Blog › Aug 21, 2026
Bathroom exhaust fan failures are a Miami humidity classic: loud bearings, weak airflow, or a grille black with lint. Gold Hands replaces like-for-like units on existing circuits and housings — power off, swap, test. We are honest about scope: new home runs, roof cuts, and panel work go to a licensed electrician.
Key takeaways
- Like-for-like swap (existing box/duct): typically $99 small task when straightforward
- Longer housing / switch / duct cleanup: $100/hr (2-hr min) or light-fixture menu reference ($99 simple fixture swap)
- In scope: same-footprint fan swap, grille/duct cleaning assist, existing switch confirm
- Out of scope / refer: new circuit from panel, new exterior roof/soffit penetration, aluminum-branch remediation, permit-heavy rewires
- Related: dimmer & outlet · ceiling fan cost · electrical hub
Labor reference (bathroom exhaust fan)
| Scope | Labor |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like exhaust fan swap (whole visit, under ~1 hr) | $99 |
| Hourly when housing/duct/switch work runs longer | $100/hr (2-hr min) |
| Simple light fixture swap (menu reference) | $99 |
| Ceiling fan install (existing fan-rated box) — different job | $169 |
| Light/fan with new wiring path — different job | $259 |
| New circuit / roof penetration / panel work | Licensed electrician refer |
Source: services.json general-handyman + light-fixture / ceiling-fan menus as reference. Fan unit is yours unless we supply it. We quote before any scope creep.
Honest electrical scope (read this)
- We do — kill power at the breaker, verify dead, swap a same-footprint bath fan on existing NM/wiring and duct boot, restore cover, test airflow and switch.
- We pause / refer — no existing power at the location, damaged junction box, aluminum branch you need remodeled, or a new exterior penetration through roof or soffit.
- Humidity reality — Miami baths need working exhaust; a dead fan grows mold risk faster than inland cities. Size CFM to the room when replacing.
- Condo rules — in-unit swaps are usually fine; chase/roof access may need management approval.
Related electrical & bath work
- Dimmer switch & outlet · light fixture replacement
- Towel hooks · shower caulking
- Hialeah handyman · Electrical service hub
Frequently Asked Questions
How much to replace a bathroom exhaust fan in Miami?
A like-for-like swap on an existing circuit and housing typically books as a small task at $99 when straightforward, or follows light-fixture / hourly patterns ($99 simple fixture swap reference; $100/hr with 2-hr minimum when the housing, duct, or switch work runs longer). New wiring, new roof/soffit penetrations, or panel work are outside handyman scope — we refer a licensed electrician.
What does “honest electrical scope” mean here?
We replace or upgrade the fan unit on wiring and ducting that already exist, confirm the circuit is dead before work, and restore a safe cover. We do not pull new home runs from the panel, cut new exterior penetrations through roofs without proper trade partners, or touch aluminum branch circuits we are not equipped to remediate.
My fan is loud / not moving air — replace or clean?
Sometimes a clogged grille or dying motor is the issue. We diagnose first. If the motor is shot or the unit is undersized for a humid Miami bath, a same-footprint replacement on the existing box is the usual fix.
Do Miami condos allow bathroom fan swaps?
Usually yes for like-for-like in-unit work. Some associations limit roof or chase access — send building rules. Quiet hours and COI still apply.
When do I need a licensed electrician?
New circuit from the panel, relocating the fan to a spot with no existing power, aluminum wiring concerns, or any job that requires a permit beyond a simple fixture swap. We will tell you honestly before we start.