How to trim an acrylic bathtub?

[Kingleviathan]

I’m working with a compact 1600 mm x 1600 mm ensuite, space is tight to every cm is proving to mean a big difference. I'm looking to gain an extra 30–40 mm of wall clearance beside the (likely) acrylic bath and existing basin. The goal is to fit a Hidealoo Compact (google it) — a retractable toilet that swings out from under a basin which is perfect for the small bathroom.

On the side where I want to install the Hidealoo, there’s currently:

• 80 mm of acrylic bath lip (from bath drop to the outer edge of the lip)

• An additional 50 mm of tiled hob (beyond the lip)

All tapware is on the opposite wall, so I’m confident there’s no plumbing on this side.

I’m hoping to confirm:

• Can the acrylic bath lip be trimmed back without compromising the bath?

• Can the hob framing or tiles be cut back or rebuilt to reduce width?

• What type of professional could do this??

I’ve considered replacing the bath (expensive) or switching to a shower (more feasible), but I believe trimming the existing bath and reducing the hob would be far simpler and most cost-effective — especially since the bath is less than a year old and in good condition

[EricL]

Hello @Kingleviathan 

Your bath has been designed to use the bends and turns in it to create stability and overall stiffness. Should you decide to alter the baths design there is the possibility that it will become unstable. I can't predict what will happen should you decide to cut the edge of your bath. The tiles and bath framing can be adjusted and trimmed back, but I can't say for sure if your bath if cut will remain usable. 

I propose changing to a smaller bath or perhaps switching over to a shower. These alternatives will at least guarantee that there are no unknown elements in your bathroom rebuild. Before you begin, I suggest speaking to your plumber about the Hidealoo to make sure that it complies with the local council's rules and regulations. 

In regards to the trades, you'll need a plumber and builder in order to execute this renovation.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Kingleviathan 

I couldn't say if trimming the bath is a good idea, it's not something I would recommend. There is the danger of it cracking, but at the very least weaken a main supporting edge and in doing so leave it dangerously sharp on the cutting line. And though it might be a very long time before it happens, you need to consider the homes resale when making such unorthodox modifications.

So, going with also @EricL I would suggest going with your plan B option of swapping the bath out for a shower. 

A plumber will be your first point of contact. Someone who does bathroom renovations.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Morning @Kingleviathan 

No matter how professional you are, well even if you are a fibreglasser I would not expect a cut to be finished to any new standard or near new standard I am afraid. The structual weaknes sthe guys have mentioned would also be a high concern.

Id go for a shower, you gain back space to a resonable degree and as you will be removing the bath to make space it could be a simpler option. The rewaterproofing is something to factor in, if you replace the frame the bath is sitting in so you can fitt a little larger bathtub the rewaterproofing hopefully will be at a minimun.

Dave

[Kingleviathan]

OK thanks @Dave-1 @EricL @Nailbag 

I will give up on the idea of trimming the bath - too hard and too risky. 

I did look at some baths that taper at one end but I don't think it will work either

How much would it cost to convert to shower?  If we assume all the existing piping is behind the wall (its double brick) as opposed to under the bath (and above the tiles) how much would I be looking at for the renovation?

Right now the room is 1.60m x 1.60m (a nice even split). 

The way I see it I have two options to get the shower 

1. 

Leave the basin as it is  77cm x 38cm and put a toilet next to it facing the shower head (or possibly in corner). Surely the cheaper option.

The main concern with this one is that the toilet I get will need to be a macerating toilet and I'm a bit unsure about the risk of water getting into it from the shower).

OR

2. 

I build the toilet into a new cabinet that conceal the Hideaway toilet with basin ontop (they told me they are in the process of getting Watermark certification). I would need a width of 1125mm (for the one that opens to 90 degrees) or 930mm (for the one that opens to 73 degrees) - the latter surely seems more likely. 

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Kingleviathan 

I would probarlly head towards contacting a couple of plumbers for a quote. Switching over locations even if you know where they are will be problomatic. A plumber will also know the ruling for a Hideaway toilet plus being able to issue a waterproof certificate.

It is hard to guesstimate the cost of shower, I know my shower and what it sits on but even so I do not know the trade price for installing the associated plumbing/tiling/waterproofing or even a glazier depending on the shower you may want. Plus the style of toilet you want as I think it also requires power?

Best place to start would be a plumber and their estimate, that will lead you to the cost of a shower, bathtub (maybe a carpenter), toilet and the fitting of them.

Dave