How Much Should You Budget for Bathfitter?
Looking to modernize your bathroom on a budget? A bathtub or shower liner from Bathfitter can revamp the look of your bathroom for a fraction of the cost of a full gut renovation. But before signing on the dotted line for your Bathfitter makeover, it's important to understand what factors impact the total price so you can plan your budget accordingly.
We'll also provide tips on getting the best deal on your Bathfitter installation. Let's dive in!
What is Bathfitter?
For those not familiar, Bathfitter is a company that specializes in bathtub and shower remodeling, providing an affordable alternative to ripping out and replacing your existing tub or shower surround. Instead, Bathfitter installs a seamless, custom-molded covering right over your old tub or walls.
The Bathfitter liner can be made of acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain, cultured marble or another solid surface material. It comes in a variety of colors and even faux finishes like tile or granite. Bathfitter handles the entire installation, providing a total bathroom resurfacing with none of the headaches of a full renovation.
Typical Bathfitter Costs
On average, a standard Bathfitter tub or shower liner installation costs $2,800 to $4,500 . However, prices can range from as low as $1,000 for a basic tub resurfacing to $10,000+ for a larger, more customized shower remodel. The final price comes down to the specifics of your project.
What Impacts the Cost of a Bathfitter Installation?
There are several key factors that will determine your final Bathfitter estimate:
- Type of project - A bathtub liner generally costs less than a shower liner and walls.
- Size - The larger your tub and/or shower area, the higher your cost will be.
- Custom features and upgrades - Options like shelving, seats, grab bars and accent walls add to the price.
- Surface materials - Upgraded surfaces like granite or tile patterns cost more than standard acrylic.
- Location - Labor and material costs vary across regions.
Bathtub Liner Costs
For just a bathtub resurfacing, costs typically run:
- Standard 5-foot tub liner: $1,700
- Large or garden tub liner: $2,000 to $2,500+
- Custom size or shape tub: $2,300+
This assumes a basic tub overlay with standard tub-grade white acrylic material. Upcharges for colored, faux-finish or solid surface materials add $200 to $800+ to the price.
Shower Liner Costs
For shower resurfacing only, costs usually fall in the range of:
- Standard size (30" x 60"): $2,300
- Large shower (40"+ x 40"+): $3,000 to $4,500+
- Custom size/shape: $3,500+
The above prices are for white acrylic surrounds. Upgraded surfaces or patterns cost more. For example, adding tile effects adds roughly $500+ to the total. Glass doors also increase costs by around $800+ .
Tub & Shower Combo Costs
When you refinish both the tub and shower walls, costs are higher. For a typical alcove tub/shower suite, expect to spend around:
- Basic tub & shower resurfacing: $3,500+
- With custom tile/solid surface upgrades: $4,000 to $6,500+
Again, the more upgrades and additions you add, the more your Bathfitter installation will ultimately cost.
Understanding Your Bathfitter Estimate
Bathfitter provides free, no-obligation estimates for your specific bathroom directly in your home. Here's what to expect from the quoting process.
"Starting At" Prices
You may see Bathfitter ads offering bathroom makeovers "starting at" $1,500 or $1,700. But it's important to understand these are base prices only. They signify the bare minimum cost for the most basic tub resurfacing job.
For any shower installations or customizations, your charges will be higher. How much higher depends on the specifics of your bathroom and desired updates. These "starting at" prices mainly give you a very general idea of what a tub refinishing might cost.
Detailed Estimate Breakdown
When the Bathfitter specialist comes to your home to survey your bathroom, they will take precise measurements and discuss options. Within 1-2 days, Bathfitter emails you a detailed estimate outlining exactly what is included.
This comprehensive quote specifies:
- Project price breakdown by line item - materials, labor, etc.
- Dimensions of tub/shower area
- Descriptions of all surfaces, materials and custom upgrades selected
- Start and estimated completion dates
- Payment plan terms and options
The breakdown shows where your pricing stands currently. But the total is still subject to change if you alter selections.
Accuracy of Quotes
How accurate are Bathfitter's estimates? Their quotes reflect final pricing about 90% of the time. Occasionally, extra charges come up if unexpected issues emerge like:
- Hidden leaks, cracks or damage unseen during initial inspection
- Rotted walls behind existing tile or surfaces
- Special modifications needed to ensure optimal drainage
But generally, you can expect your final invoice to align closely with the original written estimate. Just be prepared that supplemental fees may apply if complications arise.
Lowering Your Bathfitter Costs
Looking to trim expenses on your tub or shower makeover? Here are tips to save on your Bathfitter installation.
Consider DIY Installation
Bathfitter offers a Do-It-Yourself option where they ship your custom-molded liner directly to you for self-installation. While not for everyone, DIY bathfitting can reduce labor fees by 50% or more .
Ask About Promotions
Special sales and coupons can also help cut costs. Bathfitter runs frequent promotions like:
- 60 months no interest financing
- 15% off materials OR labor
- Free shower package upgrades
- Free virtual consultations
It never hurts to ask if any current deals can be applied to your purchase when obtaining your quote.
Compare Multiple Estimates
To ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck, consider gathering 2-3 estimates from different local bathroom remodel companies . Comparing pricing and service offerings will help guarantee you choose the right fit.
Just be sure all estimates fully outline the same exact products, sizes, features and materials for accurate comparisons.