[python-django]

I have an existing exhaust fan in the bathroom that has become noisy with wear and tear. The opening measures approximately 12.4 inches by 12.4 inches. (see pic)

I would like to swap it out for a newer fan that is quieter. (http://www.homedepot.ca/product/quiet-exhaust-fan-90-cfm/946043), but measures 12.4 inches x 15.3 inches.

Would this involve cutting the drywall to expand the hole? If so, what tools and other equipment will I need? Is this manageable for a very novice DIYer?

 

[TarheelTerp]

I would like to swap it out for a newer fan that is quieter...
Is this manageable for a very novice DIYer?

Do you have access to the fan from above?

If so... then the job is at the lower "annoying" level.
It'll still be a mess and take a while... but not overly complicated.

 

[python-django]

Do you have access to the fan from above?

If so... then the job is at the lower "annoying" level.
It'll still be a mess and take a while... but not overly complicated.

I do not have access from above, but this video seems to make it seem deceptively easy.

 

[djlandkpl]

It's going to be hard to do with out access from above. You need to figure out how to get the old fan out. The model fan you selected gets mounted to the joists either directly or with hangers.

I recently installed 2 Nutones in my house. It wasn't too bad but I had access from above.

This will take you to the product page with the installation manual.
http://www.nutone.ca/product-detail.asp?ProductID=10903

 

[joecaption]

Or you can just replace the motor, which can all be done from blow.

 

[Daniel Holzman]

You also need to reinstall the wiring, and based on my recent job doing a similar replacement of a bathroom fan, I don't see how I could have done the wiring without access from my attic. There is usually a small junction box on the fan, this is where you connect the wiring. In my case, the connection box was on the opposite side of the fan from where the old box was, which made the job slightly more difficult.

 

[joecaption]

Most have a plug in motor, remove the 4, screws and drop the motor down to see if there a plug.
Could be as simple as the fans dirty.