How to resize and cut a hole in plasterboard for ceiling fans?

I have a need to replace 2 ceiling exhaust fans with lights in bathrooms.

The hole in the ceiling is 24cm x 24 cm. The original Domus fans were installed when the house was built in 2007.

Replacement exhaust fans from what i have now found require a circular hole which is available in 24cm diameter.

It would be easy if i was going from a circular 24cm hole to cut a 24cm x 24cm hole.

At this stage my option appears to be to repatch the hole which will then require sanding, and painting so that a new 24 cm circular cut out can be made to instal a new 24 cm exhaust fan. I have looked on the net and have not found suitable conversions kits.

I would expect my task it not new, and i would appreciate feedback if there are smarter options to do this job.

Regards, Razor

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Repairing

Lighting and Electrical

Accepted answers

EricL

Hi @Razor20

It is a popular repair topic, however, almost every situation is unique. My best suggestion is to make sure that the new ceiling exhaust fans locking clips will not hit the support timbers you've placed in. Please doublecheck your fittings before permanently installing the repair piece in place.

Since you'll be working at height, please make sure to read this guide - How to use ladders safely by @Adam_W.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask while repairing your ceiling.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

All comments

EricL

Hello @Razor20

Thanks for sharing your question about resizing a cut hole in your ceiling. I recommend patching the hole with a piece of Gyprock CSR 530 x 530 x 10mm Mini Plaster Repair Panel. However, I suggest reinforcing the corners with some 42 x 19mm 1.2m DAR Pine Standard and screwing them in with Zenith 6G - 18 x 30mm Needle Point Gold Passivated Plasterboard Screw - 100 Pack.

I've placed a sketch below of how to repair the plaster. The general steps are to cut a repair piece to the size of the square hole. Add reinforcing timber to the corners and cutting the circular outline on the repair piece before gluing and screwing the corners in place.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Razor plaster fix1.jpg Razor plaster fix2.jpg Razor plaster fix2.1.jpg Razor plaster fix3.jpg Razor plaster fix4.jpg

Razor20

Thank you Eric for your detailed reply.
I expect this question has been asked before. I will go ahead and follow your guidelines.
Cheers Razor

EricL

Hi @Razor20

Since you'll be working at height, please make sure to read this guide - How to use ladders safely by @Adam_W.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask while repairing your ceiling.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Child Item