| wmquan |
This site has great info on a variety of subjects, so I thought I'd ask this here.
We are in need of a contractor to replace an exhaust fan in a bathroom. Our question is, what kind of contractor do we seek out? An electrician? They install ceiling fans and handle unusual installations, but they're really expensive. But if that's what it takes ...
Unfortunately, our installation requirements are tougher, or else I'd install the darn thing myself. Our bathroom has a steeply sloped ceiling, and the exhaust fan is near the top of the slope, about 14 feet above the ground, and only a couple of feet from the vertical wall.
Because of the shower stall and toilet, I doubt if a conventional stepladder can be used -- it may require either a painter's platform, or an extension ladder (sounds dangerous).
Because of the unusual installation, I'd like to hire a professional. And an insured one, too!
I asked the desk at Lowe's if they had any referrals to contractors, but they didn't have any. I guess I should call up one of those electrical supply places that sell exhaust fans and maybe they can refer me to one.
Do I hire an electrician? Call a general contractor for referrals?
Thanks in advance! |
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| TheWorm |
I just replaced one of these a couple of months ago. It's not difficult but it is a PITA (it IS easier to install from above rather than below -- or would've been in our case, in retrospect). It's one of those DIYs that "takes 3x as long the first time" projects.
IMO anyone can do it, especially since you're just replacing the fan and the ducts are already there. I don't know why the proximity to the wall would matter; most fans are about 8-12" high so there's already a "box" cut out for it. All you need is the ladder, methinks.
I'd suggest either an electrician or your basic (still-insured) "handyman". Calling an electrical supply place is a good start if you don't have any already in mind.
BTW, barring unforseen obstacles it should only take an hour for someone who knows what they're doing. |
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| shootist |
Worm,
Did you find a replacement fan that fit in the sheetrocked opening, or did you have to open the sheetrock and then re-patch?
Everyone I've seen so far assumes you have access to bare studs, not just a 9 inch hole.
The electrical part is easy- two wire twists. I just don't want to patch and repaint the ceiling. |
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| TheWorm |
I was able to find one @ HomeDepot that fit the existing cutout and had a "cover" that was approximately the same size (though the internals were a bit smaller than the original). This particular orginal/replacement was SQUARE rather than round (have a couple of those, too, but haven't ever taken 'em down to see how they're mounted).
Yea, the install assumes you're mounting adjacent to a stud; the previous fan/cutout was, so that wasn't a problem. You just don't want to buy one that's significantly smaller than the original, else when you mount it to the stud, there might be too much clearance/space @ the other end that the cover won't hide.
The time consuming part for me was:
- the exhaust on the new one was at the opposite end, and there wasn't enough slack in the ducting to reach; trip to the hardware store for an extension
- mounting from below; instead of positioning from above and just screwing into the studs, from below you have to position, measure the "holes" where the screws go, remove the assembly, then put the screws "most of the way" into the studs so you can reposition the assembly and slide it onto them. There's one remaining hole accessible from underneath to "lock" it in place, but on this unit (and I imagine most others) you need the upper screws as the primary anchors.
I don't remember the exact fan/model # I ended up with, but it was one of the NuTone brands. They've got a pretty big variety based on CFM air movement along with various noise dB levels within each "capacity" (in addition to lighted/heated/fan-only units). |
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| wmquan |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
[BIMO anyone can do it, especially since you're just replacing the fan and the ducts are already there. I don't know why the proximity to the wall would matter; most fans are about 8-12" high so there's already a "box" cut out for it. All you need is the ladder, methinks.[/B]
Thanks. Unfortunately, I've scoped it out and it isn't easy for an average DIY'er. The best way I can describe it is that you can't approach it facing the wall because of the slope of the ceiling. You'd bang your head against the ceiling and the fan's flat surface would be fading up and away from you.
The right way to fix it is to approach it from right underneath (facing away from the wall, toward the ceiling sloping down in front of you. This is where the ladder part comes in. A regular stepladder wouldn't work because its own slope would take you past the fan!
The only way I think I could access it would be to put an extension ladder up to the ceiling, climb up on it, and then turn around and stand on the ladder so I can face the fan.
Well, given that it's up in the air, I can't handle heights too well, I'd be fumbling like crazy with my inexperience, and there's a glass shower stall to right below me, and a toilet to the left to fall upon -- I've got a bad feeling about it!
I figure such height-work is probably second-nature to most electricians, who know what they're doing.
Thanks again. |
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| TheWorm |
quote:
Originally posted by wmquan
Thanks. Unfortunately, I've scoped it out and it isn't easy for an average DIY'er.
No, no, sorry I wasn't clear enough with that "anyone" comment. It meant "anyone else" :D...like most any handyman or electrician (but a heavy-duty contractor would be overkill).
Sounds like you need someone fearless. Just remember, if there's an accident it's best to leave no witnesses or plaintiffs :)
I don't do anything I can't reach properly from a 6' stepladder. |
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| edepa |
| If you can post a picture it might help to see what you are up against in the bathroom. I'd imagine a handyman type could do it fine, might need to set up a tall step ladder or some scaffolding. One of those weird ladders that can bend various ways might be the answer too. I'll look back to see if you post a picture. good luck! |
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