Moving the microwave off the counter
Many owners want the counter clear. We look at the range wall, the base cabinets and the wall cabinets to see where a mounted microwave fits best.
Serving Villa Park & nearby Elmhurst, Lombard
Microwave Installation in Villa Park, IL
Over-the-range, drawer and built-in microwaves installed in Villa Park: anchored into the wall, bolted to the cabinet and vented the right way.
- Serving Villa Park ZIP 60181
- Installed level, sealed and tested before we leave
- Clear price for the install before the visit
Microwave installs we take on in Villa Park
Most microwave calls we get in Villa Park are one of three jobs: a new over-the-range unit replacing an old one or a hood, a drawer model going into an island, or a built-in with a trim kit set into a wall cabinet. Each has its own cutout, power and venting needs, and we sort those out first.
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.
Built-in microwave with a trim kit
Placing a microwave above a wall oven or in a tall pantry cabinet takes a precise cutout and an outlet inside. We prepare both and install the kit.
Over-the-range microwave replacing a range hood
Trading a hood for a microwave means a new mounting plate, holes drilled through the cabinet bottom and a receptacle where the hood wire used to be. All three get done in one visit.
Microwave drawer in an island or base cabinet
A drawer microwave slides into a base cabinet cutout below the counter, and the island needs an outlet behind it. We prepare the opening and secure the unit flush.
No outlet in the cabinet above
Running an extension cord through the cabinet isn't an option. We have a proper outlet installed above the microwave before we mount it.
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.
Should it vent outside or recirculate?
If there's a duct through the wall or roof, we set the blower to exhaust outside, which clears steam and cooking smells better. With no duct, the unit recirculates through a charcoal filter.
What we hook up and check
- Pre-install checkWe compare the model's guide with your cabinet width, cooktop clearance, outlet location and duct.
- Old unit or hood removedWe unplug or disconnect the old unit and clear the wall and cabinet for the new one.
- Studs located and wall plate mountedWe find the framing and fasten the bracket to solid wood.
- 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.
Models, parts and fittings
Microwave drawersUnder-counter microwaves that open like a drawer, often in an island.
Built-in and trim-kit microwavesUnits framed into cabinetry so they look part of the kitchen.
Convection and air-fry combosMulti-mode microwaves that can stand in for a second oven.
Over-the-range microwavesThe most common type: a microwave and a vent fan in one unit over the cooktop.
Low-profile over-the-range modelsSlimmer microwaves for kitchens with limited space over the range.
Kitchens like yours in Villa Park: before and after
Before
Installed
DetailMicrowave Installation in a 1990s two-story colonial, Villa Park
This one is a 1990s two-story colonial in Villa Park. What we started with: almond appliances. The main complaint was a decades-old hood and a microwave crowding the counter. The result: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. Work included pre-install check, old unit or hood removed, plus drawer and built-in cutouts.
Before
AfterMicrowave Installation in a 1990s two-story colonial, Elmhurst
This one is a 1990s two-story colonial in Elmhurst. The kitchen as it was: white appliances. What bothered the owners most: a weak hood and a microwave stuck on the counter. Finished kitchen: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. On site this meant pre-install check, studs located and wall plate mounted, plus testing and haul-away.
Microwave Installation in Elmhurst →
Before
AfterLombard kitchen, townhouse from the 1990s: microwave installation
The site: a townhouse from the 1990s in Lombard. The kitchen as it was: white appliances. What bothered the owners most: a weak hood and a microwave stuck on the counter. Finished kitchen: a new over-the-range microwave installed above the range and vented. On site this meant studs located and wall plate mounted, blower set and duct connected, plus drawer and built-in cutouts.
Microwave Installation in Lombard →
Before
AfterVilla Park kitchen, 1950s ranch: kitchen remodeling
Finished: cabinets in light gray uppers and dusty rose lowers with unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls, light marble-look quartz counters, a gray beveled subway tile backsplash, large-format light stone-look porcelain tile flooring and two glass pendants and recessed lights.
Kitchen Remodeling in Villa Park →
Before
AfterA Villa Park 1950s ranch: before and after
What changed: the same doors sprayed in light warm taupe, new unlacquered brass knobs and cup pulls; counters and floor stayed as they were.
Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Villa Park →Install day
- Send the model and photosShare the model number and photos of the range wall, the cabinet above and the old unit.
- Fit and power checkWe confirm clearance, cabinet size, outlet and vent path, and list anything that must change first.
- Written estimateAn itemized estimate covering removal, mounting, venting and any outlet or cabinet work.
- Install and testOld unit down, new one mounted and vented, everything tested and the old microwave hauled off.
Microwave Installation questions from Villa Park 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?
We do. Removal and haul-away are part of the job.
How high should an over-the-range microwave be above the stove?
The maker's instructions give the minimum. Too low is unsafe over a hot range, so we check it on the visit.
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.
Can you put a microwave drawer in my island?
We can. We check the island's cabinet layout and wiring path first.
Does microwave installation need a Villa Park building permit, and who files it?
Permits go through Permitting Division, Community & Economic Development, phone 630-433-4300. When your scope needs one, we prepare the application and schedule the inspections.
Can Villa Park bulk pickup take my old appliance or cabinets?
Hauler is Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS). Bulk items collected loose on regular day. If you'd rather not deal with it, we haul old units and debris away.
Do I need a Villa Park-registered contractor for microwave installation?
No general contractor registration described. Homeowners acting as own general contractor submit a form and homeowner's insurance copy. We take care of that before work starts.
What does Villa Park ask for on electrical work?
New electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician with current bond and insurance; homeowners may do small repairs like changing outlets or switches. New circuits and wiring are done by licensed electricians.
Do I need a permit for microwave installation in Villa Park?
It depends on the scope. Villa Park's rule in short: Permit required for adding, replacing or relocating plumbing fixtures, electrical or HVAC systems, and for moving or building walls. We handle the permit when one is needed with Permitting Division, Community & Economic Development.
Do you work in my part of Villa Park?
Yes. Our crews work across Villa Park — ZIP 60181 — and nearby Elmhurst, Lombard, Addison.
Working in Villa Park
- A lot of Villa Park kitchens date from the 1950s. We know these layouts well and what is worth keeping.
- Most Villa Park homes are single-family. We protect floors and driveways and leave the site clean every day.
- We know how Permitting Division, Community & Economic Development handles kitchen permits and pull them for you.
ZIP 60181
Microwave Installation nearby
Other kitchen services in Villa Park
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.