FAQ About New Showers and Tubs

<img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2021/07/Green-Living-Builders-LLC-example-rgb-Relaxing-Master-Bath-scaled.jpg" alt="class=attachment-post-thumbnail" style="height: ;width: "/> Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified bathtub and shower contractor? A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a bathtub and shower contractor with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/ratings-process/" target="_self">in-depth rating process</a>. Only bathtub and shower remodel contractors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/performance-guarantee/" target="_self">Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee</a>. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified bathtub and shower contractor. Q: How long does a typical bathtub or shower remodel take? A: This depends on the nature of your project. A simple refinish should only take one day, and a bathtub and shower lining should take no more than two days of actual work time. However, installing brand new fixtures or custom fixtures, changing the floor plan, or changing the style of your fixture all dramatically increase the timeline. Selecting materials and finalizing terms can take 2 to 3 weeks, ordering and delivering materials can take 3 to 6 weeks, removing old materials can take 2 to 3 days, installing new materials can take 1 to 3 weeks, and finishing touches and clean up can take an extra week. Q: Will my bathroom and shower contractor be able to help me choose materials and obtain permits, if necessary? A: Qualified, licensed bathtub and shower contractors will definitely offer creative and technical expertise in the decision-making process, steering you clear of materials that may not fit your budget or size-constraints, and lending their advice on various materials and manufacturers they’ve worked with. They will also most likely have a portfolio of design options you can peruse, and will know the ins and outs of obtaining building permits. Q: Is refinishing a bathtub a good alternative to replacing the tub? What about lining? A: Refinishing a bathtub can help restore your existing fixture to a like-new appearance, and also save you several thousand dollars. Limitations include that is simply a clean up of your existing fixture, rather than a completely new design with different features, and that it is a temporary solution. The paint and glaze in a refinishing job may begin to fade, wear, or chip over time, and is typically less durable than a brand new fixture. However, many refinishers will offer surface guarantees of up to five years, which is longer than the typical new bathtub warranty. Lining is a more expensive but also more durable option that provides the added benefit of additional features, such as a lined bathtub and shower wall with handles and shelves. Q: How much can I expect to spend for a bathtub and shower remodel? A: This depends entirely upon the kind of project you undertake. Remodel costs can range from a $300 bathtub refinish to a $10,000+ ultramodern bathtub fixture. Custom bathtub and shower designs raise the price even more. Expect installation to account for about a quarter of the total cost. A “basic” built-in unit, including installation, and removal of your existing unit, would typically cost in the $1500-3500 range, depending on ease of access, quality of the new fixture, and additional modifications in plumbing, flooring, and tile. Q: What is a typical payment schedule? A: Most contracting firms will require 30-50% up front at the time the contract is signed, an additional 30-40% upon delivery of the materials, and the balance upon completion. Q: Can my bathtub and shower contractor help me create a design and select products that look good? A: Many larger bathroom and shower contractors have a bathroom designer and interior decorator on staff who can help you select fixtures that will be an attractive fit for the rest of your bathroom, or provide a optimal first step in a complete bathroom overhaul in the future. Q: What is a typical warranty for bathtub and shower fixtures and contracting remodel services? A: Many contractors will guarantee their work for one to five years after completion of a bathtub and shower remodel, depending on the type of work. Bathtub and shower manufacturers typically offer a 1 to 2 year guarantee against surface defects, and a Limited Lifetime Warranty against defects that prevent the fixture from holding water.