2023 Cost to Install a Dishwasher – Forbes Home - Forbes
The cost of purchasing and installing a new dishwasher ranges from as little as $250 to as much as over $2,000. The current national average cost for installing a dishwasher falls near the middle at $970. The total cost depends on the type of dishwasher you choose, whether you choose to have a professional installation and if any further modifications to your kitchen need to be done in order to accommodate your new dishwasher.
Purchasing Your Dishwasher
Generally speaking, dishwashers fall into three different categories: budget/economy, mid-range and luxury. Regardless of the category, though, any dishwasher is capable of washing and sanitizing dishes. An increased price point typically reflects a wider variety of added features.
Budget/Economy Dishwashers
Expected Cost: $200 to $500
Budget dishwashers take the machine back to its essential purpose: to wash dishes. With a simple, front-facing user interface, and only two or three wash cycle options, budget dishwashers are a good choice for those who just want to get their dishes clean. Material-wise, these dishwashers are usually made entirely of inflexible plastic. At the higher end of the budget range you may find a few more options and some with stainless steel exteriors, but don't expect much. These dishwashers are often fairly noisy.
Mid-Range Dishwashers
Expected Cost: $500 to $1,000
These dishwashers have an increased number of wash cycle options and will have a more complex user interface, situated either on the front of the dishwasher or the top edge of its door. They are typically made from stainless steel to help reduce noise, resist stains and odors and retain heat. Inside, the racks often have adjustable parts to help you load your dishes more efficiently. These types of dishwashers are by far the most commonly used in households across America.
Luxury Dishwashers
Expected Cost: $1,000 or more
Luxury dishwashers start at $1,000 but the final cost depends entirely on how many features are included. At this price point, expect to be paying for these extra features instead of an improved wash cycle—a luxury and a mid-range dishwasher clean equally well.
From customizable dishwashers that match the décor of your kitchen to Wi-Fi-enabled dishwashers that can be managed from an app, luxury dishwashers are intended to give you the widest range of dishwashing options with the most convenience. Hidden control panels, special wash zones and interior lighting are common. Other quality details, like reduced noise and multiple possible wash cycles, are a given.
(Note: All details and prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)
Installing Your Dishwasher
No matter what dishwasher you choose, installing your dishwasher is fairly inexpensive, as long as there is a pre-existing infrastructure. There are several options available to you for installation.
Hire a Professional
Professionals charge between $100 and $450 with an average of $190 for a basic installation into a pre-existing infrastructure. They will also take care of disposing of your old dishwasher for you, which is an added bonus. Your local home improvement store will typically offer installation service when you purchase a new dishwasher. Hiring a professional is a good choice if you want the process done quickly, do not want to deal with your old dishwasher and if you aren't comfortable with DIYing.
For an entirely new installation, expect the cost to start around $500, and go up from there. This takes into account the labor costs of hiring specialists like electricians and plumbers to prepare your kitchen. Permits may need pulling, inspections may be required and that's only the beginning—the older your house is, the more troublesome it may become to install a new appliance.
DIY
Assuming there's a pre-existing infrastructure, the financial cost to DIY your dishwasher installation can be as little as $20. You will only need a basic toolkit with a screwdriver, pliers and a wrench. Materials you may need include teflon tape and screws. You may incur some additional costs getting rid of your old dishwasher, depending on your location. Overall, if you are a confident DIYer, installing a dishwasher yourself will save you money—but may take a longer time than having a professional complete the service.
We recommend hiring a professional if there is any step in the installation process that you are concerned with or if you spot any issues during installation. The cons of an improperly installed dishwasher—noise, movement, water leakage and more—far outweigh any labor costs. Similarly, if you are unfamiliar with, or do not have access to, your water supply and electrical breakers (both of which need to be turned off for installation), do not try to install a dishwasher yourself.
Additional Installation Costs
It may be necessary to remodel or adapt your kitchen in order to accommodate a dishwasher. This is most common for houses that have never had a kitchen before, are getting a nonstandard-size dishwasher or are putting a new dishwasher in a different location. Some of the common additional costs include:
- Electrical modifications: Hiring an electrician costs $80 to $90 per hour (varies by location). A licensed, insured electrician can prepare your kitchen for a dishwasher by doing rewiring, basic electrical remodeling and updating any out-of-date electrical connections.
- Plumbing modifications: Hiring a plumber costs around $80 to $90 per hour (varies by location). A licensed, insured plumber can establish a drain line and water connection for your dishwasher, as well as check for any leaks and make repairs as necessary.
- Removing or replacing cabinets: Changing your cabinetry to accommodate a dishwasher can quickly become expensive, since it requires an infrastructure change to your kitchen. On average, expect to pay around $200 to $300 for total removal and anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for new cabinets, labor included.
- Flooring repairs: It's common to take out an old dishwasher and discover issues with the flooring underneath. Exact cost will depend on what material you choose and what the old flooring looks like—dealing with water damage, for example, will be more costly—but expect to pay at least $100.
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