Let us talk about tubs and showers. You are probably looking at that old, dingy fiberglass unit or that cracked tile surround. You are thinking it is time for an upgrade. We understand this. As a local contractor here in Tahlequah, All Star Bathrooms & Kitchens has helped many people transform their bathrooms. Homeowners always have many questions before we even get to picking out finishes. We will lay out the answers to the most common questions we hear, straight up, with no fluff.
How much does a new bathtub or shower installation really cost?
This is usually the first thing everyone asks about a Bathroom Remodeler project. It is tough to give a single number because it depends on many things. For a full bathtub replacement, you are generally looking at anywhere from $1,200 to $3,500 for a standard unit. If you are going for something custom or a luxury jetted tub, that can jump to $4,000 to $8,000 or more in Tahlequah.
For showers, a standard replacement might run you $1,200 to $2,500. If you want a custom tile shower, that is usually $3,000 to $6,000. A luxury shower with all the extras could be $4,500 to $7,000+. These prices include labor as well as materials. Labor often makes up 50-70% of the total cost. Things like extra plumbing work, tile work, or removing an old tub add to that cost for your Bathroom Remodeler project.
How long does it take to install a new tub or shower?
Most folks want their bathroom back as quickly as possible. We do not blame them. For a standard bathtub replacement in Tahlequah, we are often talking about 6 to 8 hours. If it is a straightforward swap with no major plumbing changes, it can sometimes even be done in a single day. But if there is new tile, structural changes, or plumbing to relocate, it could stretch to 2 or 3 days for your Bathroom Remodeler project.
Shower installations are pretty similar. A standard shower replacement usually takes 1 to 2 days. If you are doing a walk-in shower, plan for 2 to 3 days. Custom tile showers take a bit longer, usually 3 to 5 days. This is because of the waterproofing as well as the tile work involved. Demolition and prep work are always part of that timeline. This includes checking for water damage, which we see sometimes in older homes around Cherokee County.
Do I need a permit for a bathtub or shower installation in Tahlequah?
This is an important question. The answer is usually yes, especially if you are working with plumbing, electrical, or making structural changes. Cosmetic stuff like just painting or replacing a vanity usually does not need a permit. But if you are moving a toilet, adding new electrical outlets, or changing the shower footprint, you will need permits. This makes sure everything meets local building codes in Tahlequah. All Star Bathrooms & Kitchens handles all the necessary permit applications as well as inspections as part of our Bathroom Remodeler service. You do not have to worry about running down to City Hall on South Cherokee.
What is involved in waterproofing a new shower or tub surround?
Waterproofing is important. This is especially true here in Oklahoma where humidity can be a real problem. You do not want water getting behind your walls. This can cause mold as well as structural damage. For showers, we typically use either a Schluter-KERDI membrane system. We also use a combination of cement board and liquid-applied waterproofing like Laticrete Hydro Ban. These systems create a continuous, vapor-tight seal. This prevents moisture from getting into the wall cavities. It is not just about slapping some caulk on. It is about building a solid, leak-proof barrier from the ground up for your Bathroom Remodeler project.
What are the standard sizes for bathtubs and showers?
When it comes to bathtubs, the most common size for a standard alcove tub is around 60 inches long by 30-32 inches wide. You have options like freestanding tubs, corner tubs, and walk-in tubs. These all come in various sizes. All Star Bathrooms & Kitchens can help you choose the right one for your Tahlequah home.
For showers, the absolute minimum allowed by code is usually 30x30 inches. We believe that is a tight squeeze. Most people find 36x36 inches to be a comfortable minimum for a square shower. For rectangular showers, a common comfortable size is 48x36 inches or 60x36 inches. If you are looking at a walk-in shower, especially one without a door, you will want at least 42 inches deep. 48-60 inches is even better to keep the water contained. If you are thinking about an ADA-compliant shower, those have specific dimensions. These include 36x36 inches for a transfer-type shower or 30x60 inches for a roll-in shower. Our Bathroom Remodeler team can help with all these options.
Can I convert my tub to a shower, or vice-versa?
Yes, this is a very common request for Bathroom Remodeler projects. Converting a tub to a shower is a great way to open up a bathroom. This is especially true for accessibility or if you just prefer showering. It involves removing the tub. It also involves modifying the plumbing for a shower drain as well as a valve. Then we install a new shower base, walls, and fixtures. Converting a shower to a tub is also possible. Sometimes it might require a bit more space planning depending on the size of the tub you want. Either way, it is a pretty involved process. This definitely needs professional help to make sure the plumbing as well as the waterproofing are done right by a Tahlequah Bathroom Remodeler.
What is the best time of year to get a tub or shower installed?
You can install a tub or shower any time of year in Tahlequah. If you are asking for the best time, we would say spring and fall are often ideal. The mild weather means fewer delays from extreme temperatures or heavy rain. This can sometimes impact material deliveries. It can also impact the comfort of working conditions if we are dealing with exterior walls. In addition, scheduling during off-peak seasons can sometimes mean quicker scheduling as well as more flexibility with contractors. We work year-round. You do not have to wait if your bathroom needs an upgrade now from All Star Bathrooms & Kitchens.