Get matched with top bathtub replacement pros in Brookline, VT

It’s substantially less expensive to reglaze a tub than to replace it. The average cost of reglazing a bathtub is between $400 and $700, but that range may be higher based on where you live and the type of tub you have. Meanwhile, if you want to replace the bathtub, you’re looking at $2,000 to $9,400, with the average close to $5,700.

Different bathtub materials have various advantages and disadvantages. Cast iron and copper are considered the most durable materials because they are dense and resistant to damage from scratches or dents. However, cast-iron tubs are heavy, expensive, and may not be suitable for upper floors. Copper offers unique benefits but requires regular chemical treatment to prevent a patina from forming, making cast iron a less maintenance-intensive option. Porcelain is a good second choice for durability. For those on a budget, acrylic is a popular option, though it is less durable.

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.

Yes, $5,000 is a healthy budget for a DIY bathroom renovation. It can go a long way in making the space more accessible and stylishly spa-like. Providing you stick to modest materials and don’t make any major plumbing or structural changes, you can upgrade fixtures, retile, and add some stylish bathroom accessories and savvy storage solutions to maximize the space.