Tub replacement in a queens condo

Hello, Im a contractor in Nassau and Suffolk and own a condo in queens. Ive been renovating for some time now however ran into a dilemma. Im in the middle of gutting the bathroom and I got word from the superintendent that I cant install a walk in shower because its either against condo rules or possibly city code (didn’t get a clear answer other than if it had 2 baths, it would be allowed for 1). Anyway if that’s the case, im glad I found out sooner than later. So now the plan is to install a whirlpool tub with jets. Now im wondering if there’s some code restriction against using fiberglass or acrylic tubs and especially since all of the plumbing built into the whirlpool is made of pvc and plastic materials. Please excuse the ignorance, Im not too knowledgeable on city codes being that im a nassau suffolk guy.
Here are the details of the condo:

11 story building
1 bedroom and 1 bath unit
bathroom measures 5′ x 7′
currently has a cast iron tub
Built in 1988

Thank you in advance

Guest User | 7 years and 4 months ago

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brokelin | 7 years and 3 months ago

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Yes, sensible choice, cast iron is great. Though the curtain issue with clawfoots is the least of it. Cleaning under a clawfoot was always much more trouble, and stepping in an out of them to shower safely was always a bigger issue. Hope your replacement is a deeper one than the shallow ones that are about a foot deep.

EJR | 7 years and 3 months ago

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This choice makes the most sense.

Guest User | 7 years and 3 months ago

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So Ive come full circle. I pulled out the old tub and installed a direct replacement cast iron tub. Based on my findings, It was really my only option unless I had a second bath. I really wish I could have installed a nice walk in shower but rules are rules. A claw-foot tub would have looked great but after thinking it through, I was worried about the curtain setup throughout everyday use.

RobertGMarvin

in Renovation 7 years and 3 months ago

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I don’t agree that claw foot tubs make terrible showers. I’ve had them aince my first brownstone apartment many years ago. Yes, you need three shower curtains to keep the spray in, but you get used to that and there’s a great advantage to having no worries about the water imperviousness of your bathroom tile or (non-existant) pan.

EJR | 7 years and 3 months ago

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I assume, if OP was considered a whirlpool tub, that this is a separate tub/shower setup. I agree with @Brokekin that claw foot tubs make terrible showers.

brokelin | 7 years and 3 months ago

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I agree that a whirlpool tub will not add value, for the reasons stated by others. But neither will a clawfoot tub. While they have a certain charm for those who haven’t lived with and showered in them daily, they are a pain to shower in, to step over into to shower in, to clean under, and to keep the water in while showering. If you don’t have a separate shower stall and can use one only for bathing, then forget about installing one.

The ideal tub, in my opinion, is a deep vintage one that sits on the floor and is set into either three sides of the bathroom, or two sides (I love the ones I’ve had like this with the rounded corner). You can get an extra long and extra deep tub this way (more that the hardly-deep-enough-for-an-adult-to-to-bathe-in short, cheap modern tubs), and they typically have a great style. They are deep enough (and long enough if you have the room) to take a nice bath in, but because they are on the floor, they aren’t such a pain to step into to shower. If you can’t find a vintage one that fits, I’d go with a fairly deep modern tub like the m that sits on the floor and is also attached to a few walls. But the older ones are nicer, if you can find one in good shape.

greenworks | 7 years and 3 months ago

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@mike dear god we hate the whirlpool tub that the prior owners of our place installed and not just because it is a reminder of how horrible they were lol.

PITA to clean and maintain. So many nozzles and jets it takes too long to clean. If I were a buyer it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker (obvy) but I would factor in the cost to replace if I were placing a bid on a property that had one.

Run with the claw foot idea. People (including me) have irrational devotion to them despite their own practical shortcomings.

Guest User | 7 years and 3 months ago

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I was actually thinking that it ‘WOULD’ add value or at least add more appeal and that’s why I was considering it (for resale). I suppose I should re-think that as EJR suggested. A clawfoot tub might actually be a better choice and look. Plus it would be cast iron so I wouldn’t have to worry about the pvc concerns. Its such a small bathroom that i’ll bet it would even make the bathroom look a little bit bigger. Good point! Thank you

go on us | 7 years and 4 months ago

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I agree with EJR. I put a whirlpool tub in my apt ( 2006). It stopped working a year ago and when it did work, the jets were a pain to clean and a magnet for dirt and grime. In my Long Island house, I put in a 6 foot resin free standing tub and it was a much smarter move…..

EJR | 7 years and 4 months ago

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@mike, I agree that most of the things said on this post are not helpful or relevant. The following may not fall into either category as well, but here goes: I would rethink the whirlpool tub idea. I’m don’t think it adds much value in an NYC apartment (perhaps as compared to a suburban home), plus they end up breaking after a couple years and no one uses the whirlpool function nearly as much as they think they will. You will get equal or greater value in an NY condo with a clawfoot tub and save yourself a lot of time, effort and cost.

Guest User | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Thats not the question nor issue for me. Im licensed and insured to work in the city. Mainly all my work is in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Your replies are neither helpful nor relevant to my question. Thank you anyway

resident2 | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Why a Condo Board would allow a non NYC licensed contractor; even if it is the owner to do the work of a NYC licensed contractor is beyond me.
I would not want to own in that Condo.
As I said before you need to get approved plans from NYC DOB and get a licensed contractor to advise you; do the work.

Guest User | 7 years and 4 months ago

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exactly, thats one of my concerns. I like to do my homework before presenting my plans to the board. Ill have to look further into it.
Thanks

mozeeatupu | 7 years and 4 months ago

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You should double check if that pvc is allowed also.

Guest User | 7 years and 4 months ago

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Hello, Im not an individual thinking that I can do whatever I want as you suggested. I have already renovated all but the bathroom With the condo boards approval. I am actually looking to follow the rules. Im not asking for advice on my condo rules and regulations as that would be impossible for anyone here to answer. Im still in the planning stage for the tub replacement and wondering (in nyc) if there’s some code restriction against using fiberglass or acrylic tubs and especially since all of the plumbing built into the whirlpool is made of pvc and plastic materials. thank you

resident2 | 7 years and 4 months ago

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This is an example of what is wrong with Condos; individuals thinking that they can do whatever they want and the Condo board having no practical quality controls over the whole building.
You need to file the work, get approved plans from not only NYC but the Condo board and get a licensed NYC contractor with insurance to do work in NYC.