must be sturdy enough to hold the tub when it’s filled with water, and you’ll need to seal it. If any plumbing work is required, it’s best to call a licensed plumber who installs bathtubs.

If you don’t caulk your bathtub, then there won’t be a watertight seal between your bathtub and the wall tile surrounding it. As a result, water can seep into the wall and the floor and cause the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Not only does this require costly repairs, but mold can be harmful to those breathing it. 

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.

You can put a structure under your bathtub for support. Many modern tubs come with a built-in support structure underneath. Almost any type of mortar or floor-leveling compound is acceptable for new bathtubs that don’t include a support structure.

You can also install spray foam under an existing bathtub to eliminate or reduce squeaking or sagging. However, spray foam isn’t rigid enough for primary tub support.