NuTone Intercom Replacement: 9 Genius Ideas for That Old Box

There it is, sitting on your wall. That yellowed, plastic NuTone intercom system. Once a symbol of modern convenience, it’s now a dated relic that likely doesn’t work, hums with a mysterious buzz, or simply serves as an eyesore. You’re not alone. Homes across the country feature these sleeping giants of outdated tech, leaving homeowners wondering what to do with the awkward box on the wall.

The good news is you have options—lots of them. This guide will walk you through everything from simple, budget-friendly cover-ups to sophisticated smart home integrations. It’s time to turn that defunct relic into a functional and stylish part of your modern home.

Why Even Bother Replacing Your Old NuTone Intercom?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Tackling this project offers significant benefits beyond just removing an old piece of plastic. An old intercom system can be more than just an aesthetic issue; it’s a missed opportunity to modernize your living space.

First and foremost is the aesthetic upgrade. That aged plastic, often a shade of yellow that clashes with every paint color, instantly dates your home. Removing or replacing it can make a room feel cleaner and more contemporary. Secondly, it’s about reclaiming functionality for modern needs. The space and wiring, once used for crackly audio, can be repurposed for technology that fits your current lifestyle, like streaming music or managing your smart home. Finally, these small upgrades can collectively enhance your home’s overall appeal and value.

Before You Start: Key Considerations

A little planning goes a long way. Before you grab a screwdriver, take a moment to assess your situation, as it will guide you toward the best solution for your home, budget, and DIY comfort level.

First, evaluate your existing system. Do you only have the main master station, or are there smaller substations in multiple rooms? Understanding the scope will help you plan the project. Next, investigate the wiring. NuTone systems typically use low-voltage wiring. While this wiring might not be suitable for high-speed data, it can often be repurposed for new speakers or to power low-demand devices. Finally, decide if this is a DIY project or a job for a professional. Simple cover-ups are well within the reach of most homeowners. However, tasks involving new electrical outlets or complex system integrations might require an electrician or a low-voltage specialist.

Level 1: Simple and Budget-Friendly Cover-Up Ideas

If your primary goal is to hide the old intercom unit with minimal fuss and expense, these creative cover-up ideas are perfect. They require little technical skill and can often be completed in an afternoon.

The Classic Cover-Up: Blank Plates and Custom Covers

The most straightforward solution is to remove the old unit and place a blank cover plate over the opening. You can find oversized plates online designed specifically for this purpose. For a more custom look, you can create your own cover from a piece of wood, metal, or even 3D-printed plastic, painted to match your wall. This is the simplest way to achieve a clean, seamless look.

Functional Decor: Chalkboards, Whiteboards, and Art

Why just cover a hole when you can make it useful? Mount a small chalkboard or whiteboard over the old master station’s location to create a convenient message center for your family. Another fantastic option is to use the spot to hang a piece of art. You can even build a shallow shadow box frame around the artwork to completely conceal the recessed hole in the wall.

The Hidden Compartment: A DIY Wall Safe or Key Nook

For the more creatively inclined, the recessed box left by the intercom can be transformed into a hidden compartment. With a hinged picture frame or a custom-built door, you can create a discreet spot to store keys, valuables, or other small items. It’s a clever way to add a bit of secret storage to your home.

Level 2: Mid-Range Upgrades and Modernization

Ready to give that old intercom spot a new technological purpose? These mid-range ideas often leverage the existing hole and sometimes even the wiring to bring modern functionality to your wall.

The Audio Upgrade: In-Wall Bluetooth Speaker System

One of the most popular and satisfying upgrades is installing an in-wall Bluetooth audio system. The space from the master unit is often perfect for a modern in-wall speaker and amplifier. Companies like IntraSonic and others offer retrofit systems designed to replace older NuTone models, sometimes allowing you to reuse existing wiring. You can stream music directly from your phone to a high-quality, built-in speaker, clearing up counter space and filling your room with sound.

The Smart Home Command Center: Mounting a Tablet or Smart Display

Transform the central location of your old master station into a hub for your smart home. By installing a special in-wall mount, you can flush-mount a tablet like an iPad or an Amazon Fire HD. Alternatively, you can install a Google Nest Hub or an Amazon Echo Show to serve as a voice-controlled command center for your lights, thermostat, cameras, and more. This creates a high-tech, centralized dashboard for managing your entire home. Powering the device is a key consideration, and you may need an electrician to run a new power line, or you can use a low-voltage converter with the existing intercom wires in some cases.

