I'd get in touch with the tub manufacturer and see what they say. There are also professional companies that do this - call them and get their take on it too. You want to know that it is going to be aesthetically fine but also whether it will cause problems down the line. I know if you get a chip in a porcelin pot and put it in the dishwasher it will crack.

Yeah, I am worried that even if it looks good NOW, it may not look so hot in a few months. Anyone have experience with a patch like this? How did it do for you?

A friend of mine had this happen to her, and they repaired it 3 times. The first two times the repair popped out. The third time, she told the contractor he was replacing the tub if the fix didn't hold, but she sold the house and moved soon after so no clue if it did. Caused her angst for about 2 years though. Hope that helps! (sorry)

Thanks for telling me -- I am very worried about the patch. I guess aggravated is a better word. Everything else is in so I don't know what is best to push for. Hearing other stories / advice helps though. I'm keeping it all in my head for now! Thanks!

My clear advice is NOT to pay in full whatsoever until you've decided what to do and it's done fully to your satisfaction.

I just had this happen, although it was not a metal tub.
When they went to tile the bathroom, they discovered some huge cracks.
The drywallers were blamed and my GC made them replace it.
Today, I learned that we get to keep the damaged one for another bathroom and can have it fixed for $100.00.
I would insist they replace it. PERIOD.

I do agree with antirabbit. But you can't get blood from a stone. If you have no options, a good refinished tub will work.

Any update?

Wow -- thanks for all the advice. This tub thing is leaving a big knot in my stomach. The contractors haven't worked in the apartment in about a week. For whatever reason, they want to wait until the granite is in my kitchen to finish everything (makes no sense to me...). I have my family in town this week so I didn't complain too much about it. Will keep everyone posted.

In my head, they should replace the tub. I am wondering though -- if they pull the tub out, will this mess up the tiling around it. Also, could it potentially mess up our new marble floors? I don't want to create bigger problems! Thx again!!!

To quote somebody else on this board: they were given a new tub, they should be handing you back that same thing.

No question.

That said, I'm so sorry this is an issue. And I say this as encouragingly as I can: the same contractor that damaged your tub in the first place is the same contractor that tried to (ham-handedly) cover up his damage instead of owning up to it and is the same contractor that needs to have his feet held to the fire now. You can do this. (Just know who you are dealing with.)

You didn't buy a used tub off Craig's List for a reason.

Been thinking on the practicalities of your situation. I would absolutely hold back payment until repairs are effected. Its probably reasonable to see if they can fix what they broke. But I would also GET IN WRITING that they will replace the tub at no cost (parts or labor) if the repair they attempt does not hold -- and it is your judgment about what is acceptable repair. I would put a reasonable time limit on this - say 12-24 months.

Some contractors have integrity and their word is bond. This guy doesn't seem quite so honorable. Get it in writing. Signed by him.

Just had the same problem. One of the subcontractors damaged our new tub and tried to hide it. Now we have a completely finished tub and tile surround and a dinged, new bathtub. I am afraid if we agree to just have it repaired it will not hold up over the years. We had this remodel done because the previous tiler damaged the tub during demo. We agreed to a repair and it never held up and looked horrible. Really upset. Also afraid if we get a new tub the new tile surround and new tile floor will be damaged upon removal of the damaged tub. Don't know what to do.

Sure you do. It just sucks and you're in denial.