San Antonio, TX · Member since 2010 · 93 posts · 32 votes
We're almost done with our rehab on one of our houses and we decided to keep the existing tubs because the area doesn't warrant a complete redo of the baths.
The tubs are a little dark from years of use and we want to brighten them up.
Anyway, we found the epoxy kit Home Depot sells and we don't want to do it ourselves. How much have you paid a contractor to refinish a tub?
Flipper · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2009 · 973 posts · 679 votes
16y
I think it's more likely that you don't have the same definition of diverter. A diverter is simply the spout that water fills a tub from. When you block it, it turns on the shower. The mixing valve and accompanying covers are generally the expensive part of the system. Even so, the whole setup shouldn't be that expensive, even with brushed nickel finishes.
Please don't tell me about my reputation, or substandard materials. Maybe it's time you priced out new contractors, or hired your own labor. Or, it's your business, you can run it however you see fit.
Royal Finish does our countertop resurfacing and bathtub resurfacing when we've done it. Tubs are 150ish and countertops are 100ish.
Wholesaler · Colorado Springs, CO · Member since 2009 · 286 posts · 255 votes
16y
That's the way to do it if you have time to fish for the deals. There are places like Habitat to Restore which often have smoking deals on things you use for every rehab. Craigslist is a big one for me too, if I have time that is.
If nothing else, have Home Depot or Lowes bid out your materials, I usually save somewhere between 12 and 20% of list price and I can usually get them to deliver for free. Here's a tip: even though they might say minimum $2,500 purchase to bid, if you do enough business with them they will lower that number for you.
As a side note regarding craigslist: I once purchased a washer, dryer, and refrigerator all for $125, put the washer and dryer in a rehab and sold the refrigerator by itself for $175. More than enough to take the family out for a nice meal.
Real Estate Investor · MD · Member since 2010 · 124 posts · 84 votes
16y
Marc, let me make sure I understand, you are pulling out a tub and diverter to replace with a $5 diverter and $100 tub and you are worried about your reputation? Please gentlemen, please stop, you cant advocate replacing something for your 'reputation' and then brag about using substandard materials. The post asked how much tub reglazing cost not 'lets see who can claim, they can replace a tub for an impossible amount.'
Full-Time Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
16y
tracey, this isn't a pissing contest.....we're showing you that our numbers are not the same as yours...and thus, we are comparing apples to oranges, but ya, it's prob time to get back on track with the original post..
Flipper · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2009 · 973 posts · 679 votes
16y
I think it's more likely that you don't have the same definition of diverter. A diverter is simply the spout that water fills a tub from. When you block it, it turns on the shower. The mixing valve and accompanying covers are generally the expensive part of the system. Even so, the whole setup shouldn't be that expensive, even with brushed nickel finishes.
Please don't tell me about my reputation, or substandard materials. Maybe it's time you priced out new contractors, or hired your own labor. Or, it's your business, you can run it however you see fit.
Royal Finish does our countertop resurfacing and bathtub resurfacing when we've done it. Tubs are 150ish and countertops are 100ish.
SFR Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
16y
While we're talking tubs, does anyone have any experience with relining a tub? Instead of re-glazing, which is basically a high-tech paint job, and replacing, which involves chopping out the old one and replacing it with a 2-part tub & surround combo (necessary in my homes), a relining is a drop in acrylic shell that's precisely matched to the make and model of the old tub.
It's supposed to cost a lot less than a completely new tub (you're not removing the old one) and more of an upgrade than refinishing. I have a tub in one house that will need something done between the next tenants.
Residential Real Estate Agent · Camden, NJ · Member since 2010 · 126 posts · 55 votes
16y
Originally posted by Mitch Kronowit:
While we're talking tubs, does anyone have any experience with relining a tub? Instead of re-glazing, which is basically a high-tech paint job, and replacing, which involves chopping out the old one and replacing it with a 2-part tub & surround combo (necessary in my homes), a relining is a drop in acrylic shell that's precisely matched to the make and model of the old tub.
