Old microwave swap where the holes don't line up
Even same-width models use different mounting points. The old plate comes off, the new template goes up and fresh holes are drilled into the studs and cabinet.
Serving Buffalo Grove & nearby Arlington Heights, Palatine
Microwave Installation in Buffalo Grove, IL
Over-the-range, drawer and built-in microwaves installed in Buffalo Grove: anchored into the wall, bolted to the cabinet and vented the right way.
- Installers working in Buffalo Grove ZIP 60089
- Hookups by licensed trades where the code calls for it
- Old unit hauled away on request
Microwave installs we take on in Buffalo Grove
Lifting a microwave onto a wall plate is a two-person job, but the real work is around it: finding solid framing, drilling the cabinet to the template, routing the cord to an outlet above and lining up the duct. Our Buffalo Grove installers handle all of it and haul the old unit away.
Microwave drawer in an island or base cabinet
Drawer models need an exact opening, support underneath and a receptacle where the drawer won't hit it. We set all three before sliding the unit in.
Microwave above a pro-style or high-output range
Over a large pro range, a real hood usually does the job better than a microwave. If the specs allow a microwave, we install it with the required clearance.
Convection or air-fry microwave on an old circuit
An air-fryer microwave over the range does more work than a basic one. If the outlet shares a circuit with the counter, an electrician separates it.
Cabinet above that's the wrong width or depth
Some cabinets over the range are too deep or have a recessed bottom. We shim or modify them so the top bolts pull the unit snug and level.
Over-the-range microwave replacing a range hood
A hood is usually hardwired and has no outlet above it, while an over-the-range microwave plugs into a receptacle in the cabinet. We add the outlet, reuse or adapt the duct and hang the new unit.
Microwave that sags, wobbles or pulls away from the wall
A loose over-the-range unit is a hazard over a hot range. We check the top bolts and the plate, then rehang it with screws into solid wood.
Duct that doesn't line up with the new unit
The exhaust opening on a new microwave may sit inches away from the old hood duct. We fit a transition piece or adjust the opening so air moves without leaks.
What we hook up and check
- Pre-install checkMeasurements, power and venting are checked against the installation instructions.
- Old unit or hood removedWe unplug or disconnect the old unit and clear the wall and cabinet for the new one.
- Outlet and circuitA receptacle in the cabinet above or behind the drawer, on a dedicated circuit when the maker calls for one, added by a licensed electrician.
- Cabinet drilled to the templateThe upper cabinet is marked and drilled so the bolts and cord line up.
- Blower set and duct connectedWe orient the blower for your vent path and seal the connection to the duct.
- Unit hung and boltedTwo installers lift the microwave onto the plate and draw it tight to the cabinet with the top bolts.
- Testing and haul-awayHeating, exhaust and light tested, old appliance and boxes removed.
Models, parts and fittings
Low-profile over-the-range modelsShorter units that leave more room above the burners where cabinets are low.
Built-in and trim-kit microwavesMicrowaves set into a wall or pantry cabinet with a finishing trim.
Over-the-range microwavesThe most common type: a microwave and a vent fan in one unit over the cooktop.
Convection and air-fry combosMicrowaves that also bake, crisp or air-fry, available in over-the-range and built-in styles.
Venting partsThe pieces that connect the microwave to the outside or set it up to recirculate.
What the work looks like in Buffalo Grove homes
Before
Installed
DetailA Buffalo Grove 1980s two-story: before and after
A 1980s two-story near Didier Farms, a typical kitchen for Buffalo Grove. What we started with: black appliances. The main complaint was an over-the-range unit that sagged off its bracket. After: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. On site this meant pre-install check, old unit or hood removed, plus unit hung and bolted.
Before
AfterMicrowave Installation in a 1990s two-story colonial, Arlington Heights
The site: a 1990s two-story colonial in Arlington Heights. Before: almond appliances. The reason for the call: an old range hood that barely moved any air. After: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. The job covered pre-install check, unit hung and bolted, plus testing and haul-away.
Microwave Installation in Arlington Heights →
Before
AfterBuffalo Grove kitchen, two-story colonial from the 1990s: kitchen remodeling
Finished: cabinets in pale sage with unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls, charcoal concrete-look quartz counters, a terracotta-look square tile backsplash, light oak hardwood flooring and black cage pendants and slim recessed lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Buffalo Grove →
Before
AfterBuffalo Grove kitchen, 1980s two-story: kitchen cabinet painting
What changed: the same doors sprayed in creamy white uppers and navy lowers, new satin brass pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Buffalo Grove →From the old unit to the new one
- Send the model and photosTell us which microwave you bought and show us where it goes.
- Fit and power checkWe confirm clearance, cabinet size, outlet and vent path, and list anything that must change first.
- Written estimateA clear written price with electrical or cabinet changes listed separately.
- Install and testOld unit down, new one mounted and vented, everything tested and the old microwave hauled off.
Microwave Installation questions from Buffalo Grove homeowners
Can an over-the-range microwave vent outside?
It can, when your kitchen has an exterior duct. Without one, the microwave recirculates through a charcoal filter.
Will you take the old microwave or hood away?
Yes, along with all the packaging.
How much does microwave installation cost?
Mounting type, venting, electrical work and haul-away drive the price. We put it in writing before we start.
Do I need an electrician to install an over-the-range microwave?
Not if there's already a proper outlet in the cabinet above. If there isn't, or the maker calls for a dedicated circuit you don't have, a licensed electrician adds it first.
Can you install a microwave I bought at a big-box store or online?
Yes. We install microwaves from any retailer, whether or not they offered installation.
What is the Buffalo Grove building department phone number?
Permits go through Community Development Services, Building & Zoning Services (BS&A Online), phone 847-459-2530. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.
Does Buffalo Grove require a licensed electrician for microwave installation?
Electrical contractors provide a copy of current electrical registration/license; Village honors registrations from Illinois municipalities that require a written exam. New circuits and wiring are done by licensed electricians.
Buffalo Grove contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
All contractors working in the Village must register annually; $75 per trade, no fee for state-licensed contractors. We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for microwave installation in Buffalo Grove?
It depends on the scope. Buffalo Grove's rule in short: Permit required to replace or modify a kitchen, including replacing cabinetry; replacing a sink or faucet needs a plumbing permit even in the same location; electrical must meet the 2017 NEC. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Services, Building & Zoning Services.
Do you work in my part of Buffalo Grove?
Yes. Our crews work across Buffalo Grove, including The Highlands, Green Knolls, Windfield, Didier Farms — ZIP 60089 — and nearby Arlington Heights, Palatine, Lake Zurich.
Working in Buffalo Grove
- A lot of Buffalo Grove kitchens date from the 1980s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Buffalo Grove homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Community Development Services, Building & Zoning Services handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
The HighlandsGreen KnollsWindfieldDidier Farms
ZIP 60089
Microwave Installation nearby
Other kitchen services in Buffalo Grove
Dishwasher InstallationOld unit out, new dishwasher connected, leveled and leak-tested.
Oven, Range & Cooktop InstallationGas and electric ranges, wall ovens and cooktops, safely connected.
Built-In Refrigerator InstallationBuilt-in and panel-ready fridges fitted flush, anchored and connected.
Kitchen RemodelingFull kitchen remodels, from layout to last cabinet pull.
Kitchen Cabinet PaintingFactory-smooth painted cabinets without replacing them.