How much will it cost to replace the tub in my mobile home?
Manufactured Homes February 11th, 2010The tub in my mobile home has a large crack that we have fixed several times. I am ready to buy a new tub and have saved up some money. I don’t know who to call to install it and I don’t know where to buy one. I need a tub that is higher quality because I don’t want to have this happen again. Thanks!
February 11th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Don’t bother with Home Depot or Lowes – they don’t stock mobile home materials – I know – we live in Mobile Home Central – FL and had to do what you are doing.
You should look up mobile home parts or RV parts – they are often the same. Call them with your measurements and ask if they also have an order catalog. Alot of them will only have one or two samples but you can see more in the catalog.
Also, you might ask them if they (the mobile home dealer, parts dealer or RV dealer) have any suggestions for installers – people who have worked on Mobile Homes before – a general contractor is both not likely to take on your job because it will be too small for them and if they do, they will charge an arm and a leg because they know they have different issues.
Examples are that the walls are not 4" (3 1/2") thick like houses with 2×4s in the walls – they are only 1" thick or less so you need to use different materials (life faucet sizes etc) – also, an experienced MH worker will understand how to get to your bath water lines without tearing out your entire bath, etc.
You might want to consider removing the bath, putting down a new subfloor and then putting in tile with a regular shower door. We ended up doing this because it gave us many more options (tile is tile – nothing special for MHs) and we could use an experienced bonded tile expert.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
its not the price that will hurt its the installation of it Mobil homes are made with the amenities built in.. so when you go to install you will find that size isn’t the answer, go to any outlet of Mobil homes to find and price a new tub
February 11th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Where to buy? If you have the measurements (length/width), you can try Home Depot to see if they have that size. If not, call a mobile home manufacturer in your area. They can send you in the right direction.
Installation costs? Good ?. Is it safe to assume that the tub is next to an exterior wall?
Is the tub cracked enough that it could be broken apart to get it out of the house easily?
The exterior wall may have to be removed in order to get the old one out and the new one in.
I don’t know how large your hallway/entry to the bathroom is but, because you said "mobile home" I presume it’s an older one with a small hallway which could make getting the tub into the bathroom more difficult.
Who for installation? A general contractor with good references can make it all come together. Be sure to check with the BBB before you hire anyone. As well. a carpenter or handyman with basic plumbing knowledge could do the job. Again, look for quality, not a cheaper price. Cheaper could end up costing more in the long run.
Don’t hesitate to get more than one estimate. Have the estimator put EVERYTHING in writing prior to signing the contract.
Things the estimator should inform you of (in writing):
Will he provide all the material or, will you be responsible for all or some.
Material should include studs and insulation (if the exterior wall is removed) along with a header if the window goes in, siding for the exterior; for the interior: green board, window (if one exists and you want it in the bathroom), good tub surround to protect the green board, plumbing parts like the fixtures and any parts behind the walls that need to be changed out. This will only be discovered when the walls are open, but a clause can be put in the contract to accommodate the possibility. Finish trim, caulking where joints meet, paint/stain for trim.
As well, even though you’ve patched the crack, there is a possibility that rot may exist in sheeting or the floor joists. Have him provide what will be done and an approximate cost to repair any rot that might be found. Unless the rot has gone on for a long period of time, it may not be found until the old tub is removed. Will taking out the tub mean replacing linoleum/tile/carpet, etc. If yes, cost to re-seat the toilet properly. If not, no prob.
Who will be responsible for removing the debris?
Be sure the estimate includes all labor, including that of sub contractors.
I know this is a lot but the better informed you are, the better able you will be to determine who is right for the job.
Sorry for the lengthy dissertation…just trying to help cover your wallet. Hope it helps and good luck!