Remodeling a bathroom is a home improvement project many homeowners undertake at some point in their lives. It is one of the more cost effective remodeling projects a homeowner can do. Next to a kitchen renovation, a new bathroom will raise the value of your home more than enough to cover the cost of the project.

It is still important to keep costs under control when planning such a project and the bathtub cost can be one of the largest expenses of the whole job. The removal and installation of a bathtub can be a big expense and if you opt to install a whirlpool tub this will add to the cost of the job significantly.

Before beginning any home improvement project be sure and determine if the value of your home will support the type of improvement you are planning to make. You do not want to raise the value of your home above those in your neighborhood if you plan to sell it at any time in the future. To get the most out of a home when you sell the value should be on par with the homes in the neighborhood.

Adding an expensive whirlpool to a low end home will not necessarily raise the value of the home. Bathtub cost in a bathroom remodel can be kept to a reasonable amount quite easily. There are several things you can do to keep costs down. The first thing you can do is keep the original tub and simply have it professionally re-glazed. This procedure can take an old, worn out tub and make it look almost like new. This can be done to sinks as well.

The biggest part of the bathtub cost when you replace it is the cost of the removal and installation of the new tub. If you are a do-it-yourselfer this cost will be yours in time and sweat but if you are working with a contractor the labor cost may be as much as the tub itself.

If putting new enamel on an existing tub is not an option take your time to shop for a bathtub that will not only fit the space, but will fit your budget. Bathtubs generally range in price from $200 to $2,500 plus tax and delivery. You will need a plumber to get it operational even after it is satisfactorily installed.

You may also have to remove the tile and replace it after the bathtub is in place. If you are not replacing the tile and the floor as well, it may be difficult for you to repair the tile in such a way to maintain its appearance. It is not easy to match old tiles with new ones.

If you are doing the remodeling work yourself, be sure and consider all that is involved in replacing the bathtub. An older bathtub may be very heavy and require demolishing in place and then removal of the pieces. This is not an easy job. You will then need to be able to bring the new bathtub to the bathroom and through the bathroom door. Measure the door to make sure it is large enough. You may want to remove the door from its hinges to allow extra space to maneuver.

As you see the bathtub cost itself is not the biggest part of the expense of replacing an old bathtub with a new one. Consider all of these aspects when planning your bathroom remodel and determining what you can do with your budget.