Portland, ME homeowners love the convenience of an over-the-range or built-in microwave, but estimating the true cost of installation can be surprisingly complex. Regional labor rates, historic housing stock, and strict local code enforcement often create cost overruns when you rely on generic estimating tools. CountBricks changes that by combining real-time material pricing with voice-driven AI to deliver an accurate Portland microwave estimate in seconds—before a single cabinet screw is removed.
1. You speak your project details into the CountBricks mobile app or web dashboard.
2. Our AI converts your words into a structured scope: appliance model, venting needs, cabinet modification, electrical upgrades, and finish carpentry.
3. CountBricks connects to up-to-the-minute local pricing on microwaves, 30-inch trim kits, ductwork, breakers, and fasteners.
4. The platform applies Portland-specific labor rates sourced from verified trade partners within our network.
5. A professional-looking quote—complete with a materials list, task schedule, and cost breakdown—appears on your screen ready to email or print.
• Eliminate spreadsheet guesswork with voice-to-quote speed
• Avoid material shortages thanks to live inventory feeds
• Apply Portland building codes automatically within every estimate
• Convert approved estimates into invoices in one click
• Sync blueprint takeoffs to microwave cut-out dimensions for millimeter accuracy
Cabinet Modification – Older West End kitchens rarely meet today’s standard 30-inch cut-out. CountBricks flags sanding, filler strips, or full trim kits so you budget labor correctly.
Dedicated Circuit Requirement – The 2020 NEC adopted by Portland mandates a 20-amp countertop appliance circuit. If your panel is full, CountBricks automatically adds a subpanel allowance.
Exterior Venting vs. Recirc – A ducted microwave requires core drilling through thick coastal masonry. Our AI compares the cost of masonry drilling, flashing, and damper installation to the lower price of recirculation kits, allowing homeowners to make an informed choice.
Finish Surface Repair – Removing a dated range hood can expose mismatched backsplash tile. With CountBricks, tile patching square footage is captured during the voice interview, preventing “while-we’re-here” extras.
1. Secure local electrical permit through Portland’s Online Permitting System (CountBricks auto-adds permit fees).
2. Disconnect existing hood, cap wires, and test circuit capacity.
3. Modify or build cabinet rails to achieve the manufacturer’s vent clearance.
4. Rough-in duct or install charcoal recirculating kit as specified.
5. Mount backer plate; lift and fasten microwave.
6. Seal exterior vent, test airflow, and complete finish carpentry.
7. Final electrical inspection and customer walk-through.
• Order the microwave before demolition—supply chain delays are still common in Maine.
• Verify wall studs; plaster-lath homes may require blocking.
• Use a laser level to align the unit with surrounding upper cabinets.
• Install an in-line damper to combat Portland’s ocean winds backing into the vent.
• Photograph all connections; images sync to your CountBricks project file for warranty proof.
CountBricks doesn’t stop at numbers. Once the homeowner approves, our platform generates a branded digital contract with e-signature capability. Materials are auto-ordered from partner suppliers, and our scheduling engine books pre-vetted local electricians and carpenters. Homeowners track progress through a client portal—no more “When will the installer arrive?” calls.
If the microwave install is part of a larger kitchen remodel, simply upload the architectural PDF. CountBricks’ AI takeoff feature tags appliance locations, calculates cabinet modifications, and links them to the microwave task group. The result: a single, consolidated estimate that covers plumbing, flooring, and electrical scopes without double-counting.
• Reduce estimating time by up to 80 percent, freeing you to meet more clients
• Impress homeowners with professional, transparent quotes
• Get paid faster by converting quotes to invoices instantly
• Access CountBricks.com/services for continuous product updates and training resources
Create a free account at CountBricks.com/consultation or speak directly to our AI assistant from any jobsite. Within minutes you’ll have a cost-certain, code-compliant microwave installation estimate tailored to Portland’s unique market—no spreadsheets required.
A recent client purchased a top-floor condo overlooking Casco Bay. The existing kitchen lacked both a microwave and a code-compliant exhaust path. Using the CountBricks voice interface, the contractor described the scope in 43 seconds:
• Demo 24-inch range hood
• Install 30-inch convection microwave with exterior vent
• Patch subway tile backsplash
• Add dedicated 20-amp circuit with AFCI protection
Within two minutes, CountBricks produced a $1,842 estimate itemizing:
• $583 appliance & trim kit (live Home Center feed)
• $415 electrical labor & materials
• $268 masonry core drill and vent hood
• $321 finish carpentry & tile patching
• $155 permit and waste disposal fees
The homeowner accepted digitally, paid a 30 percent deposit through the client portal, and materials were auto-ordered. The entire project closed in one day on-site, with zero change orders—proof that granular estimating prevents budget creep.
• Always include hidden finish repairs; CountBricks can’t fix what it doesn’t know
• Use project photos during voice dictation to enhance scope accuracy
• Schedule inspections inside the platform to avoid coastal weather delays
Visit CountBricks.com/portfolio for more Portland success stories and request your own AI-powered estimate today.
