Remodeling your bathroom but don't want to spend a fortune?

Even the most basic bath tub can be expensive. And when you are flipping homes, it's important to try to curb costs wherever possible while creating a superior product. My partner, Lance, came up with this tub trick and we've used it about 3 times now with extraordinary results.

As much as I want to keep all our secrets to ourselves, this one is so good and so easy that we just had to share it.

So, here is a basic Builder's Tub

A Builder's Tub is typically 5 feet long and has an apron (the flat front side). This is not the least expensive tub you can buy, but it IS the least expensive cast iron tub you can buy.

The other options are acrylic, fiberglass and stamped steel. Cast iron is solid and durable and has a quality feel to it. This tub is about $550 at Home Depot. A higher end cast iron tub can run you upwards of $2500. And that's JUST for the tub.

Another problem with these larger tubs is that it is difficult to fill them with a 40-gallon water heater. So, not only is this tub more affordable. Your water bill will be, too.

Here's the first trick

JACK IT UP

We put the tub up on 4x4 pressure-treated "sleepers". These are pieces of wood that jack the tub up 4" so it looks more expansive. Plus, it makes it much easier to get in and out of.

Here's the next trick (this one is the real zinger!)

ON THE TUB FACE: We added wood paneling to match the wainscoting in the house. However, this could be done in any material, even stone.

We've had a lot of questions about this so here is some more explanation from Lance:
The apron (front part) of the tub is tapered, so I use wooden shims and Loctite brand Power Grab exterior construction adhesive: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-9-fl-oz-Power-Grab-Ultimate-Construction-Adhesive-1989550/206210490 . First clean the tub apron with denatured alcohol scuff it with 80 grit sandpaper where the shims meet the tub. Typically I use about 8-9 shims and these are generously glued to the apron and the back of the plywood which makes up the cover. The more surface area or glue surface the better!

ON THE LEDGE: We have a piece of stone cut for this ledge. Generally we purchase a bit more of the stone we are using for the vanity (so they match). In this case, we didn't have any stone on the vanity (see below) so we used a very simple white quartz that we sourced from our countertop guy.

Next, paint

And, Bob's your uncle!

Here's the finished tub

Show this to any contractor or handyman who is helping you with your remodel and he/she can easily pull this off.

The whole thing cost less than $500 in materials but looks like a million dollars, right? Well, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but it's a great look and super affordable.