My porch has a beadboard ceiling that I'd like to install a new fixture in along with a receptacle or two. If this were drywall, I'd just cut a hole and patch it up fairly easily. This doesn't seem so simple with beadboard.

Are there any specific techniques to cutting holes in the beadboard that will minimize damage?

If I need to cut additional holes to help feed wire, is my only repair option to be very careful and put the cut piece back in once I'm all done?

Am I better off taking the whole panel down, trim and all?