Bath Fitter or Empire Today?

[andrychowski]

Anyone use these companies to install a tub/shower combo? We are thinking about redoing ours and are looking for some recommendations/prices estimates.

 

[TaraPA]

My parents used Bath Fitter to go over an existing old cast iron tub in a rental property - it looks great but they said it cost much more than they advertise. They had gotten a few estimates for re-fitting, not sure if Empire was one as well. So forewarn yourself that there may be hidden costs!

 

[lynr]

We used Bathfitters in 2001 and just had it removed the other day. In my opinion it was the biggest waste of money that I have ever spent. Our enclosure had to be regrouted numerous times and because it wasn't grouted right the first time. It was very hard to keep it clean and the new grout color never matched the original enclosure.

Lyn

 

[HeatherC]

I've never heard good things about either one. Empire Today I heard was more money than your local Home Depot or Lowes for carpeting.

Heather

 

[nikolasmor]

Same here, nothing but overpriced and crappy

 

[Bren's Mom]

If you have a tub that's in decent shape but is faded or a color you don't like then you might do better having your tub reglazed and hiring someone to install a new tile surround. We got our bright blue tub reglazed bright white for $299, looks like brand new!

 

[SuzyQue]

I wanted to get the whole shower/tub enclosure to cover up our old out-dated tiles but DH won't let me. He has a nephew who works for one of the companies and says they all leak and you end up with mold and mildew beneath them. Bren's Mom - what is a tile surround?~~

 

[Bren's Mom]

The walls surrounding the tub that usually are covered in tiles is what I meant. We had old crumbling tile also and a bright blue tub...the whole bathroom was a mess. We did the demo ourselves removing the old tile and old wallboard behind it. Then we purchased standard white 6" tiles from Home Depot. And paid someone to come in and install it from the tub to the ceiling on 3 walls including putting up new cement backer board. When that was done we had the tub reglazed so it was bright white to match the new tile. Together, those 2 things came to less than it would have cost us to get a Bath Fitter type tub/wall combo. And it looks way better for resale!

 

[wdwfan1]

I dont have one, but I have heard Re-Bath is much better than the others.

 

[I Love Pluto]

We had Bathfitter install our tub & walls about 3 years ago. We love the look, it is easy to clean (Mr. Clean Magic Eraser), and the original shine hasn't disappeared at all.

Empire Today put in beautiful laminate floors in our home - BUT - I would not use them for a bath. They have only 6 pre-cut designs for the tub areas. One of them will be forced to fit over your tub even if it doesn't quite fit. Bathfitters designs their tub to fit on YOUR tub. They don't use any one-size-fits-all molds.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

I actually re did my whole bathroom for what they wanted to just cover my tub. Find a good contractor & get quotes.

 

[SuzyQue]

I actually re did my whole bathroom for what they wanted to just cover my tub. Find a good contractor & get quotes.

Including the tile & tub?~~

 

[lat6]

.

 

[tripplanner]

Haven't used either of those, but did use Re-Bath with great results.

 

[Kermie's girl]

Luxury Bath Systems is a very reputable company. You should see if there is one in your area!

 

[buffalogirl]

Had Bathfitter installed 2 months ago, I'm very pleased. It's VERY easy to clean. I also have two friends who used Bathfitter with positive results. Theirs were installed about 5 years ago, they still look new.

Yes, it is an expensive process- ours was about $3800. In our situation, I didn't want the inconvenience of having my one and only bathroom torn apart for a couple of weeks.