Refinishing Bath Fixtures: Consider Costs Involved for Refinishing Versus Replacement

Our Answer

<p>Before refinishing bath fixtures, you need to go fixture by fixture and look at the costs involved in replacement versus refinishing. A tub or shower can be expensive to replace and also leads to a cascade of other upgrade costs including wallboard, tiling and trim, and flooring adjustments. In that case, having a pro repair chips and cracks and apply a new finish can be a money-saving solution and stave off the need for a big-ticket purchase.</p>
<p>Sinks can also be refinished, but the cost of refinishing this bath fixture is so close to the price of a new unit that you’re better off shopping for a replacement and a nice new faucet to go with it.  </p>
<p>As you consider refinishing bath fixtures, be advised that old, cracked, leaky toilets aren’t worth the trouble of repair; instead, invest in one of the new <a href="https://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/toilets.html" target="_blank">WaterSense-labeled high-efficiency toilets</a>, which can dramatically reduce your water bill during many years of service.</p>