The fact that your bathtub has seen better days is no reason to throw it away. Additionally, replacement may not always be the best solution. Refinishing your bathtub can bring along a number of benefits. For instance, it can end up saving you a great deal of money, while still updating the look and feel of your bathroom.
However, unless you’re very skilled, bathtub refinishing is not an easy project that you can DIY. For the best results, you’ll want to work with a competent Bathtub Refinishing Orlando professional if you come from this part of Florida or its surrounding areas.
As part of your home maintenance tips, here are some things to consider when refinishing your bathtub:
1. Age
Older bathtubs are more likely to get discolored, chipped, and dilapidated. However, it all depends on the bathtub material and the overall quality. Furthermore, being old doesn’t necessarily mean that your original bathtub cannot be salvaged. If your tub is not so badly damaged, resurfacing can be a great way to bring life back to your bathtub. Nonetheless, older bathtubs may lack certain features found in modern bathtub designs. For this reason, you might need to resurface your bathtub to bring it up-to-date with the current trends.
2. Shape
Bathtubs come in all shapes and sizes. Ideally, a fancier looking bathtub will require more work and time. If, therefore, the cost of refinishing is more than that of replacing it, then replacement might be a better option. However, if it’s a simple bathtub with a basic shape without any weird decorations, then refinishing could be all you need.
3. Size
Resurfacing is only a cost-effective option if the bathtub is within the normal size standards. However, you may need to revitalize a large-sized bathtub. The thing is, refinishing such a bathtub can be expensive and time-consuming. This means that your bath size will affect certain issues regarding the project, including cost and time.
4. Consider Traction
Once the resurfacing project is done, in most cases, the bathtub will have the feel of porcelain. This means that it will be super smooth, unlike the new age bathtubs that come with traction strips or are made to accommodate kids and the elderly. Nevertheless, you can still get yourself a readily available bath mat, especially if you happen to have kids.
5. Cost of the Project
The cost of the project will depend on a number of factors. First, it depends on the company you decide on to refinish your bathtub. Secondly, it will also depend on the type and size of the bathtub. As we had earlier mentioned, older and fancy versions of bathtubs are harder to refinish. Thirdly, it depends on the tools, materials, equipment, and chemical required, as well as the ease of access.
6. Time
If you have a bigger family, you may need to take them out on a vacation or designate another bathroom to be in use during this time. This is because resurfacing may not be a one-day project.
7. Is This the First Refinishing?
This will certainly factor into your budget, especially if the bathtub has had a previous refinishing. This is because they’ll have to strip down the previous coating. This can cost you double the price of a first time refinishing.
Before you start on the project, it’s important to consider working with a professional contractor. They’ll help calculate the risks, costs and other logistics involved in the process. In sum, a successful bathtub refinishing project will require proper planning and an understanding of the above pointers.