If you‘re in the market for a new appliance, Lowe‘s is likely on your list of top retailers to consider. The home improvement giant carries a wide array of appliances from all the leading brands, often at competitive prices. But for many shoppers, the decision of where to buy an appliance comes down to more than just price. Factors like delivery, installation, and ongoing support are also critical.
When it comes to appliance installation, Lowe‘s offers a full suite of services to help customers get their new purchases up and running quickly and correctly. The company has a network of vetted, licensed and insured third-party contractors who can handle everything from basic hook-ups to complex built-in installations.
But what exactly does Lowe‘s appliance installation entail? How much does it cost? And is it worth paying for professional installation vs. doing it yourself or hiring an independent contractor?
As a savvy shopper and retail industry expert, I‘ve thoroughly researched the ins and outs of Lowe‘s appliance installation services. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll break down the different installation options, share the typical pricing ranges, and provide tips for getting the best possible value and experience when having Lowe‘s install your appliances.
Types of Appliance Installations Offered by Lowe‘s
Lowe‘s offers professional installation services for almost every type of major home appliance, including:
- Refrigerators (all configurations)
- Freezers (chest and upright)
- Dishwashers
- Ranges & stoves (gas, electric, dual fuel)
- Cooktops & rangetops
- Wall ovens (single, double)
- Over-the-range microwaves
- Washers (front load, top load)
- Dryers (gas, electric)
- Range hoods
- Garbage disposals
- Trash compactors
No matter what appliance you purchase from Lowe‘s, chances are they have an installation solution available. The only exceptions are small countertop appliances, window air conditioners, and portable heaters/AC units.
Free Delivery & Basic Hook-Up
Many large appliances at Lowe‘s include free delivery and basic hook-up as part of their everyday price. This service covers:
- Unboxing and inspection of new appliance
- Connection to existing water, gas, or electrical supply
- Testing to ensure proper function
- Demonstration of key features
- Relocation of old appliance to another area of house
Appliances eligible for free delivery and hook-up include:
- Refrigerators (freestanding)
- Ranges (freestanding)
- Dishwashers (basic replacement install)
- Washers & dryers (freestanding)
It‘s important to note that "free hook-up" assumes you have an existing 3-prong outlet, water shut-off valve, etc. in place. If new supply lines need to be run or outlets installed, additional fees will apply.
Paid Installation Services
For appliances that require more complex connections or mounting, Lowe‘s offers paid installation services. The exact cost depends on the type of appliance and the difficulty of the job, but here are some general price ranges:
| Appliance Type | Average Installation Price |
|---|---|
| OTR Microwave | $130 – $200 |
| Gas Cooktop | $180 – $350 |
| Wall Oven (Single) | $200 – $450 |
| Slide-In Range | $250 – $500 |
| Built-In Fridge | $500 – $1,500+ |
Source: Lowe‘s Home Services, ImproveNet
As you can see, prices for complex installs can add up quickly, especially for built-in appliances that require electrical or plumbing work behind the wall. Lowe‘s installation prices also vary by location, with rates tending to be 20-40% higher in major metro areas vs. smaller markets.
It‘s also worth noting that Lowe‘s installation fees do not include haul away and disposal of your old appliances. This service is available for an additional $30 fee, plus any local dumping charges.
How Do Lowe‘s Installation Prices Compare to Other Retailers?
To put Lowe‘s installation costs in context, let‘s take a look at how they stack up against other major appliance retailers. I‘ve compiled pricing data from Home Depot, Best Buy, and independent installers to see how Lowe‘s measures up.
Here are the average installation prices for a few common appliances:
| Appliance | Lowe‘s | Home Depot | Best Buy | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | $190 | $180 | $160 | $150 |
| Gas Range | $200 | $220 | $200 | $175 |
| OTR Microwave | $160 | $175 | $150 | $140 |
| Double Wall Oven | $800 | $750 | $850 | $650 |
Sources: Lowe‘s, Home Depot, Best Buy, HomeAdvisor
As you can see, Lowe‘s installation prices are very comparable to other big box stores like Home Depot and Best Buy. For some appliances, Lowe‘s comes in slightly lower, while for others they may be a bit higher.
However, Lowe‘s installation costs do tend to be higher across the board compared to hiring an independent local contractor directly. On average, you can expect to pay about 15-20% less by going with an independent installer vs. Lowe‘s (or another retailer).
So why pay more for Lowe‘s installation? For one, there‘s a convenience factor in being able to bundle your appliance purchase and installation and have everything handled through one company.
More importantly, though, is the peace of mind that comes with Lowe‘s installation warranty and quality guarantee. The company pre-screens and trains all of their installers to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience. And if anything goes wrong with the installation, you have a one-year labor warranty to fall back on.
What Do Customers Say About Lowe‘s Appliance Installation?
Of course, even with the best intentions, not every installation job goes smoothly. To get a sense of real-world customer experiences with Lowe‘s appliance installation, I analyzed ratings and reviews from a variety of trusted sources.
