Photos from our own jobs. See more of our work.
What the job involves
Most fan jobs are one of two kinds: replacing an existing fan or light fixture with a new fan, or hanging a fan where a fixture already exists. In both cases the work starts at the ceiling, not at the fan. We shut off the circuit, confirm it is dead with a tester, and look at what is holding the old fixture up.
Then we assemble the fan, hang it, connect the wiring, set the blades and balance them, and test every speed, the reverse switch and the light kit.
- Removing the old fan or fixture and capping nothing loose
- Installing or confirming a fan-rated mounting box
- Connecting the fan, light kit and remote or wall control
- Balancing blades and checking for wobble
What we check first
The first question is the electrical box. A standard light fixture box is not built for the weight and constant movement of a fan, and a fan on the wrong box can work loose over time. We look for a box marked as fan-rated and check that it is anchored to framing or a brace.
We also check the existing wiring at the box, whether the switch setup can run the fan and light separately, and whether the ceiling height gives the blades enough clearance.
Why it matters in Arizona homes
Summer heat is the reason most people here want a fan in the bedroom, the patio and the living room. A fan helps a room feel cooler, but it moves air and does not lower the temperature of an empty room, so it is worth running only when someone is in it.
Attics in the Valley get extremely hot, which is hard on older wire insulation and on the work area when we have to reach into the ceiling. Older homes, including many in Sun City, may have light boxes that were never meant for a fan, so a box upgrade is common there.
How a visit goes
We confirm the fan model, the room and the control setup when you call or at the free estimate, so the quote matches the actual work. On the day, we protect the floor, power down the circuit, remove the old fixture and inspect the box.
Once the new fan is up and tested, we clean up and walk you through the remote, the reverse switch and which direction to run it in summer and winter.
What affects the cost, and when to call a specialist
The price depends on whether a fan-rated box is already in place, how high the ceiling is, whether the fan comes in a box or needs to be sourced, and how involved the controls are. A sloped or vaulted ceiling needs a downrod and a different mount, which adds time.
If the ceiling needs to be opened to add bracing, that is added to the estimate before we start. You get the number up front.
If there is no wiring at the spot where you want the fan, or the project means running a new circuit or changing the panel, that is a licensed electrician's job and we will tell you so. We handle fan installation on existing wiring.
“Nathan did a great job of cutting and finishing the exterior wood beams on my home. He remove the rotted wood and sealed and painted and they look so much better. He worked in the blazing sun without complaint, nice guy and talented craftsman. Highly...”