Over the range microwave

DH and I have been redoing our kitchen ourselves since June. We purchased a over the range microwave only to find out that we need to have a seperate circut installed for it. Our super will do it for $500-750. We have an 8x8 galley kitchen so it would give us extra counter space, but I am not sure it is worth that much money. Do you think that it is a feature that adds value to our co-op?

Re: Over the range microwave

I never had one over the oven b/c we always had a hood with lights... My mother in law has one and I never realized how convient it is to cook, The other thing is until she had that installed she never had a light over her stove and it was alway very very dark cooking and you couldnt see what you were cooking.

I don't know about the added value but the convience of having the light/fan with the micro would be a selling point.

Re: Over the range microwave

that sounds like a lot of $$ to have someone do it.
That is more $$$ than you probably paid for the microwave.

Re: Over the range microwave

I feel like there are sites that you can look on and get a sense if that would be worth your investment-- meaning how an improvement increases the overall value of the property. Our new apt has one of thse-- and the building is 4 years old and this was what was installed-- and I have seen similar in other apts-- in my opinion, this fits into the"kitchen upgrade/modernization" category. One- when you sell the place, it will be included- not like microwaves are so expensive, but it also adds to the convenience and provides more space- essential in an apt. You can also try calling your realtor and get their opinion.

Other thing is-- how much do you want it? If you want it- go for it.

Message edited 12/1/2005 9:36:36 PM.

Re: Over the range microwave

I think its a great feature that will modernize the kitchen.

I think you should call some electricians and get prices though. That seems like an awful lot for that. We are just getting this done, and I'm looking at the itemized bill and if I am figuring it right, it was MUCH less.

Re: Over the range microwave

Re: Over the range microwave

Heidi, I would speak with whomever you intend to purchase the appliance from. They may either have a guy who does it or may be able to recommend a subcontractor or an electrician. Honestly, $500-750 seems incredibly expensive to me and ultimately not worth it for one thing. But, I do love the over the range microwaves (DH and I have our fingers crossed the contractor will say we can do this in our new place) and like Randi said, the space efficiency is key in an apartment. However, if you are looking for dollar for dollar value, you definitely will not get $1000 more (assuming the cost of the microwave and the installation by your super) just based on this addition.

Message edited 12/2/2005 8:53:27 AM.

Re: Over the range microwave

if it proves too expensive, perhaps you can install a cabinet shelf for a regular microwave over normal countertop space? So you don't lose the counter space to the micro, can use a regular microwave and plug it in wherever..

Unless you've already got your cabinets installed, just a suggestion??

Re: Over the range microwave

IMO - I dont like the microwave over the stove - I am not that tall and I hate it - We are re-doing the kitchen and choose to get rid of it and put it on the counter-top - we also have a galley kitchen like it better....

Re: Over the range microwave

you may want to find a local electrican to do it. should be cheapier to do it and can't imagine it taking that long. since you are a co-op, you maybe have to find someone with a licesne (sp) but should be cheapier

we have a MW over range (first time) and i think its nice. I do notice less space when cooking sutff now (with the big huge cookware) but otherwise its the same.

We have plenty of light there (backlighting the MW has different levels of light)

and you don't need to be tall to access it cause its the same levels as you cabinets would be

Message edited 12/2/2005 12:36:58 PM.

Re: Over the range microwave

We have an over the stove microwave and a light over the stove. I LOVE having the microwave over the stove. It is such a huge convenience. It gives us mor counter space and we have a light over the stove so it is not dark while cooking. We also have a vent.

This is not our kitchen. This is a pic from one of the home models by our builder.



I love love love having the kitchen set up like that.

Re: Over the range microwave

Thank you all for your opininons. I have talked to a few people and they all say the same thing. The microwave needs its own circut and to do it requires going into the plaster and running it from the circut box, which is about 20ft. away. They all have given prices over the price my super gave. I think that even though it is more money then I really wanted to spend, ultimately it will be worth it to have the extra counter space. I doubt it will add $1000 onto the resale, but it should add some.