Why You Should Demolish Your Garden Tub

Home remodeling can be a daunting and expensive task, especially when you have a garden tub in your bathroom. Brad from Home of Construction recently showcased a bathroom remodel project in Trinity, Florida, where he discussed the process of removing a garden tub and the costs involved.

Garden tubs, which are a common feature in many master bathrooms, are seen as an inexpensive way to have both a tub and a shower. However, Brad has a strong dislike for them and considers them to be the “bane of his existence.” He shared that garden tubs are not only unsightly, but they are also challenging to remove due to the amount of work involved.

When a garden tub is removed, it leaves behind a big hole in the bathroom. This exposes the plumbing and allows for easier access to the supply lines. However, many homeowners are left wondering what to do with the empty space. Brad suggested a couple of options, including expanding the shower or putting in a free-standing tub.

Installing a free-standing tub, in particular, requires a different plumbing setup from a garden tub. The drain needs to be in the exact location to fit under the tub, and the plumber needs to ensure that it is in the perfect position before the tub is lowered into place. Brad emphasized the importance of hiring a skilled plumber or contractor who knows how to work with free-standing tubs.

The cost of removing a garden tub is significant and can run up to several thousand dollars, depending on the amount of work involved. Brad shared that the cost of removing a garden tub in the bathroom he was working on was estimated to be between five to seven thousand dollars. This is due to the extensive demolition work required to remove the tub, including jackhammering out concrete slabs, removing debris, and roughing the plumbing.

Once the garden tub is removed, the area needs to be filled with concrete, and the wall needs to be insulated and redone. In some cases, new framing may be required, which adds to the cost of the project. All of these tasks require significant man-hours and careful planning to ensure that the project is completed to a high standard.

Despite the high cost of removing a garden tub, many homeowners are willing to undertake the task to modernize their bathroom and create more space. Brad’s client decided to replace the garden tub with a free-standing tub, which he believes will be a beautiful addition to the bathroom.

In conclusion, removing a garden tub is not a simple task, and it can be quite costly. However, for those who want to modernize their bathroom and create more space, it can be a worthwhile investment. Homeowners who are considering this project should be aware of the amount of work involved and should seek the help of a skilled contractor or plumber to ensure that the work is done correctly.