How do I remove a built-in bathtub from a small Vancouver condo bathroom for replacement?

Removing a built-in bathtub from a small Vancouver condo bathroom requires strata council approval first, followed by careful disconnection of plumbing, removal of the tub surround, and extraction of the tub through tight doorways and hallways — a job best handled by an experienced bathroom contractor with condo renovation experience. This is not a DIY project in a strata building due to the risk of water damage to neighbouring units and the logistical challenges of working in confined condo spaces.

Getting Strata Approval First

Before any work begins, you must obtain written approval from your strata council. Starting a condo bathroom demolition without strata approval can result in immediate stop-work orders, fines (often $200 or more per day), and personal liability for any damage to common property or neighbouring units. Most Metro Vancouver strata corporations require a detailed renovation plan, proof of contractor insurance (minimum $2 million general liability), WorkSafeBC clearance letter, specified work hours (typically 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays, no weekends), and waterproofing documentation for the new installation. Allow 2–6 weeks for strata approval depending on your building's review process and meeting schedule.

The Removal Process

Step one is shutting off water supply to the bathroom. In most Vancouver condos, individual unit shut-off valves are located in the bathroom itself or in a mechanical closet. If your unit does not have individual shut-offs, the building's main water supply to your floor or stack may need to be temporarily shut down — this requires coordination with strata management and advance notice to affected residents.

Next, the tub surround must come down. In most condo bathrooms built from the 1990s onward, the tub surround is either acrylic panels or tile over cement backer board. Tile surrounds are demolished with a reciprocating saw and pry bar, cutting through the backer board and removing it in sections. This is the dustiest and noisiest phase — proper dust containment with plastic sheeting and a HEPA-rated vacuum is essential in a condo to prevent dust migration through shared ventilation systems. The surround removal exposes the plumbing rough-in and allows access to disconnect the drain and overflow.

Disconnecting the drain and overflow requires a licensed plumber. Condo plumbing stacks are shared between units, and any damage to the drain connection can cause water leaks into the unit below — a liability nightmare in a strata building. The plumber will disconnect the drain shoe and overflow assembly, cap the drain temporarily, and assess the condition of the existing plumbing for the new tub installation. In older Vancouver condos (pre-2000), you may encounter ABS drain piping with solvent-welded connections that require cutting rather than unscrewing.

Removing the tub itself from a small condo bathroom is the logistical challenge. Standard alcove tubs are 60 inches long and 30–32 inches wide, and condo bathroom doorways are typically 24–28 inches wide. The tub usually will not fit through the door without tilting it on end and angling it through, which requires at least two people and careful measurement of the doorway, hallway, and any corners between the bathroom and the unit's front door. In some tight condo layouts, the tub must be cut in half with a reciprocating saw to get it out — this works for acrylic and fibreglass tubs. Steel and cast iron tubs may need to be broken into pieces in place (cast iron shatters with a sledgehammer; steel can be cut with an angle grinder).

Floor and wall inspection follows tub removal. Expect to find some degree of moisture damage — even well-maintained condo bathrooms in Vancouver's humid climate often show dark staining or minor mould on the subfloor where the tub sat, particularly around the drain area. Any mould must be remediated before the new tub goes in. Subfloor repair in a condo bathroom typically costs $300–$1,000. The waterproofing membrane for the new installation should extend across the entire floor area under and around the tub, not just in the shower zone.

Cost for tub removal and replacement in a Metro Vancouver condo bathroom runs $3,000–$7,000 for a straightforward same-location swap, including demolition, disposal, plumbing, new tub, surround installation, and waterproofing. Condo renovations typically add 10–20% to costs compared to house renovations due to restricted work hours, materials handling (elevator booking, hallway protection), insurance requirements, and strata coordination. Disposal of the old tub costs $100–$300 depending on material — your contractor should handle removal to an approved disposal facility.

Protect common hallways and elevator interiors with moving blankets or hardboard before carrying anything out. Most strata corporations require hallway and elevator protection as a condition of renovation approval, and damage to common property comes out of your pocket.