On ConsumerAffairs.com, Lowe‘s appliance installation services have an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars based on over 450 reviews. While many customers reported positive experiences, some common complaints included:
- Lack of professionalism or skill of individual installers
- No-shows or last-minute rescheduling
- Damage to floors, cabinets or the appliance itself
- Improper venting or leveling of appliance
- Long waits for repair/resolution of installation issues
However, it‘s worth noting that Lowe‘s actively responds to negative reviews and works to rectify any issues. They also tend to have a higher satisfaction rating compared to other major retailers; Home Depot averages 3.4 stars and Sears just 1.2 stars for appliance installation.
Positive Lowe‘s reviews tended to applaud the installers‘ punctuality, communication and overall expertise. Customers were pleased with how well their new appliances were leveled, secured and tested. Many also complimented Lowe‘s support in resolving unexpected installation challenges.
"It started with a pleasant and professional experience with the salesman and ended with an exceptional delivery service. The two delivery men were professional in every manner. Installation was explained and all trash/boxes removed from the premises." -Willie H., Jonesboro, GA
"Robert was our installer. He was friendly, knowledgeable, efficient, and professional. Due to the configuration of my kitchen, the installation of the over-the-range microwave was a challenge, but Robert problem-solved and did an excellent job." -Beth M., Kennewick, WA
Overall, while there are certainly some horror stories out there, the majority of Lowe‘s appliance installations appear to go smoothly. The key is to thoroughly research your specific appliance, ask questions upfront, and know exactly what is (and isn‘t) included with the installation service.
Is Paying for Lowe‘s Appliance Installation Worth It?
Now that we‘ve covered the ins and outs of Lowe‘s appliance installation services and costs, the big question is: is it worth it?
The answer really depends on your individual circumstances. In general, paying for professional appliance installation can be a smart investment if:
- You are not comfortable with DIY appliance hookups
- Your appliance requires complex mounting, venting or wiring
- You are installing an expensive, high-end appliance
- You want to ensure a perfect, seamless fit with your cabinets/counters
- You value the peace of mind of a labor warranty
On the flip side, you might be better off skipping the professional install if:
- You have some basic plumbing/electrical skills
- Your appliance is going into an existing, compatible space
- You are willing to assume the risk of DIY installation
- You have a trustworthy local handyman or contractor
- You are on a very tight budget
Ultimately, the decision of whether to hire Lowe‘s (or any professional) to install your appliances is a personal one. But in many cases, it can be money well spent to ensure a safe, successful and stress-free installation process.
Tips for a Smooth Lowe‘s Appliance Installation
If you do decide to move forward with Lowe‘s installation services, there are some steps you can take to help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible:
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Measure (and re-measure) your space to ensure a proper fit, especially for built-ins. Provide detailed measurements to your Lowe‘s rep so they can help guide you to the right appliance size and configuration.
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Schedule an in-home consultation before you buy, if possible. This allows the installer to evaluate your space, identify potential issues, and provide an accurate upfront quote.
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Determine whether you need any additional services, like running a new gas line or relocating an outlet. Factor those into your budget and schedule.
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Prepare the installation area by clearing out any obstacles, moving furniture, and ensuring easy access to water/gas/electric connections.
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Confirm installation details with Lowe‘s, including the exact model being installed, installation date/time, included services, and total cost. Make sure you get everything in writing upfront.
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Be present during the installation to answer questions, give directions, and inspect the work. Don‘t be afraid to speak up if something doesn‘t seem right!
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Keep all paperwork, including your receipt, installation contract, and warranty information. You may need to refer back to these if any post-installation issues arise.
By doing your due diligence and being proactive in the installation process, you can minimize the chances of surprises or complications down the road.
The Bottom Line
Whether you‘re buying a new fridge, oven, dishwasher or washer/dryer set, Lowe‘s appliance installation services can help you get your new purchase up and running safely and correctly. The retailer offers a spectrum of installation options, from free basic hook-up to white glove delivery and installation for built-in models.
However, these services come at a cost. Lowe‘s appliance installation prices range from around $100 to over $1,000, depending on the appliance type and complexity of the job. While these prices are in line with other big box stores, they do tend to be higher than hiring an independent local contractor.
So is it worth paying extra for Lowe‘s installation? For many customers, the convenience, reliability and peace of mind is well worth the price. Lowe‘s has a proven track record of professional installations backed by a one-year labor warranty. Their installers are carefully vetted and held to high standards for safety, skill and service.
At the same time, Lowe‘s installation isn‘t the best choice for everyone. If you‘re reasonably handy around the house, are installing a basic replacement appliance, or have a good lead on a trustworthy local handyman, you might save some money by handling the installation yourself or hiring an independent contractor.
Ultimately, the key is to weigh the costs and benefits while keeping your own specific needs, budget and risk tolerance in mind. By understanding exactly what is (and isn‘t) included with Lowe‘s appliance installation, you can decide if it‘s the right choice for you. And if you do opt for their installation services, following these tips can help ensure the process goes smoothly from start to finish.
