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We just removed an old fluorescent box light from our kitchen ceiling. We purchased a flush mount fixture to replace it. Problem: The area where the wires are coming out is NOT centered in the kitchen workspace so that if we simply put the new light up it will VERY
odd. What do we need to do?
Cut the sheetrock and put an new outlet box where you want it,
then re-route the wires to the new box,
remove the old box,
repair the sheetrock including where the old box was,
tape. float, repaint.
Hang your new fixrure.
Since you have a flush mount fixture, you will have to cut some sheetrock anyway, so the new power supply may not be a flush mount box, the "can" for the fixture will need to be mounted inside the ceiling.
starfishnc, would the ceiling behind the box be accessable? like an attic. If so your job would be easier for you. Turn the box around in the attic and run a switch leg from it to the new box.
If not, your choices may be few. I can see from the picture that the outlet box has more than just a switch leg in it. Probably feed through wires going to another box. Is your fixture switched at more than one location? If so, those could also be some travelers.
Like Bubba said drywall removal is an option, however that may be a daunting task if you have to go to the switch boxes in order to run new wires. Codes say you can't bury any splices behind drywall, so if the wire isn't long enough you'll have to pull new (some how) to the next box.
You could swag with a chain to a new fixture..cheap and easy way out. or.. Cut in a new box, run wire to the old box and leave the old box and put a blank decorator cover on it. or... Best solution yet, call an electrician.
