Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 29, 1999 03:25am | #1

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   Hi Alfred, Out here in West Texas it is generally the responsibility of the Framing crew to build the tub surround frame and then depending on how the homeowner wants the surround finished it is then either done by a tile setter, trim carpenter or both. Speaking on my own experience as a trim carpenter I have often been asked to build the entire surround as sometimes a homeowner decides on having this after the home has already been framed and is being prepared for trim. Usually the framing takes anywhere from an hour to as much as four depending on the type type of whirlpool tub and what the homeowner's requirements are. Then I usually make a hardwood surround front that will have raised panels and is detachable to service the tub These panels usually take a couple hours to make up in my shop and about a half hour to install and trim out. Now the Tile setter comes in and tiles the top. To say how much this labor comes to would be inaccurate to your area compared to mine; however, you can maybe apply the time estimates to your job and figure it to your rates out there, and again the times that I have described are figured in on an average whirlpool installation. I have done some triangular ones with steps that took considerably longer to do. I hope I helped you out. Good luck with your endeavor.

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   Guest_ | Sep 29, 1999 04:18am | #2

   *Alfred:I just finished a surround for a whirlpool tub install - new construction.This is the way I built it.1) I framed the structural support for the tub, which was basically a box, except that the unit I did was a diagonally mounted corner model. (5' x 5' fiberglass)2) plumber set tub on a wet mud bed, installed hardware and ran the supply and DWV3) Electrician provided a standard outlet for the pump inside the surround area.4) I used cultured marble for a tub surrounding deck and backsplash. The marble company installed it.5) Cabinet company built a front and 2 sides to match the vanities. As far as I know, all whirlpool tubs require side access to the pump, etc. Cabinet Co. Installed what they built.

2. 
   Bill_Rose | Sep 29, 1999 07:28pm | #3

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   The client wanted a whirlpool surround of Dupont Corian--expensive material but maybe some labor savings due to ease of use. As the architect, I puzzled over how to install it to the surround framing and still allow accessibility to the pump. Until the Amish plumber suggested---Velcro.

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   alfred_t._august | Sep 30, 1999 03:10am | #4

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   this is more of question. we are in the process of rehabbing thirty five brownstones (townhouses)located in new york city. the purchase prices range between 350k to 425k.many of the purchsers are asking for larger tubs than what was called out for in the scope of work. to accomodate these larger units the contractor is forced to build surrounds for the tubs. i beleive that the technique involves building of a box, but the price that the contractor is charging for the work seems a little high. this takes into account the cost of labor, profit and overhead. how exactly are surrounds built and the material used commonly and an approximate cost for work would be appreciated. thank you.

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   Guest_ | Sep 30, 1999 03:10am | #5

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   mr. alfred., please do not scrimp too much on the framing, or you'll hear from the tile guy, the finish guy, the corian guy, et al. my experience is this. the tub takes alot of abuse. water, weight, movement, vibration. choose the best material for the surround and the best guys to do it or you and the highend customers will not be happy in the short or long run. there have been alot of call backs in the tub area. quality here is important. and don't forget to alot the extra time for those ny parking people. best of luck to ya.