Adding value to your home is possible by renovating your bathroom, and it’s a great investment. A recent study found that you can actually recoup up to 60 percent of what you spend on your remodel.
But every homeowner who’s lived through a remodeling project knows that there are challenges that come with it. Some of these include finding the best professional for the job, project delays, and, let’s not forget, the mess.
If a remodel is on the cards, you might find yourself wondering, do plumbers install bathtubs? Is hiring just one professional enough to see the project through? Find out more in this blog.
What Is the Job Scope of a Plumber?
If you’re thinking about just hiring a plumber to assist you with your bathroom remodel, it’s a good idea to understand what’s included in their scope of work fully. Most plumbers have the skill and qualification to perform these tasks:
- Installation, repair, and maintenance of pipes, fittings, valves, and drainage systems
- Installation of all bathroom fittings, such as toilets, sinks, bathtubs, faucets, and shower heads
- Some plumbers might also offer light construction work such as bare brickwork, drywalling, plastering, tiling, flooring, and ceiling installation.
Bear in mind that most plumbers don’t offer electrical work. Any plumber worth their reputation should recommend that you hire an electrician for extensive rewiring projects. Check out Redline Plumbing LLC for all the expertise you need.
Do Plumbers Install Bathtubs?
The short answer to this question is yes. As mentioned above, most plumbers are proficient and skilled in installing all the main features of a bathroom. They will also remove an old bathtub, reconnect new plumbing, and replace or finish off any tiling work around your bathtub area.
But what does this all cost?
- Most plumbers charge anywhere between $50-$200 per hour of installation
- If you’re thinking of just hiring a handyman, this will cost you roughly $60-$125 per hour (but the workmanship might not be as good)
All in all, removing an old bathtub and installing a new one could set you back $2,000-$5,000. However, this depends on the size and cost of the actual bathtub and the labor involved in removing the old one and installing the new one.
How long does a bathtub installation take?
The duration of the project tends to vary from one plumber to the next. An experienced plumber with the right skillset can remove and install a new bathtub within a day. Depending on the type of bathtub and the availability of plumbing parts, it could take up to a week.
Just bear in mind that it shouldn’t take longer than 2-3 days to install a new bathtub if your plumber has all the parts ready to go.
Choosing a Plumber vs. Handyman
We understand that a full bathroom remodel is an expensive endeavor for many homeowners. In this case, you might find yourself mulling over the idea of hiring a handyman instead of a qualified plumber.
The reality is that cutting corners during a remodel can cost you more down the line. This is not to say that a handyman will not do a decent job. But it means taking a risk, as many handymen might not have the same skills, experience, or qualifications to remove and replace a bathtub.
Keep in mind that plumbers must work and study as an apprentice for 2-4 years before becoming qualified and licensed. A handyman is generally a contractor who performs a multitude of tasks–they don’t actually specialize in anything. In some cases, they might not even have formal training or qualifications.
It goes without saying that if you want the job done correctly the first time around, it’s safer to stick with a qualified plumber.
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What to Consider When Choosing a Plumber
While it’s always a good idea to choose a trained and specialized professional over a ”jack-of-all-trades,” not all plumbers are created equal, either. You have to have your wits about you when choosing the right contractor.
Choosing a reliable plumber boils down to research, i.e., doing a little homework on your end. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Shop around for a few different price quotes from different plumbers. Evaluate your options, and don’t always opt for the cheapest quote!
- Always scope out the reviews of a plumber’s previous work, i.e., read customer testimonials.
- Learn about their level of experience and quality of workmanship by visiting their website and social media platforms.
- Don’t be afraid to ask about a plumber’s level of experience and training. Ask for credentials if you have doubts.
- Always ensure they’re fully licensed and offer insurance coverage
Make sure you get everything in writing when it comes to quotes and job contracts. This is for the benefit of you and your chosen plumber.
Is It a Good Idea to DIY Bathtub Installation?
The bottom line is that, yes, you can install a bathtub yourself. But the reality is that this comes with a mountain of risks. You’ll have to carefully weigh up these risks when attempting any DIY plumbing work.
You might consider yourself a handyman with enough experience in plumbing. But DIY bathtub installation comes with the possibility of issues such as leaks, water damage, mold issues, and an unlevel tub that is costly to fix.
Bear in mind that removing and replacing a bathtub means you’ll need to have experience in working with drywall, plastering, tiling, replacing faucets and plumbing lines, as well as re-installing your flooring.
If you don’t have enough experience in all of these procedures, it’s best to hire a professional!
Get Your Home Improvement Fix Right Here
So, do plumbers install bathtubs? Yes, this falls into their general scope of work. But remember that all plumbers differ in their level of experience. Make sure to ask your plumber if they’re proficient in bathtub installation. If not, find someone else who is–don’t take a chance on an inexperienced newbie.
Apart from this, if you are interested to know about Bidet Converter Kit, visit our Home Improvement category.
