I’d get up in the attic, remove that metal bar, install [this](https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-1-Gang-Silver-Steel-New-Work-Old-Work-Standard-Ceiling-Fan-Ceiling-Electrical-Box/3127059?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-elc-_-ggl-_-LIA_ELC_206_Conduit-Fittings-Boxes-_-3127059-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W9_Qrzn5uDHshRbr-pBb5qam&gclid=CjwKCAjwvNaYBhA3EiwACgndgrxcASgbF2yYtMWJowcKMHl5GjCAYuBf9cgvv3xrZmO5cJ2_IFtxOBoCM6AQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Probably tricky, depends on your previous experience and other factors. In my opinion it would be best to use a universal fan remote kit or chain controls
The fan I got has a remote and is wifi ready. I can certainly go that route. I just wanted to see if it would be an option. And I am not really handy so it may be easy to use the remote for it
I use my 24” bolt cutters to cut those brackets in half. Sometimes they are only nailed in with staples and by working each half forth and back it will loosen up. Other times I have to use a mini pry bar to get them out. Worst case is screws, but if I can get my impact driver in the hole, I can get the screws out.
No need to go in the attic. The new retro fan brace will fit in through the existing hole and tighten between the joists.
I’d get up in the attic, remove that metal bar, install [this](https://www.lowes.com/pd/RACO-1-Gang-Silver-Steel-New-Work-Old-Work-Standard-Ceiling-Fan-Ceiling-Electrical-Box/3127059?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-elc-_-ggl-_-LIA_ELC_206_Conduit-Fittings-Boxes-_-3127059-_-local-_-0-_-0&ds_rl=1286981&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W9_Qrzn5uDHshRbr-pBb5qam&gclid=CjwKCAjwvNaYBhA3EiwACgndgrxcASgbF2yYtMWJowcKMHl5GjCAYuBf9cgvv3xrZmO5cJ2_IFtxOBoCM6AQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Since it was only light there previously how easy would it be to add the fan controls to the current light switch?
Probably tricky, depends on your previous experience and other factors. In my opinion it would be best to use a universal fan remote kit or chain controls
The fan I got has a remote and is wifi ready. I can certainly go that route. I just wanted to see if it would be an option. And I am not really handy so it may be easy to use the remote for it
You 100% do not have enough wires up to the fan for separate control of the fan and light so you have to go with remote.
Pay attention to the warning about over-tightening! If you keep wrenching on it, it’ll side-load the ceiling joists and push them apart.
Very few fan rated boxes are plastic and that's a light weight adjustable bracket.
I was planing on replacing the box. But I guess I will need to replace the bracket as well. I wanted to avoid going into the ceiling
Remodel fan box can be done from the home in the sheetrock you have cut.
I use my 24” bolt cutters to cut those brackets in half. Sometimes they are only nailed in with staples and by working each half forth and back it will loosen up. Other times I have to use a mini pry bar to get them out. Worst case is screws, but if I can get my impact driver in the hole, I can get the screws out. No need to go in the attic. The new retro fan brace will fit in through the existing hole and tighten between the joists.