November 9, 2025
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Construction

CountBricks: average cost of bathtub in residential remodels

James Miller
Head of Sales

The Average Cost of Bathtub: A CountBricks Guide for Homeowners & Contractors

The phrase “average cost of bathtub” is one of the most searched terms in residential construction—and for good reason. A bathtub upgrade is the centerpiece of any bathroom remodel, affecting aesthetics, comfort, and resale value. Yet prices can swing from a few hundred dollars to well over ten thousand. CountBricks demystifies those numbers by pairing real-time material pricing, voice-driven on-site data capture, and instant AI takeoffs. The result: crystal-clear estimates and invoices you can trust.

Why Understanding the Average Matters

• Planning an accurate budget prevents mid-project surprises

• Lenders and investors request realistic cost expectations

• Homeowners gain peace of mind before signing a contract

• Contractors reduce change orders and protect profit margins

What Goes Into the Average Cost of Bathtub Replacement?

Bathtub projects are deceptively complex. CountBricks breaks costs into digestible components:

• Tub shell: acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, or stone composite

• Demolition and disposal of the existing unit

• Rough plumbing adjustments and valve upgrades

• Surround materials—tile, solid surface, or cultured marble panels

• Waterproofing membranes and backer boards

• Finish plumbing: drains, overflow assemblies, and trim kits

• Labor, project management, permitting, and inspection fees

National vs. Local Pricing—How CountBricks Keeps You Current

National averages can mislead St. Louis homeowners. Commodity price spikes, local labor rates, and even neighborhood permitting fees push totals up or down. CountBricks updates material databases every 15 minutes and geolocates labor costs by ZIP code. Speak your measurements into the CountBricks mobile app, and our AI references current supplier catalogs to deliver hyper-local bathtub pricing in seconds—no spreadsheets, no guesswork.

Cost Range Breakdown: Good, Better, Best

CountBricks categorizes bathtub replacement into three typical tiers so clients can quickly align expectations:

GOOD (Baseline Refresh $1,200–$2,800)

• Off-the-shelf acrylic alcove tub

• Basic tile surround with standard waterproofing

• Minimal plumbing changes

BETTER (Upgraded Comfort $3,000–$6,500)

• Deeper soaker or curved skirt tub

• Large-format porcelain tile or solid surface panels

• Pressure-balance valve, new drain lines, niche shelving

BEST (Spa-Level Luxury $7,000–$15,000+)

• Freestanding cast-iron or stone composite tub

• Designer fixtures, body spray system, and heated floors

• Custom millwork, high-end waterproofing, frameless glass accents

4 Steps to a Precise CountBricks Bathtub Estimate

1. Open the CountBricks mobile app and start a voice session.

2. Walk the bathroom, describing existing conditions—our AI converts your words into dimensional data.

3. Select preferred material tiers; CountBricks auto-pulls live supplier prices.

4. Receive a ready-to-send estimate, complete with branded proposal and payment schedule.

Hidden Costs That Skew the Average

• Structural repairs unveiled after demo

• Lead or galvanized pipe replacement to meet code

• Upgrading to a larger capacity water heater for jetted tubs

• Accessibility features such as grab bars or low-threshold walk-ins

Ways to Keep Your Bathtub Project on Budget

• Lock in pricing with CountBricks purchase orders generated the same day as the estimate

• Opt for single-source surrounds to cut tile labor by up to 40%

• Schedule work during supplier promotions visible inside CountBricks.com/services

• Reuse existing drains when code permits to save on plumbing labor

How CountBricks Streamlines Invoicing and Change Orders

Our platform feeds the final approved estimate directly into invoicing modules. If scope changes, modify the line item by voice and resend a signed change order in minutes. Homeowners appreciate transparency; contractors appreciate uninterrupted cash flow.

Choosing the Right Bathtub for ROI

Real estate studies show mid-range bathroom remodels recoup roughly 60–70% of their cost at resale. CountBricks analysts observe that soaking tubs in family homes and walk-ins for aging-in-place buyers perform best.

Ready to Get Started?

Visit CountBricks.com/consultation to schedule a live demo. Seconds after you speak your first measurement, you’ll know the true average cost of bathtub replacement—tailored to your ZIP code, labor crew, and design vision.

Conclusion

The “average cost of bathtub” is only half the story—accuracy and speed complete the picture. CountBricks marries real-time data with AI efficiency, empowering homeowners and contractors to build smarter, faster, and on budget.

Are you a construction professional? Use AI to build and edit full estimates, quotes and bids.

CountBricks Case Snapshot: Bringing Spa Luxury to a St. Louis Bungalow

When the Johnson family purchased a 1920s bungalow in St. Louis, the outdated pink steel tub was a sore spot. Their wish list included a deep soaking tub, large-format tile, and matte-black fixtures. Unsure of potential costs, they opened the CountBricks app, narrated room dimensions, and selected our “Better” tier.

Real-Time Estimate Results

• Tub shell: 60-inch acrylic soaker, supplier price pulled at $640

• Surround: 12x24 porcelain tile, live cost $3.20/sq ft

• Plumbing upgrade: pressure-balance valve and new ABS drain, $540

• Labor: local journeyman rate at $58/hr, automatically geolocated

Total project estimate delivered: $4,950, accurate within a 2% margin after completion.

Execution Powered by CountBricks

1. Materials were ordered through CountBricks purchase orders, locking in pricing ahead of a seasonal supplier increase.

2. During demolition, a minor subfloor rot issue surfaced. The contractor spoke a change request into the app; CountBricks generated a $380 addendum, approved by the homeowner in minutes.

3. Final invoicing synced directly with the original estimate, providing transparent line-item costs.

Outcome & ROI

The Johnsons enjoyed a spa-like retreat without budget creep, and the remodel boosted their home appraisal by $9,500—nearly double the bathtub project cost. CountBricks’ blend of AI precision and contractor-friendly workflows turned a stressful renovation into a streamlined success.

Ready to create your own success story? Explore CountBricks.com/portfolio or book a personalized walk-through at CountBricks.com/consultation today.