Most people just automatically assume that when a bathtub or shower is damaged in any way that replacement is the only and most logical option. In all actuality it is not, refinishing (resurfacing, refacing etc.) is actually the most efficient solution to the problem. No matter what the damage is, it can be repaired! When replacing there are multiple variables you will encounter. Most bathtubs or showers wont match up exactly with the original, meaning there will be sheetrock, flooring and/or tile work needing to be done as well as plumbing.
Unless the person completing the construction side of the job also does plumbing, that means you now have to hire two seperate companies, possibly a third for the flooring issue. When replacing, the purchase of the bathtub or shower is mostly always the cheapest expense amongst the many to come during the duration of the project. Sometimes doorways are not large enough to allow your new fixture to even enter the bathroom, making installation an even larger and more expensive endeavor. You now have to tear out your door frame which requires more sheetrock work and painting to be completed, and MORE MONEY!!
The entire process can have your bathroom down for quite a while, sometimes for weeks at a time! Unless you have multiple bathrooms, that can pose to be a huge problem. Who wants to be without a bathroom for weeks? For those of you who want to try to tackle this job yourself here are the steps: First, Measure the dimensions of your bathtub. This will help to ensure that your new tub will match up as closely as possible to the previous one, and also let you know if the toilet or vanity will need to be removed. Next, unscrew and remove the overflow cover, including any attached drain assembly. Disconnect and remove the drain using a strainer wrench or drain tool. Disconnect the waste-and-overflow unit (WO) from the drain line (This may need to be accessed from underneath the tub or an access panel on an adjacent wall).
You will need to remove the surrounding wall surface atleast eight inches up from the tub. You will also need to remove the water spout and faucet handles, then remove the sheetrock under the wall surface. Then, remove nails and anchor screws holding the tub flange to the wall studs. Remove any caulk or adhesive, pry the tub from the wall using a crowbar and remove it from the bathroom. Next, Replace any damaged plywood or floor covering and insert your new tub. Level and attach the tub flange to the wall using the existing studs. Then connect the drain line and run water in the tub to confirm there are no leaks. Then seal the outer perimeter of the tub with a heavy bead of silicon or tile caulk. Install your new faucets and handles. Replace the missing wall surface by installing a new tub surround or wall tiles.
Hopefully flooring is not necessary, if so you will need to choose your new flooring or and install it as well. This will definitely save you money on replacing but does not solve the issue of time. Refinishing is a process that can most of the time be completed and ready to use in less than a day! It is cheaper than replacing and can be done on site without the need for hiring multiple companies. No contractors, plumbers or flooring companies are needed to complete a refinishing job, just the company hired to do the refinish. The fact of only one company being involved automatically means less money spent. Time is money and since refinishing requires a significant amount of less time than replacing, it only makes sense that the price would reflect that.
Don’t let the cheap price deter you, the materials used during the refinishing process are designed specifically for what they are used for (Refinishing bathtubs and showers). Many companies prove the durability of their product by standing behind it with warranties. One piece of advice for hiring a refinisher, the finish is only as good as the surface preparation done before applying the new finish. So, when choosing a company to refinish your bathtub or shower, make sure it is a company that has been in business for several years, has a written (not verbal) warranty, has atleast a few reviews online and is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau. Hopefully this information has been helpful in your decision!
