How to cut holes in ceiling for inspection?

[MisterJay]

I have a need to cut several holes in my ceiling in order to ascertain how much room there is underneath my existing box gutter inverts to the house frame/ceiling. I've cut holes in the past to install speakers and also repaired holes from damage, but never like this where I've intended replacing the piece of plaster back in the hole. Any tips?

I've got a Ryobi multi tool which I'll try first, also a plaster knife. And some repair plaster. I'll be cutting quite close to the wall so I can see the gutter.

For brief back story, my house roof was built by a shoddy roof plumber and the box gutters need replacing - and will need to go in 'deeper' if that makes sense to get sufficient depth and grade. It's a nightmare. A roof plumber I was going to get to do the job is concerned there's not enough room to do this if the gutter at the lowest point is already sitting on the frame - worse case the roof needs to be raised which is quite nuclear given we've got 40 solar panels. A nightmare honestly but we are where we are.

There is no consumer protection in Victoria for people like me, the VBA asleep at the wheel. But that'snot for this forum.

[EricL]

Hello @MisterJay 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about cutting into your ceiling.

Since you already have a multitool, I suggest using a Kango 3 - Piece Titanium Toughened Plunge Cut Multi-Tool Blade Set KOATV-3 in order to produce a clean cut. I propose creating a cutting template so that you can draw a uniform guide on your ceiling. 

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Patching holes in plaster - when is a hole too big for filler? by @stuartheth. The technique shown can be applied to the plaster that has been cut out, it will allow you to put it back in the same place so that you'll only need to plaster the cutting line.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[MisterJay]

Thanks Eric!

I've not had to cut and may not need to as finally found a builder as opposed to roofer who was able to make a determination without this 

[JacobZ]

Hi @MisterJay,

I'm glad to hear you've found someone who can assist with this.

Hopefully the solution to your issues is not too extreme.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any more assistance in the future.

Jacob

[MisterJay]

Thanks, it's going to be relatively big bucks but just need to put it behind us