“How much does it cost to install a microwave” is one of the most searched questions by homeowners planning kitchen upgrades. At CountBricks, we answer it every day through our AI-powered estimating platform and voice-driven field app. Understanding the price drivers helps you budget accurately, avoid hidden fees, and choose the right pro for the job.
Most CountBricks projects show a labor-and-materials range of $145 – $550 to install an over-the-range or built-in microwave in a single-family home. Countertop models simply plug in and need no tradesperson, but anything vented or cabinet-mounted requires professional installation. High-end custom trim kits, re-routing ductwork, or electrical upgrades can push totals past $1,000.
• Over-the-range models with recirculating vents sit at the lower end of the scale.
• Ducted vent units add cutting, duct pipe, and roof or wall caps to the bill.
• Drawer, island, or built-in microwaves demand custom cabinetry and trim kits, raising finish carpentry hours.
Most microwaves need a dedicated 15- or 20-amp circuit. If your panel is full, CountBricks electricians may add:
• New breaker and wiring: $150 – $350
• Sub-panel or service upgrade: $1,000+ (if older homes demand it)
• Switching from recirculating to exterior venting adds 2–6 labor hours plus materials.
• Long duct runs or masonry penetrations lift costs further. CountBricks estimators model these variables in real time so you never face surprises.
Our carpenters may trim existing cabinets, build a new enclosure, or install a matching filler kit. Expect $75 – $300 depending on complexity and finish grade.
CountBricks automatically localizes rates down to the ZIP code. Homeowners in densely populated metros generally pay 10–18 % more than suburban areas because of union wage scales and permit fees.
Below is a live snapshot generated by CountBricks.com/services for a recent Houston retrofit:
1. Remove existing hood and dispose: $40
2. Install 1½” duct through upper cabinet: $55
3. Supply 4' of 3¼"×10" galvanized duct & roof cap: $68
4. Electrical splice to dedicated circuit (breaker existing): $85
5. Mount 1.7 cu ft microwave, test, and seal: $120
Total: $368 plus tax
CountBricks always supports motivated DIYers, yet safety remains priority one. Microwaves draw up to 1,500 watts; improper wiring risks shock and fire. Cutting vent holes without proper flashing can invite moisture damage. Professionals carry insurance, follow local codes, and include disposal of the old unit. Our platform lets you compare DIY material lists against pro quotes so you can make an informed decision.
• 12/2 NM-B wire (25 ft): $28
• 20-amp breaker: $12
• Exterior vent kit: $42
• Misc. fasteners, sealant, patching: $20
Homeowner labor is “free,” but one mis-cut cabinet panel often wipes out savings.
• Measure cabinet opening three ways—width, height, depth—to ensure the new trim kit fits flush.
• Photograph existing wiring and vent path before removal; CountBricks AI turns images into instant material lists.
• Reserve a 30-inch workspace below the unit for safe lifting; many microwaves exceed 60 lbs.
• Schedule electrical inspection ahead—permit offices can add a week of lead time.
• Bundle appliance installs. Adding a dishwasher or range hood during the same visit saves travel and mobilization fees.
Traditional estimating relies on static spreadsheets that age quickly. CountBricks pulls current labor rates, supplier catalogs, and permit schedules the moment you speak with our voice assistant. The result:
• Accurate pricing within ±3 % of final invoice
• Automated blueprint takeoffs that tag electrical, duct, and cabinet mods in seconds
• One-click quote documents branded to your firm or ready for homeowner approval
Whether you are a homeowner researching “how much does it cost to install a microwave” or a residential GC juggling multiple kitchens, CountBricks delivers clarity. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation or open our mobile app, describe your kitchen in everyday language, and receive a line-item estimate before the call ends.
Standard over-the-range swaps average 1.5–2 hours. Venting and electrical upgrades can extend the window to 4–6 hours.
Yes. Our platform flags AHJ requirements automatically. We file the paperwork and build the cost into your quote.
Certainly. Bring any model that meets UL listing and local code. CountBricks adjusts the estimate to remove appliance markup.
Ready to move from research to results? Contact CountBricks today and let our residential specialists turn your microwave installation into a painless line item on your renovation schedule.
When the Rivera family remodeled their 1990s Houston kitchen, their biggest unknown was “how much does it cost to install a microwave” while converting to exterior venting. Using the CountBricks voice app, they described the existing recirculating unit, noted oak cabinets, and requested stainless trim.
1. CountBricks captured cabinet dimensions from a smartphone photo.
2. The software matched a compatible 1.9 cu ft ducted microwave from our real-time supplier catalog.
3. Electrical load and breaker space were verified against the uploaded panel image.
Result: A detailed $422 estimate including duct kit, breaker, labor, permits, and disposal—delivered before the call ended.
Field crews arrived with exact materials. The entire install, inspection, and cleanup took 3.2 hours. Final invoice: $430, only $8 over the estimate due to homeowner-requested stainless screws for a perfect match—well within the ±3 % accuracy guarantee.
• No more manual takeoffs—CountBricks AI highlights wall penetrations and cabinet cuts on PDFs.
• Real-time supplier feeds slash waiting on quotes.
• Branded quote docs boost professionalism and close rates.
• Transparent line-item costs prevent sticker shock.
• Single point of contact from estimate to permit to install.
• Quick turnaround keeps the renovation timeline intact.
If you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, leverage CountBricks.com/services to turn uncertainties into a fixed, data-backed budget. Your next microwave install—along with every faucet, fixture, or cabinet—can be just as streamlined.
