dayexday

one more question, if i hired someone to do the job, would they need to be a plumber or can a "regular" handyman do it?

nealtw

Depending on the plumber or handyman. Some will try do it from the front without ripping down the wall.

kok328

Your probably looking at around $300-500 if you hire it out.
Have your maintenance crew skill-up.

dayexday

thanks again guys. i realized this was out of my scope so i brought in a contractor for a free estimate and here it is. Apartment is located in nyc but price seems excessive. Let me know what you guys think since you're a million times more knowledgeable than i am. Thanks again for all your help

nealtw

I talked to a plumber that converted every bathroom in a building. For the ones like yours and the tiles and wall were still good they had a tile guy come and cut around the taps to fit the oversize plate for single handle and he drilled two hole to access the screws holding the the shower head in place and they replaced the system without further dammage.

CallMeVilla

The plumbing charge is clearly excessive. Using a "beauty rim" as Neal suggested reduces both the plumbing anf the marble costs. The costs associated with the shower body can be dramatically reduced as a result. You would be left with minor demolition, tub prep and tub reglazing.

nealtw

You called a bathroom specialist. I think we can see what he is really good at.
Call the plumbing wholesalers in the area and they can put you in touch with some one man operations and find the guy that will do it without wrecking the bathroom.

nealtw

There is no way I would tare out the tile and then refinish an old tub. If you have to remove tile I would hire a handy man to do the tile and drywall removal. Plumber to install new tub and taps and tile guy to come in and finish up.

dayexday

thanks again guys. i had another contractor come in and he quoted me 2300, almost 2000 dollars less than the other guys. i asked him about Neal's suggestion of cutting around the taps and replacing the system without too much damage but he said "the only right way to replace the shower body is to break the wall". What do you think? should i go with him or keep looking?

kok328

$4182 ? Heck for half that price I would fly out there and do it for ya.