Can I simply cut the drywall and move the electrical box higher in my other bathroom, or are there other factors to consider for improved lighting?
Asked by Donna Ohrimchuk 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 27, 2024
We just got our bathroom redone and they raised the electrical box to better fit our new vanity. The lighting is so much better now! I’m thinking of doing the same in our other bathroom. Do you know if I can just cut the drywall and move the box up myself? Or is there more to it that I should know about? Thanks for any advice!
Mostly yes, but it’s also important to have extra slack in the wires, which depends on where they’re coming from. If they’re coming from the ceiling, you should be good since you’re planning to move the box up.
Is it a Greenfield whip or a 1900 box with a round plastering, or is it pipe or Romex to a box? If it’s a whip or Romex, there should be some extra slack to move it up and patch the hole or use a mirror cover. A picture of the box without the fixture would be helpful.
Maybe it would be quicker to just install a higher box and use the current one as a junction box with a blank cover if the wire is not coming from the top. Make sure to secure the wire to the framing within 8″ of the box, behind the wall.
It all depends on whether the electrician left you enough wire to raise the box. You were fortunate with the initial one. Many electricians stretch the wire to avoid buying more material or they take the leftovers home.
Why not try flipping your light fixture upside down to reflect light from the ceiling?