Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Bathtub Surround Installation
Bathtub Surround Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Bathtub Surround Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Bathtub Surround Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Bathtub Surround Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Bathtub Surround Installation labor cost? What are the important Bathtub Surround Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Bathtub Surround Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for Bathtub Surround Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Bathtub Surround Installation expect to pay between $87.86 to $173.06 for each bathtub surround. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
Is a permit needed for Bathtub Surround Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Bathtub Surround Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Bathtub Surround Installation complies with association guidelines. |
Is it worth using a professional to perform Bathtub Surround Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the bathtub surround may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
Is Bathtub Surround Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Bathtub Surround Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Bathtub Surround Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
How many days are typically required to complete the Bathtub Surround Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Bathtub Surround Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Bathtub Surround Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Bathtub Surround Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- A detailed bathtub surround layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Installed bathtub surround will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- Vertical edges of bathtub surround will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the bathtub surround meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- Finished bathtub surround will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
- The bathtub surround will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- The bathtub surround, its connections and fittings will be verified 100% leak-free under all operating conditions
- Ceiling and wall cutouts will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- The bathtub surround surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Bathtub Surround Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Bathtub Surround Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the bathtub surround work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of bathtub surround, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order bathtub surround; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of bathtub surround; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Prepare area for safe, efficient work; move items that restrict work access or are vulnerable to damage; cover and protect items that cannot be moved
- Remove existing bathtub surround (optional)
- Install bathtub surround using compatible, water resistant construction adhesive, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Apply thin, clean bead of owner approved caulk around perimeter of surround uniformly, per manufacturers instructions
- Carefully remove all manufacturers labels and clean the bathtub surround surfaces - without scraping, scratching or otherwise damaging the bathtub surround
- Remove debris, dirt and dust from all work areas; unless otherwise agreed, all demolition debris and construction waste will be removed from the site within 24 hours
- Inspect Bathtub Surround Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes