Should I replace the bathtub or just refinish it?

The decision between replacing or refinishing your bathtub depends on its condition, your budget, and your long-term plans. Refinishing costs $400-$800 and takes 1-2 days, while replacement runs $2,000-$8,000 and requires 3-7 days of work.

Refinish your tub if it's structurally sound but has surface issues like chips, scratches, or outdated color. A quality refinishing job can last 10-15 years and makes sense for cast iron, steel, or fiberglass tubs in good condition. The process involves deep cleaning, repairing chips, applying primer and topcoat, then curing for 24-48 hours. In Vancouver's humid climate, proper ventilation during curing is critical to prevent finish problems.

Replace your tub when you're dealing with cracks that penetrate the tub material, rust that goes through the metal, or if you're doing a full bathroom renovation. Replacement also makes sense if your current tub doesn't meet your needs - switching from a standard tub to a soaker tub, or going from tub to walk-in shower. Modern tubs offer better insulation and water efficiency, which matters given Metro Vancouver's water rates.

This also includes the age of your home and plumbing access. Many Vancouver Specials and older Kitsilano character homes have challenging plumbing access that can add $1,000-$3,000 to replacement costs. If your home was built before 1980, expect potential complications with galvanized plumbing or non-standard rough-in dimensions. Most Vancouver homes don't require permits for simple tub replacement, but check with your municipality if you're moving plumbing lines or doing electrical work for new fixtures.

Varies by approach. Refinishing can be DIY with kits ($50-$150), but professional refinishing provides better durability and warranty coverage. Tub replacement requires a licensed plumber for any plumbing connections - this isn't optional in BC. If you're in a strata building, get written approval before starting work and confirm your contractor has the required insurance coverage.

Next steps: Get quotes for both options if your tub is borderline. Quality refinishing companies will honestly tell you if replacement makes more sense. For replacement, measure your bathroom access - many Vancouver homes have narrow doorways that require cutting the old tub out in pieces. Factor in 3-5 days without bathroom use for replacement versus 2-3 days for refinishing.

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Find a Bathroom Renovations Contractor

Vancouver Construction Network connects you with experienced contractors in the directory:

• Drainstar plumbing ✓
• British Columbia Door Company Ltd. ✓
• Vertex Property Solutions Inc. ✓