Place the tub in position with assistance (these are heavy and awkward, you will want to have help moving your bathtub). Shim the tub and check with a level, continue to use shims until you have it leveled off at the angle you are looking for (the sides of the tub should be level, the inside floor of the tub won't be). Fit the ledgers so you will be able to sit the tub on them and they will hold up the weight of the tub along the sides.
If you don't like the sound of the refinishing job, and you're reluctant to pay for a professional to do the job for you, there is another option to consider. You can have a refinish clawfoot tub liner custom-made for your tub. This liner will fit like a glove and cover up a multitude of scratches and stains. Keep in mind that this option isn't appropriate if your tub isn't in basically-sound condition, and it won't be a permanent fix for your problems.
One thing that you might have to do after owning and using one for a few years is to refinish it. This is an easy process that requires you to use specific tools and products. This should only be done when the pain on the outside or inside of the reglazing tub is chipped and coming off.
Needless to say, because Carol had just spent her life savings on the purchase of her home, there was not a lot of money in the budget to turn her eye sore of a bathroom into a place of escape and tranquility. Not knowing how to accomplish this task on a shoestring budget, she asked me if I would offer her some advice. So here is the advice I gave Carol.
Your contractor may or may not use a bathroom remodeling check list. If you have one, however, you can ask that it be used. It will keep costs in line with the budget. It will be your game plan. It may also get you back into your bath tub restoration sooner.
Try using soft cloth dipped in un-diluted White Vinegar or Cider Vinegar to restore your chrome. For worse deposits of grease of gummy residue soak in a bucket or small tub, remove and rub with a cloth, or paper towel.
When you're tired of those same old bathroom walls, try a good cleaning and if that's not satisfactory, refinish or replace. You're not stuck with those walls. With a little work and a little cash, your ceramic bathroom walls can be, once again, a pleasure to behold.