November 5, 2025
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Construction

Cost to Replace a Tub: CountBricks Residential Experts

James Miller
Head of Sales

The True Cost to Replace a Tub—Powered by CountBricks

When homeowners look up “cost to replace a tub,” they usually find national averages that swing wildly from $1,200 to $9,000. Those figures are so broad because every bathroom is different. At CountBricks, we tighten that range by combining AI-driven estimating with real-time local material pricing and verified trade rates. The result is a number you can actually build on—often delivered before the demo crew even arrives.

Why Tub Replacement Costs Vary So Much

• Existing bathroom layout and plumbing access
• Type of tub selected—standard alcove, freestanding, whirlpool, or walk-in
• Structural modifications to framing or subfloor
• Tile or wall system upgrades surrounding the new tub
• Permit fees and code upgrades in your municipality
• Labor rates that change week-to-week with demand

Because each of these line items shifts quickly, static price lists get outdated fast. CountBricks solves that problem by syncing to live supplier catalogs and local labor indexes the moment you speak with our platform.

Breakdown of Typical Tub Replacement Expenses

1. Demolition and disposal: $200–$600 depending on access and haul-away requirements
2. New tub purchase: $400–$3,500 based on material and style
3. Plumbing rough-in and trim: $350–$1,200
4. Surround finishing (tile, backer board, waterproofing): $700–$2,800
5. Permits and inspections: $75–$350
6. Project management and cleanup: $250–$750

When CountBricks generates an estimate, each of these components appears as its own task with live pricing links back to CountBricks.com/services. If copper pricing jumps overnight, your estimate updates automatically—no spreadsheets required.

How CountBricks AI Generates Hyper-Accurate Tub Costs

• Voice-first data capture: Walk your bathroom with a phone, call out dimensions and fixtures, and the platform measures in real time.
• Instant blueprint takeoffs: Upload a PDF plan and let the AI locate plumbing walls, drains, and vent stacks to pre-populate material lists.
• Supplier API integration: CountBricks pulls local SKUs, not generic MSRPs, so you see your actual cost to replace a tub in Providence, Portland, or Phoenix.
• Labor marketplace sync: Verified trade partners update availability and hourly rates daily, giving you a labor line that reflects today’s market.

Value Engineering Without Sacrificing Style

Homeowners often worry that trimming budget means compromising on design. CountBricks makes value engineering transparent by showing side-by-side cost impacts on screen.

• Swap porcelain tile for large-format acrylic panels—save up to 18% on materials and 25% on install time
• Reuse existing valve body if code allows—save $150–$300
• Choose a molded skirted tub over a freestanding model—save floor reinforcement labor

Because these pivots appear instantly in the estimate, you and your client can decide in minutes, not during painful change-order negotiations weeks later.

Timeline: From Estimate to Soak

1. Live site walk-through via CountBricks Voice: 15 minutes
2. AI estimate delivered to inbox: under 5 minutes
3. Client approval through e-signature: same day
4. Material orders released: within 24 hours
5. Demo to set: typically 3–5 working days
6. Final punch and cleanup: 1 day

That means a standard tub swap, including new surround, can be fully wrapped up in one week—half the time of traditional contracting models.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Water damage discovered behind old tile—may add $300–$900 for framing repair
• Electrical bonding for whirlpool or air tubs—$150–$400
• Lead or galvanized pipe replacement—$8–$14 per linear foot
• Unexpected permit revisions—varies by jurisdiction

CountBricks flags these risk items during the initial AI analysis, assigning provisional allowances so surprises don’t derail the project budget.

Financing and ROI

Replacing an outdated tub with a modern unit yields an average 60–65% return on resale value in most housing markets. CountBricks partners with leading home-improvement lenders to embed instant financing options directly inside the quote. Homeowners can spread payments while you, the contractor, receive guaranteed funds at milestones.

Why Residential Pros Choose CountBricks

• Estimates you can send without touching a keyboard
• Templates built around the International Residential Code
• Automatic generation of branded proposals, schedules, and invoices
• Centralized change-order tracking
• Cloud storage of before-and-after media for your portfolio at CountBricks.com/portfolio

Get Started Today

Whether you are a GC lining up multiple bathroom remodels or a specialty plumber focusing on fixtures, knowing the exact cost to replace a tub is critical to profit and client satisfaction. Book a free consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation and discover how fast, accurate, and profitable tub replacements can be.

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

Case Study: Providence Tub Replacement Completed in Five Days

CountBricks recently partnered with Ocean State Homes on a 1920s bungalow in Providence, RI. The client wanted a deep-soak alcove tub with a subway-tile surround but had a strict $6,500 budget.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

1. Day 1—Voice Walk-Through and Estimate
The superintendent opened the CountBricks mobile app, narrated dimensions, and received a line-item quote of $6,420 within four minutes. The client e-signed that evening.

2. Day 2—Demolition & Rough Plumbing
Demo crew removed the cast-iron tub, discovering minor rot. Because CountBricks pre-loaded a $400 framing allowance, the budget remained intact.

3. Day 3—Set New Tub & Valve
A 60" acrylic deep-soak model slid into place. Real-time material tracking confirmed delivery within 30 miles, saving a half-day pickup run.

4. Day 4—Tile Surround & Waterproofing
Large-format subway tiles reduced grout lines and labor hours, shaving $280 off expected costs. The AI invoice automatically adjusted.

5. Day 5—Finish Trim & Punch
Final caulk cure, glass door install, and cleanup wrapped by 3 p.m. The homeowner took the first soak that night.

Project Outcomes

• Final cost to replace the tub: $6,370—under budget
• Labor hours saved versus traditional estimating: 5
• Change orders: 0
• Homeowner satisfaction score: 10/10

Pro Tips from the Field

• Use CountBricks blueprint takeoffs to locate joist directions before demo—avoids last-minute structural surprises.

• Offer material swap suggestions live during client calls; the AI shows savings instantly, boosting trust and closing rates.

• Leverage CountBricks automated photo logs to document waterproofing steps—essential for warranty and future marketing.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to deliver similar results, visit CountBricks.com/services for plan tiers, or schedule a one-on-one demo at CountBricks.com/consultation today.