Place the tub in position with assistance (these are heavy and awkward, you will want to have help moving your bathtub). Shim the tub and check with a level, continue to use shims until you have it leveled off at the angle you are looking for (the sides of the tub should be level, the inside floor of the tub won't be). Fit the ledgers so you will be able to sit the tub on them and they will hold up the weight of the tub along the sides.
In addition, an old cast iron/porcelain tub weighs about 200 lbs and even the pieces are heavy -- yes, those broken ends are sharp. It's a lot of heavy work and requires some knowledge. After the demolition, the old tub pieces have to be taken to a landfill. At the end, the new cast iron tub with tile surround may cost less than $300.00, but with all the tear-out and payments to a plumber, tile setter and disposal fees, tub replacement can cost up to $1500.00. The project may last a week or more.
Is Their Warranty Transferable? What if you end up selling your property during the five year warranty period? It's important to find out if your warranty is transferable. Most Bathtub Resurfacing Contractors don't allow you to transfer your warranty, if you sell your property. If a problem arises after closing, you could be responsible, if you are no longer covered! Companies that try to cut corners on their warranties are unlikely to honor them in the reglazing tub event a real problem arises. They are looking for any excuse they can find to avoid fulfilling their responsibility to their clients!
If you enjoy your work you'll never work a day in your life. I remember looking forward to Monday mornings sitting in Sunday school before church. I could hardly wait to get started on Monday morning on that new project I just got a down payment on.
You may want a very large vanity put into your bathroom to keep all of your items neat and organized. Being organized is definitely one way to have peace of mind. With a very large vanity you can keep all of your washcloths, towels, make-up, hairdryer, toilet paper, bubble bath, extra shampoo and conditioner you find on sale, etc., all neatly stored in your bathroom vanity. It is wise to hire a professional to place the very large vanity filled with cabinets in your bath tub restoration. If you try to install the vanity you may not measure correctly and you will end up having to take the large vanity back to the store you bought it from. When trying to place the vanity you may damage it. When at all possible hire someone who has experience.
When you choose viable upgrades within your means, you must have a careful and wise planning. Consider which part of the house is more important to upgrade. Find out what minor changes you need and can afford in your present financial situation. Keep in mind that increasing the value of your property is equivalent to enhancing some of the central points of your home.
No matter what kind of tub you install, you'll want to inspect your work numerous times to make sure everything has been done correctly. After you're convinced everything is right, you'll need to run a bead of caulking around all tub edges that meet the wall and allow the caulking to cure for at least 24 hours before using the tub. Installed incorrectly, the tub can actually slide back off the ledgers while you or a loved one is bathing. You can never be too careful. If you aren't totally comfortable with the work you've done, find a professional plumber to help you out.