A bath fitter is the name that is used for a company that manufactures acrylic bathroom bathtubs and fittings, AKA bath liner. Bath fitter has created their brand around creating affordable products and giving an old bathtub a new look. They do so by overlaying the tub instead of completely removing and replacing it.
Regarding bath fitter cost, you could be looking at a price between $800 to $3,500. Any modifications completed by a bath fitter tub cost can range from $1,000 to $10,000. The price can vary depending on multiple factors like the size of the tub, material, and finishes. Yet, the Bath Fitter is on average around half the price of a shower or bathtub (see also ‘How To Remove A Cast Iron Tub’) replacement.Â
In this article, we are going to be discussing whether Bath Fitter bathtub liner & tub liners as well as acrylic tub liners is worth the cost.
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ToggleAverage Price Of A Bath Fitter Bathtub
It is difficult to determine an average price of a bathtub, as every installation is unique, with lots of different options and every bathroom renovation. We know that the cost of a bath fitter can be around $800 to $3,500. However, there are ways to save money.
If your bathroom is in good condition, then you may be able to save money on any wall repairs, as only the smallest amount of preparation is required. Alongside that, you may need to replace the shower (see also ‘How To Replace A Shower’) valve with a new shower liner that has antimicrobial properties.Â
We are aware that this is still a lot of money to invest. Bath Fitter is objectively a big investment, yet if you work it out, the cost of shower conversion or replacing a bathtub is a lot more than installing a bath fitter.
The costs of using a Bath Fitter includes the bath fitter costs, the costs of the laborers and the facts of any add-on or modifications chosen. We have gone into more detail about all of these factors below, which will help you understand the price of a Bath Fitter.
Average Bath Fitter Price
Items that go into a bathfitter rehab are:
- Bath liner cost
- Shower doors
- Installation process
- Bath fitter technician
- Covering existing bathtub
- Bath fitter tub liners
- Shower head
- Bathtub materials
A bath fitter product can be a wall panel, a tub style or a shower. They are all priced differently and depend on a couple of factors.
The price can vary due to the company that you are getting the fittings from. This is because all manufacturers will price their products differently. This then also leads into the quality of the materials that are used to make the bath liners. These can be vinyl, acrylic, or fiberglass.
The quality of the materials chosen will dramatically increase or decrease the price points as well. Also, the state or the region that you live in can affect the prices, along with the size of your shower stall or tub.
With all of these factors considered, a bath fitter tub could cost you up to $3,000. This is $800 for the actual bathtub and $2,000 for the wall that surrounds the bathtub.
However, when it comes to a bath fitter shower, the price differs. This is because a shower also includes a wall-to-wall panel that will cover the floor in one sheet. Hence, a bath fitter shower could cost between $2,500 to $3,000.
Labor Price
The cost of labor will vary between companies. When you do manage to choose a company, when it comes to bath fitter installation, they like to visit your home to look it over to give you a price.
A positive about bath fitter companies is that they will come to your home. However, they will not charge you or hold you liable for any visit fee. Alongside that, they will not pressure you to buy any products. The purpose of their visit is to get as much information as they can and then give you a rough estimate.
They will collect information on the following:
Size/Surface Area Of Tub And Walls – They will determine the price of the tub liner. Also, the surface area and size of the shower will determine the price for installing it. A big bathroom will not be the same price for a much smaller bathroom space.
Bathroom Condition – The condition of your bathroom will affect the price as well. For example, if your existing tub doesn’t drain very well, thus the bathroom stays wet. This causes the ideal breeding ground for mold. If your bathroom has mold, then you will be charged an extra cleaning fee.
Then, if the tub isn’t draining well, this can mean a clogged pipe that will need to be unclogged or a new set of sewer pipes will need to be installed. This is then another extra cost to your tub or shower installation.
Add-On And Modifications
Apart from the labor costs and the material chosen, you might find you want to replace or change some details in your bathroom. This could be a soap holder or the towel rails, to help them fit in with your new tub or shower. These modifications or add-ons will add small costs, but these small costs can affect the overall bill at the end of installation.
Generally, a manufacturing company could charge a labor fee between $500 to $900. Then any other modifications or add-on are based on an already set price. If you needed any shower valves to be replaced, this could cost you $400.
Will A Bath Fitter Be Worth It?
A bath fitter is definitely worth the money that is spent on installation and acrylic bath liners. This is because these products are said to have a lifetime expectancy. Due to the bath liners being created with tough acrylic that not only looks really stylish, but is really durable to last for a long period of time.
Alongside this, a bath fitter is known to have antimicrobial attributes, which will ensure that no microorganisms will grow and live in your bathroom. A bath fitter is seen as a lifetime investment because the quality of the materials is superior, and they’re resistant to any kinds of damage.
It is known that installing a bath fitter will not only save you money but time as well. They are usually fitted in a day and ready to be used within 48 hours.
Furthermore, a bath fitter is known for not being slippery, so you don’t have to worry about accidents happening in your bathroom. It is also really glossy, so it is just as easy to clean. Thus, a bath fitter is very low maintenance to keep it in good condition.
For a lot of people, they like bath fitters, as they won’t cause any mold to form in your bathroom. This is because the walls and tub all seamlessly fit together. Therefore, there are no spaces for the water to leak through or into.
However, you will get mold if you don’t use a professional to do the job. You need someone experienced to fit a bath fitter.
What Is A Bath Fitter?
A bath fitter is a liner that is fitted over your old shower or bathtub. This liner also covers the walls, which makes your bathroom look even better than it did before. It is often used as a bathroom remodeling solution, which is more cost-effective.
Remodeling a bathroom is a lengthy process, which can take a lot of money and time. However, when bath fitters were first created, their aim was to counter the hassle of replacing a shower or bathtub. Whilst today, bath fitters give more people the option to simply and quickly remodel their entire bathroom in just one day.
There are different ranges and styles of showers and bathtubs (see also ‘Why Does Water Back Up Into Your Tub?’) that are similar to ones that are actually available to purchase. Likewise, there are various colors to choose from and wall patterns and styles, all which will help your bathroom pull together to look stylish.
With bath fitters, there are also finished fixtures that will match everyone’s taste. So you can easily create a new bathroom, with bath fitters.
However, sometimes you may find that a bath fitter isn’t compatible with the shower or bathtub that you already have. Yet, the majority of companies will provide you with a custom-made design for these rarer cases. All you have to do is phone them up and hand over what you require.
There is also an interactive design feature, which will help you create the new bathroom of your dreams. Bath fitters have a gallery that can help spark some inspiration to transform your old shower or tub to the one that you desire.
The process of manufacturing a bath fitter, which will fit your bathroom, can take around 2 weeks. Then, once it is completed, it is installed in 24 hours.
Bath Fitter Materials
Now that we understand what a bath fitter is, we have gone into more detail on the materials that they use. Typically, a ceramic bathroom is full of disadvantages that a lot of people don’t enjoy. These can be tiles that end up getting stained and are difficult to clean.
Also, the prolonged exposure to moisture means that mold grows really easily, but also these bathrooms are prone to wear and tear over time.
Thus, a normal shower or bathtub is full of disadvantages, so bath fitters wanted to design products that would combat these. This is why they use acrylic instead and designed one piece showers and wall liners.
Acrylic Material Qualities
There are many positives to bath fitters using acrylic. The main ones being that acrylic is a high quality material; it is easy to clean and maintain. It also doesn’t let water or air pass through it, which could cause mold to grow.
As a result, the qualities of acrylic mean the manufacturers can guarantee that bath fitter products have a longer service life. With most of them having a lifetime expectancy and warranty. The warranty also means that during your lifetime, whatever happens to the bath fitter, it will be fixed by the company.
Nowadays, manufacturers have tried to use other materials with the acrylic. These other materials don’t have such a high quality, but it decreases the price and makes the products overall more affordable for a larger audience of people.
As a result, you can have a bath fitter made from the following materials:
- Polyvinyl chloride liners (PVC vinyl liners).
- Acrylic liners.
- Fiberglass liners.
It is important to remember that bit fitters is a franchise. This means they are manufactured by various companies that all have their own options for you to choose from.
Bath Fitter Installation
Installing a bath fitter isn’t a DIY job, you still need someone who has the experience and skills to be able to do it well. This is due to the fact that fitting can be difficult for someone who has little to no experience.
Therefore, it is important to hire a good contractor. The majority of contractors take a lot of pride in their work and will go the extra mile to make sure the job is done exactly to your liking. To install a bath fitter, the following has to be completed. This list does involve a lot of disconnecting and rein-installing at various points.
- Shower stand.
- Faucet/ Install new shower valves.
- Soap holders.
Also, the job involves applying adhesive to the walls before you install a wall panel liner. It may not sound too complicated, but there is a lot of work to be done here.
Alternative Bathroom Remodeling
When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, this can be just painting walls, repairing leaks or replacing fixtures. For some people, a bath fitter is well out of their budget. However, you still complete smaller projects in your bathroom to make it look better and even new.
If you have been thinking of remodeling your bathroom, that means your old bathroom has served its purpose. You are now tired of how it looks and want a change. Then you need to decide what kind of remodeling you want to go for. You could repair or replace your bathroom. Or you install a bath fitter.
However, whichever option you choose will depend on the budget that you have available.
