# What kind of contractor do I call for this? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 27, 2014, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185 "2014-07-27T21:33:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2014, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/1 "2014-07-27T21:33:29Z")
I’m going to need to have a dishwasher installed in older kitchen cabinets, where there is currently no dishwasher. [Like this.](http://homeguides.sfgate.com/install-dishwasher-old-kitchen-cabinets-48345.html) I’m going to purchase a narrow appliance (they come in 18-inch width). I have to measure the cabinets, I’m not sure if this fits into the space of a single door or not. What kind of person does this? Do I have to find a carpenter, a plumber, and an electrician? Or is there one person who does all of this? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2014, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/2 "2014-07-27T21:38:40Z")
If you had the space right, all you would need is a plumber (if you couldn’t do it yourself). Retrofitting a cabinet will require a carpenter-- a very good one. And you’ll need an electrician to run power if you don’t have it. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2014, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/3 "2014-07-27T23:02:10Z")
I would find a contractor that does kitchen fitting. They will have all the trades on tap, so to speak. I had a similar problem when I bought a new fitted oven and hob. A couple of guys ripped out the old cabinet and fitted a new one; then an electrician turned up to do the wiring (took him half an hour), and then a gas fitter for the hob. Late in the afternoon, the original guys came back to finish off. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2014, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/4 "2014-07-27T23:02:14Z")
if you want to do it legally,safely with quality then you need a plumber and electrician. there are lots of details to get right to have this be quality. depending on your cabinets and how you want it to look you might need a carpenter. a carefully removed cabinet and a handy person could make it look OK. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2014, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/5 "2014-07-27T23:16:07Z")
A portable dishwasher is ideal for this situation. This one is 18 inches wide. I had one for several years and they do a great job. roll them up to the sink and they attach to the faucet. [http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danby-8-Place-Setting-Portable-Dishwasher-White/28519035#Item+Description](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danby-8-Place-Setting-Portable-Dishwasher-White/28519035#Item+Description) otherwise plan on needing a carpenter and plumber. You could easily spend $500. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2014, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/6 "2014-07-27T23:25:53Z")
The carpenter will probably buy a pre fab[dishwasher enclosure cabinet](http://api.ning.com/files/BrRYvLZrLBkKyLLNxr*MLdYO9FuqnsyMQSagqmX*EMJpCUbSKgzNu1Nvtgn0MTgqX50xwNHeYxNBc7O3uDeWB9ZvOBjNvS69/IMG_1255.JPG) from Home Depot. Then custom fit it into your old kitchen. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/7 "2014-07-28T00:22:15Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > A portable dishwasher is ideal for this situation. This one is 18 inches wide. I had one for several years and they do a great job. roll them up to the sink and they attach to the faucet. > [Robot or human?](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Danby-8-Place-Setting-Portable-Dishwasher-White/28519035#Item+Description) > > otherwise plan on needing a carpenter and plumber. You could easily spend $500. Second this. Only problem (and a small one) is storing it when not in use. ---
**Author:** ![johnpost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f17d59/32.png) [@johnpost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnpost)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/8 "2014-07-28T00:45:53Z")
people will knock out a space under the counter the same as for a built-in. savings is in the nonpermanent hookup. also portable dishwasher come with a cutting board top and become an island. though i don’t know how portables might be a lower tier of quality. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/9 "2014-07-28T02:29:37Z")
Depending on your locality, a handyman should be able to do it. I do handyman work (under $500 only - California) and I’ve done similar installations. You should not need a permit or a lic plumber/electrician. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/10 "2014-07-28T03:04:45Z")
> [@PlainJain](#): > > Depending on your locality, a handyman should be able to do it. I do handyman work (under $500 only - California) and I’ve done similar installations. You should not need a permit or a lic plumber/electrician. It’s always best to hire licensed tradesmen. No insurance of quality, but it’s a good place to start. A licensed tradesman will know the relevant codes that apply. For instance, you should have a dedicated electrical circuit for the dishwasher. ---
