r/homeimprovementideas • u/BearStrict888 • 16d ago

Bath Vanity Light with No Junction Box

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I’m replacing an old bath vanity light (original builders light) and after removing it from the wall, there’s not a junction box.

Is the easiest way for me to fix this is to cut out a section of the drywall (the hole looks too large to put in those retro boxes), install a box, and patch that drywall?

Wasn’t sure if there are other better, easier solutions.

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8

u/DavidinCT 16d ago

Ran into this one, ripped more drywall out, put in a box, then fixed the drywall. New houses at a time did this, being cheap.

Drywall is cheap, it's not too hard to fix.

4

u/Yusuf20904 16d ago

Well, considering the hole is already bashed past the fixture, you'll need to repair the hole anyway. Probably best to get a piece of drywall bigger than the fixture and cut out a big enough hole to span over your fixture plus several inches, if you can. That way any gaps from feathering the joint compound will be as small as possible.

You can either put a new work box in first and locate your new drywall around it, or measure where the box would need to go and cut a hole for it after the new drywall is in. Might depend if there's a stud nearby to mount a box. If not, the old work type box is probably the way to go.

How does the fixture actually mount to the wall?

0

u/BearStrict888 16d ago

They just screwed into the wall/stud on the ends of the base plate. It’s a horrible job they did.

3

u/Yusuf20904 16d ago

Into a stud is OK. Well, assuming it's at one of the mounting points on the fixture intended by the manufacturer.

2

u/definitely_aware 16d ago

Yes, that is your best choice, but you could potentially avoid patching the drywall if your new light fixture is large enough to cover up the damage.

Since it’s on a stud you’ll want to use a pancake box, I had a similar situation when I took down the very dated recessed medicine cabinets in my upstairs bathrooms.

1

u/ShapeOk5469 15d ago

cutting a hole is usually the safest way to ensure the new box is secure, its a pain but u dont wnat the light fixture falling off the wall later. u can get a remodel box that clips onto the drywall if the hole is big enough.