Wondering if a simple cover can give your entry a neat, secure finish without a full replacement?
This brief guide shows a practical, budget-friendly option for hiding a legacy intercom panel while keeping wiring access and basic security intact. A specialty jumbo blank plate (7.5" x 5.5" x 5/32") fits many Nutone and Tektone openings. Choose aluminum or stainless steel and add a moisture gasket or silicone seal to stop drafts and water.
Covering the wall hole costs a fraction of replacing hardware, which can run $1,500–$5,000 plus up to $3,000 for pro installation. This post walks through measuring screw spacing, selecting the right plate finish, and sealing the perimeter so your home looks tidy today and stays ready for future upgrades.
Covering hides the hole and preserves wiring for later upgrades.
Use a 7.5" x 5.5" jumbo blank plate for many legacy openings.
Seal edges with a gasket or silicone to block drafts and moisture.
Plate finish can match nearby devices for better curb appeal.
This is a cost-effective step vs. full replacement today.
A finished cover plate hides a legacy entry panel and closes the hole in the wall while leaving the original box and wiring behind. This approach uses a screw-on or adhesive plate that matches nearby finishes for a neat, low-profile result.
Use this solution when you need a quick, low-disruption refresh today—for a rental make-ready, a staged sale, or when you want to delay a full retrofit. It restores appearance and basic security by blocking access through the opening and deterring tampering.
Covering keeps existing wiring available for future projects and often costs a fraction of a full replacement or relocation. The tradeoff is that moving a new doorbell or a modern intercom system later may require new wiring runs if you abandon the original box.
Pick this type of solution when the wall box is sound, the wiring is usable, and you want a tidy, secure finish without opening the wall further. Avoid it if the box is damaged or exposed to moisture.
A tidy, professional finish starts with the right plate and careful measurements. Begin by gathering a jumbo blank plate sized 7.5" x 5.5" x 5/32", a moisture gasket or weatherstripping, silicone sealant, compatible screws (order longer screws if needed), a screwdriver or drill/driver, a level, and painter’s tape.
Measure the wall box width, height, and depth. Confirm screw spacing center-to-center—many Nutone and Tektone boxes use 4.5" C‑to‑C. Note clearance for a camera doorbell or pushbutton before selecting a plate finish.
Choose clear anodized aluminum (.040" vertical grain), bronze aluminum (.040" baked enamel), or stainless steel (.030" baked enamel) in black or white. Order custom sizes or adjustment straps if spacing varies.
Clean the opening, dry-fit the plate, and ensure wiring remains accessible. Place a flexible gasket or bead of silicone on the plate rear to seal drafts and moisture.
With power off, cap unused wires and photograph the wiring for future reference. Start screws by hand, level the plate, and avoid overtightening thin metal. Finalize by wiping the plate and storing photos and measurements for later installation planning.
Upgrading access starts with a realistic look at copper health and what wireless solutions now offer.
A retrofit can reuse wiring and save on installation when copper conductors remain solid. But degraded copper often shows intermittent faults and corrosion that can force wall repairs and higher costs. If the wiring tests clean and routes match your design, a retrofit is a cost‑effective option.
WiFi, cellular, and Bluetooth choices reduce cabling and lower maintenance. They let you place panels where coverage and convenience matter most. Wireless systems simplify upgrades and avoid chasing legacy wiring faults.
Smartphone entry, delivery passes, and audit logs give modern access and security. New video intercom units can include wide‑angle cameras (for example, a 156‑degree lens) and cloud photos for every event. Many modern installations need only power, Ethernet, and a door strike connection.
Reuse wiring if it tests healthy and saves on demolition. Choose a wireless or mobile‑first solution when copper is degraded or you want future‑proof features and easier installation.
Deciding between a quick cosmetic fix and a full hardware swap starts with a clear budget view.
A jumbo wall plate cover is a low‑cost product and often a same‑day DIY. It hides the opening, preserves wiring access, and improves curb appeal with minimal spend.
A full intercom system replacement typically costs $1,500–$5,000 for hardware. Professional installation can add up to $3,000 depending on wiring, permits, and labor.
Request three quotes: one for a simple plate today, one to retrofit existing wiring, and one for a mobile‑first intercom new deployment. Ask vendors for itemized quotes that include installation, configuration, training, and support.
Choose a cover if you need a fast, affordable solution and plan to reuse existing wiring later. Replace old hardware when you need video verification, delivery passes, cloud logs, or a new doorbell location.