Repairing An Old Shower/Bathtub
When you say you are going to repair your old shower or tub, what this means is that you will be doing the following:
- Unclogging shower heads and pipes.
- Repair any leaks.
- Clean stains and mold off the tiles.
- Replacing certain fixtures like shower curtain, shower head and soap dishes etc.
- Possibly repaint the wall and replace any broken tiles.
When it comes to repairing in terms of remodeling your bathroom, you are just fixing your bathroom. Now and then you will need to complete this process. Thus, there is no guarantee how long your hard work will last, and you could end up in a never ending cycle.Â
Replacing An Old Shower Or Bathtub
Normally, when you want to replace a bathtub, you need to have a completely new bathroom. Typically, contractors will remove the old tub, smash the wall, and install a new one in the same place as the old one.
Replacing a bathtub or shower is like creating a new bathroom from scratch. However, you don’t have to get rid of everything. The downside with replacing a shower or tub is that it takes weeks to complete, a lot of mess everywhere, and it can be inconvenient for a while.
Bath Fitter Shower And Tub Remodeling
Using a bath fitter is still a very new concept, and not a lot of people really understand what it is. However, a bath fitter offers you a wide variety of products of showers and tubs and acrylic liners that are installed on top of your pre-existing shower or tub.
You can keep your old shower or tub, yet achieve a new and stylish look that fits your ever-changing style choices.
What You Need To Know About Bath Fitter Liners
Bath fitter liners use a safe acrylic liner, which is really easy to clean but still feels smooth. These liners are known for their non-skidding properties and are also resistant to chipping and rust.
Due to all of these characteristics, it is no wonder these products have a lifetime expectancy and warranty. Just think of bath fitters as accessorizing your bathroom, as you are adding one or two things to make your old bathroom look better.
Conclusion
Bath fitters are a much cheaper option when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. Not only is it less pricey, but it is easier to install and takes much less time. Thus, this disturbance to your everyday life is minimized.
A bath fitter is all about improving the look of your old bathroom by applying stylish and durable acrylic liners. We hope this article has given you an insight to whether a bath fitter is worth the cost.
Q&A with Bath Fitter Customers
Good afternoon and welcome to this interview! Today we have two clients of Bath Fitter with us. They recently underwent bathroom renovations, including bathtub liners, shower renovations, and more. Welcome, Jane and Tom. Can you tell us about your Bath Fitter project?
Jane: Sure! I was looking for bath fitter alternatives when I stumbled upon Bath Fitter. They offer an array of services like bath liner installation, acrylic bathtub installation, and wall repair. My entire tub was replaced, and I got a walk-in shower, too. The overall cost was quite reasonable, considering the professional design and seamless sheet for the shower surround. Plus, the limited lifetime warranty is a nice touch.
Tom: My experience was a bit mixed. While the acrylic tubs and shower liners were installed professionally, the bath fitters cost was higher than I expected. I liked the many bath liners options, but the installation costs added up. However, the Bath Fitcher project did “bigger your baths up” as they say, so that’s a positive aspect.
Interviewer: Interesting! Could you discuss the bath fitter material and the bathtub size that they offer?
Jane: Of course! I opted for sells acrylic tub liners, which are quite durable. The bathtub size was customized to my existing bathroom. They also provided shower replacement and tub refinishing as part of the package.
Tom: I found the bath liner cons to be in the installation cost. The new bathtub and professional installation were fine, but the cost of replacing corroded pipes was not included. I also looked into bath fitter contractor options but decided to go with their in-house team for the bath fitter projects.
Interviewer: Tom, you mentioned the costs were higher. Were there any other bath fitter alternatives you considered?
Tom: Yes, I did look into bath planet and some local contractors. But I opted for Bath Fitter’s walk-in tubs and shower conversions as they seemed more specialized. Even though the average cost was higher, the free consultation and professional install swayed my decision.
Interviewer: Jane, were you satisfied with the shower or valve installation and overall experience?
Jane: Absolutely! The shower or valve was perfectly fitted, and the bath liner installation went smoothly. They even helped with wall repair. I must say, the overall cost was justified with the quality of the work and the materials used.
Interviewer: Well, it’s evident that experiences can vary, but it’s good to hear both positive and negative aspects. Any closing thoughts?
Tom: Just be aware of the bathfitters cost, ask for a detailed quote including possible additional fees like wall repair, or tub refinishing, and make sure to clarify what the limited lifetime warranty covers.
Jane: I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for bathroom renovations. From current bathtub upgrades to a new bathtub, they offer top-notch service and professional installation. But yes, always get a clear idea of the costs upfront.
Interviewer: Thank you both for sharing your insights! It’s great to hear different perspectives, and it’ll surely help others considering Bath Fitter for their bathroom renovations. Have a great day!
Jane & Tom: Thank you! You too!