ok, doesn't seem to matter on this site what the topic is, there is always some good info to be learned. We are building a new home, it comes standard with a corner soaker tub in the master bathroom, the wife really wants to upgrade to the jetted tub. The builder wants an additional $1850cdn for the upgrade, I have seen similar jet tubs for around the $1000 mark or so at Sears or any where else for that matter so the cost adder requested seems a bit far fetched. Here is my question though, other than maybe an extra electrical connection to run the pump, are there any added installation costs when upgrading from a regular soaker to a jetted soaker tub?

 

You end up with additional wiring for the pump itself and then wiring run to a switch (normally a timer style). Other than that, if you've seen 'em for ~$1k he's trying to squeeze you.

Unless there's additional inspection(s) that need to be done which he'd have to pay for.

 

Mostly the extra wiring and return trip for electrician to connect power. Also with that tub having a pump, you're gonna need an access panel to access the pump if any service is needed. So that extra cost of the access panel (typically a cabinet front - door and frame to match bath cabinets), the labor to install and the labor to paint or stain it would be included in that price. All the extras do add up.

edited to add - if you're already in the process of building......I have seen some builders charge a hefty fee for change orders, only to discourage the homebuyers of doing this. Example: a homebuilder here (not naming names) would charge roughly $75 to add an additional electrical outlet before the slab is poured and $175 for the same plug after the slab was poured; no matter how far along the house was just to dicourage change orders. Just something to keep in mind.

 

We haven't signed anything yet, only a deposit on the lot. Right now we are going over all the details on plans and options so we can come up with a contract value. That is a good point on the access panel.

 

A wall switch is important.
A jetted tub will usually have a button or some type of control on it.
However, a button can be depressed accidently or otherwise if small children are present.

A wall switch is a good safety feature to protect your motor as running the motor without the proper water level will burn the motor up.

It does sound like your builder is trying to soak you.

 

I know nothing about jet tubs, but wouldn't there be a control panel right on the tub somewhere for controlling the jets, timers and safety auto-shutoff? I would of thought the tub would be self contained, just requiring a hard wired circuit back to the breaker. Am I wrong?

 

We had a jetted tub installed a few years ago. The wall switch was a timer switch and the switch on the tub is an air operated switch. You had to have the timer switch on first and then when you got in you pushed the button that was an air operated switch to turn it on. Jets were controlled manually by turning them. I don't know what the actual cost was because it was part of a reno but 1800 seems a bit steep. Make sure they put the access panel in though. The contractor that did ours didn't but when I realized it, it was too late (long story) but I wasn't very happy about it. No big deal now because we sold the house last year.
Also, the more jets you get, the more it costs.