Thinking about upgrading your bathroom with that luxurious soaking bathtub? Before you take the plunge, consider the space you have, the strength of your floor, the plumbing changes that might have to be made, and of course, the overall cost that luxury will add to your bathroom remodel.

New Bathtub? Here are a Few Tips

There are few things more exciting than pulling out old fixtures and making room for new luxuries. But before you buy that massive tub, keep these smart remodeling tips in mind:

• How will you get the new tub in and the old tub out? When your home was first constructed, the bathtub was probably brought into the home before the walls were completely closed up. This can pose problems when you try to get that old bathtub out or bring the new one in. You might need to remove the door to the bathroom, or even remove a window and bring it in that way. You will definitely need more than one person to help with the moving of something so heavy.
• Can your hot water heater handle it? If you are upgrading from a standard tub to a large whirlpool, jacuzzi, or soaking tub, the water heater will be working overtime. If you want to have the best bathtub experience, make certain your water heater can handle the heat needed to keep you warm during your soak. If you have a smaller hot water heater and don't want to replace it, consider a bathtub with an in-line heater.
• Is the floor sturdy enough? For larger tubs that test the floor, you might have to shore up the joists with added support. This is especially true in older homes that were often built only to withstand the weight of a standard bathtub.
• Which side should the apron be on? The last thing you want to do is get home with a bathtub that is meant to be installed opposite of where your faucet already is. Determine which side the apron should be on, and if you're not sure, choose a bathtub that has a reversible apron.

Plumbing Changes Soak Up Dollars

One of the biggest considerations when choosing your new bathtub should be the plumbing configuration. What will have to be changed to accommodate your new tub? Moving plumbing means tearing through walls, and that can add hefty dollars to your bathroom remodel. Before you leap at that "must have" luxury bathtub, look at the bottom line of your remodel and determine if it is really worth the price.