Timelines matter: covers can be done today. New installs may require a site survey and scheduling with licensed service. For rentals or listings, a clean plate plus a replacement quote balances presentation and long‑term planning.
A simple, well‑fitted plate can restore a clean look and keep wiring ready for future upgrades.
A properly sized and sealed plate, fitted with a moisture gasket or silicone and correct screw spacing, hides the hole and protects the wall while preserving power and wires behind the device opening.
Photograph and label wiring when you work. Store those photos and notes so moving to an intercom new or mobile-first solution is straightforward later.
If you want video, delivery passes, or cloud logs, plan a phased installation. Get a detailed quote from a qualified service and keep this post’s checklist handy for the site visit.
Covering an outdated entry unit means installing a blank or decorative wall plate over the existing rough‑in or handset opening. It’s appropriate when the unit is nonfunctional, you want a cleaner look, or you need a temporary solution before a full replacement. A cover protects wiring, hides damage, and improves curb appeal without removing the existing backbox.
Common materials include a jumbo blank wall plate (aluminum or stainless steel), a moisture gasket or silicone sealant, corrosion‑resistant screws, and optional paintable trim. Basic tools: screwdriver or drill, tape measure, level, utility knife, and a wire cap kit. A camera or smartphone to photograph wiring before work is useful for future upgrades.
Measure the backbox width and height and the screw center‑to‑center distance (often 4.5" C‑to‑C for standard boxes). Note box depth and clearance for any flush cameras or doorbells. Record exact dimensions and take a photo of the opening and wiring so the plate matches the existing spacing and any device cutouts.
Aluminum and stainless steel offer durability and modern looks. Paintable plastic plates allow color matching. Choose an oversize or jumbo plate if the opening is irregular. Custom or laser‑cut plates suit odd spacing and can include a small access hatch for wiring access or a camera cutout for a future video doorbell.
Apply a continuous foam gasket or flexible rubber weatherstrip between the plate and wall. For exterior locations use a bead of exterior silicone sealant around the plate perimeter. Ensure drainage paths remain clear and avoid trapping water against untreated materials.
Pre‑fit the plate, mark screw locations, and pilot‑drill if needed. Align the plate with a level and tighten screws evenly until snug — avoid overtightening which can warp metal plates or crack plastic. Provide a small access point for wiring caps and secure loose cables inside the backbox with wire nuts or terminal blocks.
Turn off power at the breaker for the intercom circuit or the building’s low‑voltage supply if known. Photograph all wire connections and label wires before disconnecting. Cap unused conductors, use insulated tools, and, if uncertain, hire a licensed electrician or security installer for low‑voltage and line‑voltage work.
Often yes. If the existing copper wiring and backbox are in good condition, many video intercoms or video doorbells can reuse the conduit or low‑voltage cable. However, degraded copper or nonstandard wiring may require new cabling or a power adapter. Check the new device’s power and network requirements first.
Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth video intercoms or cellular‑enabled substitutes eliminate most wiring needs. They provide smartphone entry, push notifications, and cloud video. Consider range, network reliability, and subscription fees for cloud storage when choosing wireless systems.
Replace the system when you need video, mobile access, multi‑unit access control, or when wiring is failing. Replacement makes sense if ongoing maintenance costs exceed the price difference or if security features like audit logs and delivery codes are required.
A blank wall plate, gasket, and materials typically cost under $100 and can be installed in under an hour. A professional replacement with a modern video intercom ranges from several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on features and labor, with installations usually taking a few hours to a day.
No — leaving an access panel or using a plate with a removable section preserves access for future upgrades. Photograph and label wiring now so installers can reuse existing conductors. Choose a plate that allows easy removal without wall damage.
DIY is reasonable for cosmetic covers when you’re comfortable with basic tools and have turned off power. Hire a licensed electrician or security pro if wiring is complex, if line voltage is present, or if you want a full system upgrade with integration to existing home security or network equipment.
Cosmetic covering usually needs no permit. However, rewiring, moving low‑voltage enclosure locations, or adding devices that interact with fire or access control systems may trigger local code or building requirements. Check municipal rules and consult a professional for multi‑unit buildings.
Take clear photos of the backbox, wire colors, terminal connections, and measurements. Note the breaker or transformer supplying power, and keep a short diagram with labels. Store this information with home improvement records to speed future service or upgrades.