ArcaMax

Good lighting in a bathroom is essential, and a light/fan combination is even better. A fan with a sensor that detects a rise in humidity and helps prevent the growth of mildew makes the bathroom more usable, and safe for everyone who uses it. Add a motion sensor so the light turns on when someone enters and leaves, and you’ve got a nice smart device that makes the bathroom convenient and comfortable.

In a bathroom with an existing light or vent in the ceiling, an electrician will charge $903, which includes labor and material, to replace it with a new sensing combination unit. That’s the best-case scenario — a direct swap so no new wiring is required. The cost will be considerably more if new wiring is needed or if there’s no access to the ceiling joists of the bathroom so the old unit can be worked on. And if the ceiling joists run perpendicular to the direction of the vent duct, more work is needed, which will raise the cost.

Assuming there’s access to the ceiling joists of the bathroom and you have electrical experience and tools, you can replace an old unit with a new one for $195 and save 78%. If there’s any doubt about doing it yourself, don’t. Hire an electrician, because this project can get dicey if it’s not a direct swap.

Pro Cost: $903 — DIY Cost: $195 — Pro time: 4.4 hours
DIY Time: 6 hours — DIY Savings: $708 — Percent Saved: 78%

$903 — $195 — 4.4 6 — $708 — 78%

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©2024 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.