Homeowners across Houston often ask CountBricks about the true cost to install microwave over stove. While most big-box stores advertise a flat fee, the real price depends on far more than simply hanging an appliance. Cabinet modifications, vent routing, electrical upgrades and finish carpentry can push the final bill higher—or lower—than the advertised baseline. This 1,000-word guide breaks down every expense, shows typical Houston price ranges and explains how CountBricks turns a 30-minute chat into a precise, line-item estimate you can trust.
• Removal of the existing range hood or microwave
• Cabinet trimming or modification to fit the new unit
• Electrical disconnect, circuit check and reconnection
• Wall bracketing, lag bolts and manufacturer hardware
• Ventilation hookup (recirculating, exterior or roof)
• Finish carpentry, caulking and cleanup
• Haul-away of the old appliance if needed
• Mounting bracket and toggle bolts: $15-$30
• 30-inch filler trim kit (if cabinet width mismatches): $75-$100
• 4-inch galvanized vent and damper: $20-$60
• 12-2 NM electrical whip and connectors: $15-$25
• High-temperature silicone, caulk and screws: $10-$15
These material figures come from CountBricks’ live pricing feed, updated daily through our supplier integrations. When you generate an estimate at CountBricks.com/services, you always see current Houston costs—never national averages from last year.
1. Remove existing hood or microwave: 0.5-1.0 labor hours
2. Modify cabinet and mark stud locations: 0.5-0.75 hours
3. Install bracket, lift unit, secure lag screws: 0.75-1.25 hours
4. Connect vent, run electrical, test unit: 0.5-1.0 hours
5. Seal trim, clean jobsite, haul away debris: 0.25-0.5 hours
In Houston, licensed residential contractors typically charge $60-$85 per labor hour. CountBricks applies your exact contractor rate—or our pre-vetted partner pricing—inside every estimate so you see a transparent total.
• Vent Type: Exterior wall venting adds roof-cap or wall-cap materials plus patching, raising cost $120-$250.
• Cabinet Height: If the upper cabinet must be shortened, expect 1-2 extra carpentry hours.
• Electrical Upgrade: Older homes may need a dedicated 20-amp circuit, adding $250-$450.
• Tile Backsplash: Drilling through glass or stone tile can add specialty labor and risk fees.
• Appliance Weight: Premium convection microwaves weigh 60-75 lbs and require a second installer.
Based on 500+ CountBricks residential projects in 2023-24, the cost to install microwave over stove in an occupied Houston home ranged from $225 for a straightforward replacement to $725 for a vented install with cabinet resizing and new electrical. The median project total was $415, including haul-away.
Traditional estimates rely on manual site visits and handwritten notes. CountBricks eliminates the wait.
1. Open the CountBricks mobile app and start a voice conversation.
2. Describe your current setup: cabinet width, venting type, electrical outlet location.
3. Snap photos or upload your kitchen blueprint.
4. CountBricks’ AI matches tasks, materials and local pricing in real time.
5. Receive a detailed PDF and editable invoice in under 5 minutes.
Because our engine references live Houston supplier catalogs, you’ll never be surprised by last-minute price jumps at the hardware store.
• Choose a recirculating unit if exterior venting isn’t critical; it trims average cost by $100-$180.
• Schedule multiple small projects—like installing under-cabinet lighting—on the same visit to spread travel costs.
• Re-use an existing 4-inch vent duct if it passes inspection and is grease-free.
• Let CountBricks auto-order materials to avoid retail markups.
If your kitchen already has a standard 120-volt outlet and a recirculating vent, savvy homeowners can safely tackle the job with two people and the manufacturer template. However, once electrical or vent modifications are required, building codes demand a licensed contractor. CountBricks connects you with vetted installers—or guides your own crew through the correct task list—so the microwave sits level, vented and code-compliant.
Ready to see your exact cost to install microwave over stove? Start a free voice session at CountBricks.com/consultation, or browse similar kitchen retrofit examples in our portfolio at CountBricks.com/portfolio. With CountBricks, clarity isn’t a luxury—it’s built in.
When the Hernandez family in Magnolia Ridge purchased a combination convection microwave, they assumed installation would be a simple swap. CountBricks’ AI takeoff quickly highlighted three hidden challenges:
• The existing 3-inch duct was undersized for the new 400 CFM unit.
• Cabinet height was ½-inch too low for manufacturer clearance.
• The 15-amp shared circuit couldn’t handle the appliance load.
1. During a 12-minute voice call, our estimator captured photos and dimensions.
2. CountBricks generated two scenarios: recirculating install at $398 and full code-compliant vent/electrical upgrade at $643.
3. The homeowners chose the comprehensive option. Materials were auto-ordered through CountBricks’ supplier portal, arriving on site the next morning.
4. Our partnered contractor completed the work in 3.5 hours, verified by time-stamped photos that flowed straight into the final invoice.
• Zero change orders—final invoice matched the original CountBricks estimate.
• Noise level dropped 20 dB thanks to the new roof-cap damper.
• Cabinet adjustment preserved existing finish, saving a planned repaint.
• The Hernandez family rated the experience 5/5 for speed and transparency.
• Always measure cabinet clearance against the microwave spec sheet before purchase.
• Upgrading to a dedicated 20-amp circuit future-proofs the kitchen for induction cooktops.
• Let CountBricks compare recirculating vs. exterior venting costs so you can choose the right balance of price and performance.
To see more real-world examples or schedule your own virtual walkthrough, visit CountBricks.com/portfolio or start an instant estimate at CountBricks.com/services.