It's supposed to cost a lot less than a completely new tub (you're not removing the old one) and more of an upgrade than refinishing. I have a tub in one house that will need something done between the next tenants.
$$$$$ at least around here. it seems like they corner the market in trying to get a tub....they called me to set up an appointment for a sales rep($$), and the lady told me on the phone"it will at least be a $2000 job"
Real Estate Investor · Portage, MI · Member since 2010 · 470 posts · 315 votes
16y
Originally posted by Bryan Alenky:
good point marc...i was gonna mention you can get a cheap diverter or a 3 handled system...different ways to go with much different prices
Most codes will require a pressure balanced T&S valve for safety reasons, so when replacing a tub and faucet, an old style 2 or 3 handle will not meet code. I think that the $75 price for a pressure balanced T&S valve is probably a good estimate. I've never re-glazed a tub and would be more likely to replace the tub, surround and misc. hardware. I do see both sides of the issue and think that there are good arguments to go both ways that address, time, cost and quality issues. The time, cost and quality issues will vary in importance from instance to instance, so I would not rule out going either way!
Bill
Real Estate Investor · seminole, FL · Member since 2008 · 4 posts · 0 votes
16y
Interesting comments......
Tracey, when you say "reglazing" do you really mean painting? I've never heard of reglazing.
And, yes, you're paying dearly for your products and labor, but could be your area.
As for painting, I've done many. My professional painter uses polyurethane and cost me $175 per tub. One of my handymen painters did the home depot epoxy thing and I wasn't happy with it. Even the pros with the poly don't always do a "perfect" job. And with the painting, it's rare that it's "only" the tub that needs something.
However, if it is only the tub, like the OP mentioned, by all means, paint it... but I'd argue to get a pro and use the polyurethane.
As for replacing, that's my preference, regardless if it's a keeper or a flipper. It's very predictable and easy. I've never run into one that couldn't be done reasonably, regardless of any problem.
And, I'm with Bryan price wise, will completely replace a tub in the $500 to $800 range and it will look absolutely brand new. Just finished one, and have two more we're doing as we speak. And, quite usually, I'll be doing the whole bathroom, especially if anything is dated, dingy, broke, etc.
Im in a market in FL where most of the stuff I'm doing is in the $100 to $250K range.... 1200 to 2000 sq ft. so putting a brand new bathroom in makes sense. I also put brand new kitchens with granite, tile floors, doors and paint.
Investor · Davie, FL · Member since 2010 · 66 posts · 8 votes
15y
I just refinished the tub in a condo I bought a couple months ago. The previous tenant had chipped off a slice of the finish and installed (badly) a sliding door, which was broken.
On removing the door and track the finish on the tub had worn through to the metal. The wife picked up a tub refinish kit from Lowes which came with two rattle cans, prep pads and gloves. There is a slogan called 'Tough as Tile' on the box. Cleaned out the tub with bleach, scoured it with brillo pads and wiped down with a tack cloth before masking off the tiles around it and spraying it down.
The original tub was pink, the new finish, white. I made short sweeps when painting and used up pretty much all of the paint in one shot. It self leveled and looks great. Its not glossy as a new tub would be but if you didn't know it was refinished, you would think the color was original.
I've done another tub about 5 years ago but that was a roller-based kit and there were some runs and drips. The plumber that eventually took the tub out 2 years later was impressed with it though. Replacing that tub cost me almost 500, including the tub and I retiled the bath myself.
Investor · Little Rock, AR · Member since 2010 · 628 posts · 251 votes
14y
I bought the DYI kit from Home Depot a couple of weeks ago. But, I chickened out and let a local guy do the tub and surround for $395 last week. The fiberglass tub needed more than just a clenaing and new finish. It had some "fisheyes" that needed filling and sanding. The finish is not as glossy as I expected. But, it was worth the money to me.
Don
Multi-family Investor · Morton Grove, IL · Member since 2011 · 59 posts · 8 votes
14y
I found a local contractor whose main business was tub refinishing/glazing. I had a two flat that we were rehabbing and I tried him for tub #1 and he did a beautiful job, and then gave him the contract for tub #2. The cost per tub was $250.00 and he gave a 5 year guarantee on the finish. He also gave a checklist of care instructions, which I gave to the tenants and attached to the lease. The care instructions were simple, "use a non abrasive cleaner and sponge for cleaning after every use".