How to Hire the Best Pro to Install Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans are the reason your bathroom doesn’t turn into a sauna after a hot shower. Without these unsung heroes, your bathroom would have more mildew buildup, chipping paint, and a not-so-pleasant smell. They also help with cleaning days, bringing the chemical fumes out of the bathroom. So when an exhaust fan starts to go, it’s not something you want to wait on.

If you need one of these vital systems installed, it’s best to call in a local journeyperson or an electrician near you. 

How to Find a Journeyperson

One of the best ways to find a journeyperson or electrician is here with Angi. With something like installing an exhaust fan, you might save time by looking for an electrician rather than a journeyperson, as some states require this type of job to be completed by a licensed electrician.

Of course, contacting your friends or family to see if they know anyone may also speed up the process. If you hire a journeyperson, ensure they have an electrician’s license to tackle this project.

Before Hiring an Electrician

Before you hire an electrician, determine how many fans need replacing and ask questions about your options. A good contractor will be able to help you choose the bathroom exhaust fan that hits every mark.

Plan Your Bathroom Project for Accurate Quotes

The number of exhaust fans that need replacing is a big determining cost factor, but there are also a few things you should be upfront about ahead of time. If you’re looking for something quieter or maybe one with more airflow, mention this to the journeyperson ahead of time. You should also contact at least three different companies to compare quotes before choosing your pro.

Check Your Journeyperson's Qualifications and References

Because the exhaust fan connects to the ductwork throughout your home, you’ll want to ensure your journeyperson or electrician has the right qualifications and has completed projects like this before. If they have references, call them and see how they handled the process and if things are still running smoothly today.

Questions to Ask Your Electrician

Beyond pricing, there are a few other questions you should ask the person you hire. This includes:

• Do you repair drywall after the job is complete?

• What models do you have available?

• Is this new bathroom exhaust fan easy to clean?

• How long will the project take?

• Do you have the license required to complete this task?

• What type of insurance or warranty do you offer for your services?

Hiring Your Journeyperson

Now that the right questions are asked, it’s time to sit down and set up a contract to get this job done. Keep in mind, this job may take more than a day. So be prepared with another bathroom situation.

Get a Contract and Arrange Payment

Talk with the electrician or journeyperson and sign a contract. The quote may include the price of the fan and any other materials upfront, while labor payments may wait till after the job is complete. This comes down to the individual contract, so make sure you and your contractor are on the same page.

Keep Records of Your Project

Because work is taking place in a crucial part of the home, your contractor should communicate and understand there may be sporadic breaks for you to use the facilities. Be sure to keep up with them and ensure you’re comfortable with them spending an extended amount of time in your home. Also, keep a record of all hours worked so you understand what you’ll pay for labor and time.

After Your Electrician Has Finished

Once the electrician or journeyperson has finished up, it’s time to pay them. Some people will charge by the hour for the job while others will charge a flat fee—this is something that should have been discussed during the contract signing process. If everything looks satisfactory and you’re happy with the job, go ahead and make the final payment.

Journeypersons and electricians tend to get a lot of business from word of mouth. So be sure to leave them a positive review, take their business card, and consider letting them use you as a reference.

Stay on top of cleaning to extend the lifespan of your new bathroom exhaust fan. To clean your bathroom exhaust fan, you don’t need to go crazy. Simply unscrew the cover and use a mild soap on a soft cloth to wipe off dust.