How to Calculate the Cost of Installing a Dishwasher

Dishwashers make the housework load much lighter every day. A homeowner without a dishwasher must either eat out or spend considerable amounts of time with soap and the sink. Installing a dishwasher could prove to be the right decision for you. However, before you make that decision, you must calculate the cost.

Instructions

1

Take the cost of a new dishwasher into account if you don't already have one you can use. Search online cost comparison sites for the best price. Also, consider buying a used dishwasher from a friend or on the Internet (see Resources below).

2

Determine whether your house contains the proper hook-ups for a dishwasher. It must have both a water hook-up and an appropriate electrical connection. If the house has never contained a dishwasher, you may need to have a professional install hook-ups.

3

Decide whether you can install the dishwasher yourself or whether you need to hire a professional. If you're buying a new dishwasher, speak to a representative at the store about installation options.

4

Calculate the total cost of tools and supplies you must buy if you're not hiring a professional to install the dishwasher. You may be able to borrow some tools--or perhaps you already have them. Some tools that may prove useful, include a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, slip-joint pliers and a dishwasher installation kit.

5

Contact anyone you know who has experience with dishwasher installation or similar work. If you don't know anyone who can install the dishwasher, perhaps one of your friends or family members has such a contact, or look online at sites like Angieslist (see Resources below).