Ask Tom & Leslie

Sometimes A Girl Just Needs A Bubblebath!

Dear Tom & Leslie,

We just bought our first home a year ago and although we are loving every minute of it there are a few projects that need to be done. The previous owner was handicap and therefore certain rooms are adapted to his needs. One of them being a large shower stall that he could get his chair into. This is nice but there is no other tub in the house and sometimes a girl just needs her bubblebath! The shower stall that is in there now is a one piece stall and sides. Is there a way to replace this with a tub? If so would you suggest a one piece or a tub and sides seperate?

Thanks,

Shannon

Dear Shannon,

We can certainly relate! Well, maybe Leslie can better because she probably takes more bubble baths than I - unless you consider all that time I spent studing the hydronic operations of pressurized plumbing vessels (OK - so I like hot tubs!). Needless to say this is a BIG job. If the old stall is a one-piece, it will probably need to be cut out. Then the walls, floors and plumbing prepped for the new plumbing. And then, the new tub installed. I would recommend you buy a new tub that is a two piece with tubs and walls installed separately, or just do the tub and tile the walls. Frankly, it is a lot of work either way. But, the good news is that baths give you one of the best returns on your investment dollars when it comes time to sell. So, in your case, you'll end up with both bubbles and some bucks too boot!

Thanks for listening!

Tom

Print Version

Search Related Topics: Bath Remodeling, Plumbing...