Plaster walls behind the range
In prewar kitchens the wall behind the range may be plaster, tile or both. We drill through it cleanly and anchor the bracket into framing.
Serving Evanston & nearby Skokie, Glenview
Microwave Installation in Evanston, IL
Over-the-range, drawer and built-in microwaves installed in Evanston: anchored into the wall, bolted to the cabinet and vented the right way.
- Serving Evanston ZIP 60201, 60202, 60208
- Installed level, sealed and tested before we leave
- Clear price for the install before the visit
Microwave installs we take on in Evanston
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 Evanston installers handle all of it and haul the old unit away.
Condo kitchens with no outside vent
In a Evanston condo, venting outside usually depends on an existing duct and the association's rules. We check with management and install recirculating when needed.
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.
Old microwave swap where the holes don't line up
A new unit almost never matches the old bracket. We take down the old plate, install the new one from its own template and fill the old screw holes.
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.
Duct that doesn't line up with the new unit
Rear-venting through the wall and top-venting through the cabinet need different paths. We line up the microwave's outlet with your duct and seal the joint.
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.
Microwave drawer in an island or base cabinet
Putting a microwave drawer in the island keeps it within reach for kids and away from the cooktop. We build the cutout to the maker's spec and run power to it.
What the install includes
- Pre-install checkWe compare the model's guide with your cabinet width, cooktop clearance, outlet location and duct.
- Old unit or hood removedThe old microwave or range hood is taken down, its wiring made safe and the bracket removed.
- Outlet and circuitPower where the new unit needs it, with any new circuit wired 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.
- Drawer and built-in cutoutsBase or wall cabinet openings sized to the maker's spec, with support and trim kits fitted.
- Testing and haul-awayWe run the microwave, the fan at each speed and the light, then take the old unit and packaging away.
What to pick before the install
Low-profile over-the-range modelsShorter units that leave more room above the burners where cabinets are low.
Over-the-range microwavesThe most common type: a microwave and a vent fan in one unit over the cooktop.
Microwave drawersUnder-counter microwaves that open like a drawer, often in an island.
Venting partsThe pieces that connect the microwave to the outside or set it up to recirculate.
Convection and air-fry combosMicrowaves that also bake, crisp or air-fry, available in over-the-range and built-in styles.
Kitchens like yours in Evanston: before and after
Before
Installed
DetailBefore and after: a prewar condo in Evanston
This one is a prewar condo in Evanston. What we started with: black appliances. The main complaint was a microwave that had stopped working over the range. The result: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. The job covered old unit or hood removed, outlet and circuit, plus testing and haul-away.
Before
AfterA Skokie 1990s two-story colonial: before and after
A 1990s two-story colonial in Skokie, a typical kitchen for Skokie. The kitchen as it was: black appliances. The reason for the call: a microwave that had stopped working over the range. 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 blower set and duct connected.
Microwave Installation in Skokie →
Before
AfterGlenview kitchen, 1980s two-story: microwave installation
This one is a 1980s two-story near The Park. What we started with: almond appliances. What bothered the owners most: an old range hood that barely moved any air. The result: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. On site this meant cabinet drilled to the template, drawer and built-in cutouts, plus testing and haul-away.
Microwave Installation in Glenview →
Before
AfterAn Evanston prewar brick bungalow: before and after
Soft sage-green inset-style cabinets with unlacquered brass hardware, honed white marble-look quartz counters, a white handmade-look square tile backsplash, restored oak strip floor and schoolhouse pendant lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Evanston →
Before
AfterAn Evanston prewar foursquare: before and after
The same doors sprayed in soft white, new matte black pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Evanston →Install day
- Send the model and photosTell us which microwave you bought and show us where it goes.
- Fit and power checkClearances, power and duct are checked against the installation guide.
- Written estimateAn itemized estimate covering removal, mounting, venting and any outlet or cabinet work.
- Install and testWe hang it, connect it, run it and take the old one away.
Microwave Installation questions from Evanston homeowners
Can an over-the-range microwave vent outside in a Evanston condo?
It depends on the building. We check the duct and the rules, and recirculation is the fallback.
What size over-the-range microwave fits my kitchen?
Width usually matches a standard range; what changes is height, depth and the cabinet above. Send us the model and photos before ordering.
Is a microwave enough ventilation over a gas range?
It depends on how you cook. An over-the-range microwave clears light steam; a dedicated hood does more.
How long does microwave installation take?
It depends on the prep. We give you the schedule with the estimate.
How much does microwave installation cost?
It depends on the type of microwave, whether a hood or old unit comes down, and any outlet, venting or cabinet changes. We give a written, itemized estimate after looking at your setup.
What is the Evanston building department phone number?
Permits go through Community Development Department, Building & Development Services (Building & Inspection Services), phone (847) 448-4311. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.
What happens to the old appliance in Evanston?
Appliances and tires are not collected in regular bulk pickup; call 311 or 847-448-4311 to arrange free removal. If you'd rather not deal with it, we haul old units and debris away.
Do Evanston condo associations need to approve microwave installation?
Associations usually set rules for work hours, elevators, deliveries and insurance, and many require approval for plumbing, electrical or structural changes. We provide the certificate of insurance and follow the building's rules.
What does Evanston ask for on electrical work?
Electrical contractors must register and submit a copy of an electrical license from a testing municipality (or state license if state-regulated). Electrician must be on site for electrical rough inspections. New circuits and wiring are done by licensed electricians.
Evanston contractor registration: do kitchen contractors need it?
All contractors working in city limits must register with the City; annual fee General Contractor $150, Trade Contractor $125. We take care of that before work starts.
Do I need a permit for microwave installation in Evanston?
It depends on the scope. Evanston's rule in short: Residential permit applications go through the Citizen Portal; City worksheets signed by the contractors are required for any electrical, plumbing or HVAC work. We handle the permit when one is needed with Community Development Department, Building & Development Services (Building & Inspection Services).
Do you work in my part of Evanston?
Yes. Our crews work across Evanston — ZIP 60201, 60202, 60208 — and nearby Skokie, Glenview, Park Ridge.
Working in Evanston
- Most Evanston homes are prewar. We work around plaster walls, radiators and out-of-square rooms every week.
- Condo or townhome? We follow association rules on work hours and elevators and bring the insurance certificate your board asks for.
- Live in a historic district? Interior kitchen work is usually not reviewed. We check before anything touches the exterior.
ZIP 60201ZIP 60202ZIP 60208
Microwave Installation nearby
Other kitchen services in Evanston
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.