Alcove Tub with Tiled Apron Help

5 years ago

I am going through my first remodel project and don’t feel prepared to make sure my contractor is doing the right things to create a waterproofed and correctly installed tub. I purchased an alcove tub without an apron so it can be tiled. My contractor’s foreman was at the house today and he was co fused how to install it as he said it did not come with instructions. I’ve read elsewhere that acrylic tubs should be set in mortar but we wasn’t sure. He also was asking us if we want a lip built out from the tub or if the tile should be flush. I’m not sure? We are doing a shower over tub. Photo of tub attached.

What do I need to make sure is done so this is installed correctly? Also should we do a flat front with tile or should there be a lip (about 4-5”) so it is flush with the wall?

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Comments (13)

PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
IMO you should have just got the tub with the apron front but this I guess is how you handle what you have and if this is going to be a shower that waterproofing should be done before tub install
Adena DeMonte
Original Author
5 years ago
My GC said it would be no problem to do a drop in tub or tub like this. But when I talked to the foreman on the job he basically said when he installs tubs he follows instructions included with tub and this tub (at least in the box and online from his google search) had no instructions. I’m not sure what would have happened if I wasn’t there, but as it was end of day anyway I asked them to stop work on it until I spoke with GC. I don’t know what waterproofing or installation tricks need to be done but I want to make sure it’s done right. I am paying $25k for the whole bath remodel (not including supplies) which seems fairly middle of the road in my area. I should have got tub w apron but it wasn’t very attractive and the guy at the store (while designer from my GC was with me) noted this tub I liked has this alcove model without an apron so I could customize it so I liked the idea. And my GC again said it was no problem and he would include it for no extra charge. Now I’m worried as I’m not sure they know how to install this tub properly. What type of contractor would do this work? It’s not really plumbing right (in terms of waterproofing, setting in mortar, building a frame, etc?)
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Sammy
5 years ago
What make and model is the tub? Where was it purchased from?
Adena DeMonte
Original Author
5 years ago
This is my concern. I got to house at end of day and the foreman was confused and looking for instructions... this is the tub. https://maax.com/en/product/exhibit-6032_105513/?cf_chl_jschl_tk=9d7da54cb8af6ebb17e18a4953b8d26c6a0f55fb-1607891375-0-ATH3i26BjdWt2aWii_3sQINuIHMLXpJMVrjgNnYrIMQ_5pQuPBZ7f0rNe53zyt967zN5ZZsUpcmAXa16-azxBdnNjibhj5OiXk9Bmho_H7A974FBKTETzzu-GZUnL3ZI00ZeDln9eoc5wY1GKiwyLQZggqqTWJqs4Ok8YSj0mhw3S0QFXR5c-AI8Iod3-g09vSkL89HAWtEX-dF5c6MPg-5L5mESC_eeH1CXyhdF1lJ_W3FQsNEMe55l4rV0V4FvLfDM8wxeWt8K5ST1xeTfyhk7AbneFLuw-ESGcpIlCkW_8AFEf5dJqG7ReXIXlCqiw1C5BR5lB-yJYfpNm8OqWdhLRTQBNLk4FP69-9pgx2pZ
Sammy
5 years ago
Did he use that link? If you follow it, the installation instructions are right there!
Adena DeMonte
Original Author
5 years ago
I’m not sure. He was on his phone looking for them and he couldn’t find them...
Adena DeMonte
Original Author
5 years ago
Also does it explain how to waterproof if you are using it under a tub?
Adena DeMonte
Original Author
5 years ago
I will talk to my GC today and explain my concerns. It may be better for me to cut loss on the tub itself ($600) and order a basic tub for the hall bath with a standard apron. It seems this may solve the problem and I can use this tub for my master bathroom remodel in a few years. Unless he can convince me he will get the right people in to do this. When I asked him if he can do a drop in style tub he said no problem and he could do at no extra cost. But the people he hired seem to have no idea what they are doing.
rnonwheels
5 years ago
Time to get a new contractor! ASAP
Adena DeMonte
Original Author
5 years ago
I can’t. I have to pay him $25k. But am meeting with GC today to discuss. Maybe he can bring in a better expert for this. What type of person should I ask for? I would think someone would be able to instill a drop in tub (with 3 side alcove) based on experience but just the instructions. Would this be a plumber or carpenter?