[Solidify]

I was replacing a chandelier this morning and I can't help but notice that there are so mang boxes in my home that aren't mounted flush with the finished wall. Is this just poor workmanship or is that how they did it 30 years ago?

 

[Cullen]

I've nothing to add but to say I have noticed, and been perplexed by, the same thing.

 

[Solidify]

I've nothing to add but to say I have noticed, and been perplexed by, the same thing.

Noticed accross pictures of my home or in your experience also?

 

[joecaption]

Far more likely from new work trying to cover up old failing plaster.

 

[MrElectricianTV]

I was replacing a chandelier this morning and I can't help but notice that there are so mang boxes in my home that aren't mounted flush with the finished wall. Is this just poor workmanship or is that how they did it 30 years ago?

View attachment 224258

Another layer of ceiling may have been installed later.

I see this often in condos where resilent channel was added to the ceiling joists prior to the installation of the drywall. You might have furring strips.

 

[Solidify]

Nop, everything is original here.

 

[Cullen]

Noticed accross pictures of my home or in your experience also?

In my experience.

 

[md2lgyk]

Regardless of how it came about, boxes recessed like that are a code violation and would not be acceptable today. Fixing the rectangular boxes for wall receptacles is simple, as box extenders can be purchased inexpensively and any big box store. Don't know if they are made for round or octagonal boxes.

 

[Solidify]

What if the box extenders stick too far out past the finished surface?

 

[Oso954]

I would rip that box out of there. Replace it with a fan brace. They can be installed from below, thru the existing hole.

One similar to
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-15-5-cu-in-Retrofit-Ceiling-Fan-Saf-T-Brace-0110000/204845572

 

[Solidify]

That's a smart product. But it's not worth the 15$ (surely more at HD Canada) in my opinion, especially considering I've seen many of these in my home, the costs will add up quickly. Not to mention, what if the hole isn't nicely centered between the joists? That bar extends outwards but if you can't fit it in between there to begin with, you'd have to use a hacksaw to trim it down. Too much of a headache. These types of products are for single-issue fixes imo. But nice find.

 

[md2lgyk]

What if the box extenders stick too far out past the finished surface?

They are adjustable.

 

[md2lgyk]

That's a smart product. But it's not worth the 15$ (surely more at HD Canada) in my opinion, especially considering I've seen many of these in my home, the costs will add up quickly. Not to mention, what if the hole isn't nicely centered between the joists? That bar extends outwards but if you can't fit it in between there to begin with, you'd have to use a hacksaw to trim it down. Too much of a headache. These types of products are for single-issue fixes imo. But nice find.

Uh, most fan boxes are adjustable in case the hole isn't exactly centered.

 

[Solidify]

Oh ok, I didn't know that. Shouldn't have spoke put of place. Thanks again to you both.