When homeowners Google “replace bathtub cost,” they rarely want a theoretical price range. They want to know what it will take—in time, money, and disruption—to remove an existing tub, prep the space, and install a brand-new fixture that raises the value of their home. At CountBricks, we generate those answers in minutes through voice-driven site measurements, AI-powered takeoffs, and instant cost libraries that match local labor rates and material pricing. This article breaks down every cost factor, explains hidden variables, and shows how CountBricks streamlines the process for residential contractors and DIY-minded clients alike.
• Acrylic alcove tubs are budget-friendly and light, averaging $300–$750 for the fixture
• Cast-iron clawfoot or freestanding tubs can exceed $2,500 purely for the unit
• Solid-surface or stone composite tubs trend higher at $3,000–$6,000 but offer spa-level aesthetics
• Simple swap in an alcove often runs 8–12 labor hours
• Converting to a freestanding tub may require floor reinforcement, adding 4–6 extra hours
• Moving plumbing lines boosts hours and demands a licensed plumber, raising hourly rates
• Removing a steel or cast-iron tub often requires cutting to sections, plus extra disposal fees
• Tile surround demo can double debris weight and time if owners want a fresh waterproofing system
• Second-floor bathrooms need careful load calculations for heavier tubs
• Narrow hallways or staircases sometimes require wall removal or a crane lift, which escalates cost
• Upgrading to a pressure-balanced valve costs more than reusing existing trim
• Waterproof backer board and new tile set materials can add $6–$15 per square foot
• Frameless glass panels or custom niches quickly increase the final invoice
Using aggregated Midwestern pricing inside the CountBricks cost engine, the following ranges apply to most standard residential projects:
1. Basic Replacement: $1,450–$2,300 total (acrylic tub, minimal plumbing changes, standard surround panel)
2. Mid-Range Remodel: $3,200–$5,000 total (acrylic or steel tub, new tile surround, updated valve & trim)
3. Premium Spa Upgrade: $6,500–$11,000 total (freestanding soaker, floor reinforcement, high-end tile, glass, new lighting)
Because CountBricks syncs with daily materials databases, these figures update automatically inside every estimate, reflecting regional price fluctuations for copper pipe, thin-set, or demolition haul-off fees.
• Contractors open the CountBricks mobile app and narrate dimensions hands-free
• AI converts voice notes into itemized material and labor quantities in real time
• Pre-built assemblies for “Remove 60-inch Alcove Tub” or “Install Freestanding Drain Kit” drop in with one tap
• Region-specific labor rates auto-populate to eliminate manual math
• Branded PDFs pull homeowner name, scope, allowances, and payment schedules
• Contractors send a polished proposal before leaving the driveway, boosting close ratios
• Permit Fees: Municipal bathroom remodel permits range from $50 to over $300, depending on locality
• Mold Mitigation: Unexpected moisture damage adds material and labor for framing and treatment
• Fixture Lead Times: Specialty tubs can carry six-week shipping windows, potentially extending project timelines
• Choose an alcove acrylic tub paired with large-format tile to reduce grout labor
• Retain existing supply and drain locations whenever structurally safe
• Bundle multiple bathroom updates—CountBricks batching reduces per-unit labor markups
1. Schedule a virtual project brief at CountBricks.com/consultation
2. Conduct an on-site voice walk with the CountBricks mobile app
3. Review the autogenerated scope, quantities, and replace bathtub cost line items
4. Approve or edit fixture selections within the client portal
5. Receive a branded, signable quote ready for e-signature
6. Track change orders and real-time spend against budget inside the CountBricks dashboard
A straight swap generally completes in two working days. Complex conversions can stretch to five days once tile cure times and inspections are included.
Absolutely. Upload PDFs to CountBricks.com/takeoffs and receive AI-driven counts for fixtures, valves, and finish materials across the entire plan set.
Yes. Removing the tub and building a curbless shower involves waterproof membranes, sloped mortar beds, and glass enclosures, pushing labor and material costs higher. CountBricks assemblies adjust automatically when the scope shifts.
Whether you are a homeowner planning a weekend refresh or a contractor quoting multiple bath renovations, CountBricks delivers transparent, real-time numbers that protect profit and eliminate sticker shock. Start your project at CountBricks.com/services and experience frictionless estimating built for modern residential construction.
A young family in Cedar Grove wanted to replace a 1980s steel tub with a modern acrylic alcove plus subway tile surround. Time was tight—they had out-of-town guests arriving in three weeks.
• Existing plumbing supply lines were undersized for their preferred pressure-balanced valve
• Tile backer showed minor moisture damage that needed remediation
• Homeowners wanted a built-in niche without extending overall schedule
1. The contractor performed a five-minute voice walk, capturing room dimensions and noting supply line upgrades.
2. CountBricks AI generated a replace bathtub cost estimate of $4,180, broken down into demo, framing repair, plumbing, tile, and finish hardware.
3. A materials pick-list synced with local suppliers, confirming the acrylic tub and valve set were in stock for next-day pickup.
4. Digital quote was approved the same afternoon, and work began two days later.
• Project finished in eight calendar days—five on-site work days plus tile cure time
• Final invoice matched the original CountBricks estimate within 2% variance
• Homeowners praised the clarity of line items and zero surprise change orders
• Lock fixture SKUs before demolition to avoid mid-project substitutions
• Use oversized tile patterns to cut labor hours on walls and floors
• Schedule inspections back-to-back; CountBricks auto-generates inspection checklists you can forward to local officials
If you spend more time adjusting spreadsheets than installing tubs, step up to CountBricks. Our AI does the math, synchronizes supplier pricing, and delivers signed contracts faster than you can load the trailer. Explore subscription options at CountBricks.com/pricing and start winning more residential bath projects today.
