Homeowner with a decent amount of handiness but wondering if I’m going to bite off more than I can chew. Is it worth it to try and remove the old shower tub combo and replace it with a new one pretty much by myself? I realize this is a bit of a loaded question and can’t really be answered without knowing my skills but if anyone with skills can share some tips or steer me away from attempting this that would be much appreciated.

    • iamericandre@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      11 months ago

      I attached the listing for the product I’m hoping to use so double check any material answers I give.

      Pretty sure it’s fiberglass

      Tub is fiberglass as well (current one and replacement one)

      Tub is being replaced

      Currently no shower door

      I would like to do a glass shower door

      House was built in 1981

      If plumbing needs replacing yes

      Not sure about the replace all question

      I’ve done a few projects at my house, garbage disposal and dishwasher replacement. Toilet replacements, laminate floor installation. Tool wise I have a pretty well stocked garage from miter and table saw to drills drivers etc.

      Edi: the listing
      Via 32-in x 60-in x 80-in White Bathtub and Shower Combination Kit (Right Drain) https://www.lowes.com/pd/MAAX-White-60-in-x-32-in-x-80-in-Bathtub-Shower-Kit/5001603959

  • Eegra@lemmy.world
    8·
    11 months ago

    The biggest issue I’ve seen is hastiness - if you take the time to learn each step well and can keep yourself from rushing, then it can be fine.

    It’s the ones that try to do it over the weekend because their wife is yelling at them about it that get into trouble.

    • iamericandre@lemmy.worldOP
      3·
      11 months ago

      The step that has me most worried is setting the drain properly. Everything else seems more or else something I’ve done before (leveling the floor and securing the tub)

      • Eegra@lemmy.world
        2·
        11 months ago

        Depending on your situation, you may be able to use a quick connect kit which can be pretty easy. But yes, the drain assembly needs some care - especially if you need to cut finished pipe to length for, say, a cast iron standing tub. Its not too different from a sink drain assembly if you’ve done that before.

  • Kevin@lemmy.world
    5·
    11 months ago

    Is this your only shower? I’ve done a DIY shower and it took forever, so be prepared for it to take longer than expected.

  • Nomecks@lemmy.ca
    3·
    11 months ago

    The hardest part is lining up the new drain. You may have to trim out some drywall to angle the new tub in place, but overall the process isn’t terrible. You’ll want to wrap, cardboard and do whatever else you can to not scratch the fiberglass while you’re doing the finishing.

  • Donjuanme@lemmy.world
    3·
    11 months ago

    Get a gym membership for shower usage just in case. There are many things that can balloon the project, father in law and I did his over a couple weeks, I wouldn’t put a "solid weekend"timeline on things. If it’s your only bathroom, be prepared for alternative showers, but it is definitely something a layman should be able to do.

  • Infinite_Indecision@midwest.socialEnglish
    2·
    11 months ago

    I just removed an old walkin shower with a tub/shower combo. In answer to your question, yes its possible. That being said you should plan on it taking a while to complete if you need to change any walls or plumbing and thats if you don’t run into any strange issues. An extra person is very helpful to help get things into place. If you have a lot of room that might not matter.

    • iamericandre@lemmy.worldOP
      2·
      11 months ago

      I can get some extra hands for lifting but mainly it’d just be me. How long did yours take? It’s our only shower and I’d hate for my wife to be without one for more than a few days. I can always hose off

      • Infinite_Indecision@midwest.socialEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        Mine took three weeks or more, but I had to demo a 1970’s walk-in shower before I got to putting in the new one. I had two bagsters of mortar and tile, and had to re-sheetrock the walls and ect.

        Your mileage my vary based on how much is needed for the swap. Just expect that it will take longer than you think.

  • TheDrunkard@lemmy.world
    11·
    11 months ago

    As long as it doesn’t end up like this: https://youtu.be/lfyaftYvFGg

    Sounds like a can of worms. A soft spot in the floor probably means the subfloor needs to be replaced, and if the floor joist is also rotted, then you’re really up a creek. I say just sell the house and move to an apartment.