Level 3: The Full-Scale High-Tech Replacement

For those who want to fully replace the old system with a modern equivalent or better, a full-scale replacement is the ultimate solution. These options are more complex and often require professional installation but deliver the most advanced features.

The True Successor: Modern Video Intercom Systems

If you still value the room-to-room communication and front-door answering features of an intercom, modern IP-based video intercom systems are the way to go. Systems from companies like Aiphone or Control4 offer crystal-clear audio and high-definition video. You can see who is at the door, communicate between rooms, and integrate with your smartphone for remote access. This is a significant upgrade in both security and convenience.

Creating a Whole-Home Audio Experience

Take the Bluetooth speaker idea to the next level by creating a multi-room audio system. While you may not be able to reuse all the old NuTone wiring for modern systems like Sonos, the existing speaker locations are often perfectly placed. By installing new in-wall or in-ceiling speakers in these spots and connecting them to a central amplifier, you can create a seamless, high-fidelity audio experience throughout your home, all controlled from a single app.

The “How-To”: A Basic Guide to Removing the Old Unit

Regardless of which replacement idea you choose, the first step is always the safe removal of the old NuTone master station. Here’s a simplified guide to get you started.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power. This is the most critical step. Locate the circuit breaker that powers your intercom system and switch it off completely. Use a voltage tester to confirm there is no power running to the unit before you touch any wires.

Step 2: Remove the Faceplate and Master Unit. Most NuTone master stations are held in place by a few screws. Carefully unscrew the faceplate and gently pull the main unit out from the wall. Be mindful of the wires connected to the back.

Step 3: Disconnect and Secure the Wires. Take a picture of the wiring for reference before disconnecting anything. The wires are typically low-voltage and connected to a terminal block. Carefully disconnect them and cap each wire individually with electrical tape or small wire nuts for safety. It’s important to handle this step carefully, and if you’re ever in doubt, consult a professional.

Step 4: Patch the Wall (If Necessary). If your plan is to simply get rid of the intercom entirely, you’ll need to patch the hole in the drywall. This involves cutting a new piece of drywall to fit, securing it, applying joint compound, sanding, and finally, painting. While working on wall repairs, you might encounter other DIY tasks. For example, if you’re working with sealants for your project and are concerned about odors, learning how to get rid of silicone sealant smell can be very helpful.

Comparison of NuTone Replacement Options

To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the most popular replacement strategies.

Replacement Idea	Estimated Cost	DIY Friendliness	Key Benefit
Blank Cover Plate	$20 – $50	Very High	Fast, easy, and clean aesthetic fix.
Wall-Mounted Tablet	$150 – $500+	Moderate	Creates a central smart home control hub.
In-Wall Bluetooth Speaker	$100 – $400	Moderate	Integrated, high-quality audio streaming.
Modern Video Intercom	$1,000 – $5,000+	Low (Pro Recommended)	High-tech security and communication.
Full Drywall Patch	$50 – $150 (DIY)	Moderate	Completely removes any trace of the old system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I reuse the old NuTone wiring for a new system?

Sometimes. The existing multi-wire, low-voltage cable may be suitable for simple audio signals in a replacement intercom or for powering low-demand devices. However, modern video and data-heavy systems typically require Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cables for reliable performance.

How much does it cost to have a professional remove an old intercom?

Costs can vary significantly based on your location and the scope of the work. For simple removal and drywall patching, you might expect to pay between $200 and $600. For more complex installations of new systems, the labor costs will be higher.

Is it safe to just cover the old intercom without removing it?

It is generally safe, but only if you have completely disconnected the power to the system from your home’s circuit breaker. It is always the best practice to properly remove the unit and cap the wires to eliminate any future risks.

Making smart decisions about home improvement projects often involves considering market trends. While you are upgrading your home’s technology, you might also be thinking about other investments, leading you to wonder will fence prices go down for that backyard project you’ve been planning.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Upgrade

That old NuTone intercom on your wall doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture from a bygone era. Whether you opt for a simple cosmetic cover-up, a functional smart home hub, or a full-fledged modern intercom system, you have a wealth of options to choose from. By assessing your needs, budget, and comfort with DIY projects, you can transform that outdated box into a feature that enhances both the style and functionality of your home.