**Author:** ![Billdo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/billdo/32/315_2.png) [@Billdo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billdo)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/11 "2014-07-28T03:48:58Z")
Talk to the store where you are buying the appliance. They may have installation service or be able to recommend someone appropriate. At the very least, they should be able to get you the specs for the necessary plumbing and electrical hook-ups for a licensed plumber/electrician to use to set it up for installation. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/12 "2014-07-28T04:47:47Z")
I’d recommend you at least talk to a kitchen remodeling contractor. ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/13 "2014-07-28T11:56:50Z")
Thank everyone for the ideas! It’s a small kitchen so I’m not getting a portable (although I agree that’s a good idea otherwise). ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/14 "2014-07-28T12:04:44Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > It’s always best to hire licensed tradesmen. No insurance of quality, but it’s a good place to start. A licensed tradesman will know the relevant codes that apply. For instance, you should have a dedicated electrical circuit for the dishwasher. Really? I just have mine plugged into the ring main through a 13 amp socket (the plug was supplied fitted to the washer). The water connections are flexible pipes and easy to attach (without any tools) to the valves. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/15 "2014-07-28T14:14:03Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > Really? I just have mine plugged into the ring main through a 13 amp socket (the plug was supplied fitted to the washer). The water connections are flexible pipes and easy to attach (without any tools) to the valves. Plumbing connections are definitely a DIY project for anyone with just a little experience. I’m just saying that if you want to do the electrical so it’s to code, it should be on a dedicated circuit. Plenty of homes are not done that way as they were wired before the code changed. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/16 "2014-07-28T14:29:01Z")
Angie’s List is your friend. Or, if you’re a cheapskate like me, Yelp. Either way, a handyman - with good references - should be able to handle it. ---
**Author:** ![sbunny8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c77e96/32.png) [@sbunny8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sbunny8)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2014, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/17 "2014-07-28T15:37:03Z")
If you need a carpenter, a plumber, and an electrician, the simplest way to proceed is to hire a **general contractor** , who will, in turn, hire those other 3 people as subcontractors. You’ll end up paying the salaries of 4 people, but you know the job is done right (or at least done with all the proper permits, et cetera). Make sure that ALL the parties involved have licenses, including the general contractor. It’s also possible that you can hire a carpenter and then the carpenter can act as the general contractor, hiring the plumber and the electrician, so then you’re only paying 3 people. Beware of the “handyman”. This usually means someone who doesn’t have a license, and you have fewer options if there is a dispute. Also, in the state of Oregon, there’s a $1,000 fine for “knowingly assisting an unlicensed contractor”. It’s rare for that law to be applied against the customer, but it could happen. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2014, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-contractor-do-i-call-for-this/694185/18 "2014-07-29T00:21:13Z")
If there is any cabinet work to be done I would find a renovation carpenter that can bring in a plumber and electrician as needed. The appliance people will probably have someone they can refer you to. Dishwashers require their own circuit in Canadian building code and I am guessing in the US also, so you need an electrician to run a circuit. Dishwasher is usually hardwired to a cable the electrician leaves long enough to attach to the front of the dishwasher with it pulled out all the way, requires a cable restraint and Murrettes. Same goes for the supply line; has to be long enough to reach the front of the dishwasher with room to work, often requires a brass elbow. You need a ‘T’ installed in the sink’s hot water supply line and a ‘dishwasher Y’ in the waste pipes (this is often part of the p trap assembly already and merely needs to have the closed end cut off). Holes need to be drilled through the cabinets that are between the sink and the dishwasher for supply and waste lines, plumbers will usually have the carpenter / cabinet installer do this if they are available to minimize wood butchery. Modern dishwashers are usually fastened with a screw through a bracket on each side into the adjacent cabinet/panel. Before the popularity of granite they were screwed into the countertop or its supporting trim. Not familiar with 18" retrofit dishwasher. Standard size is a 24", usually simply a gap in the cabinets but sometimes use a gable with a ledger on the wall (for countertop support) if on the end of the bank of cabinets. I would look for a 24" cabinet close to the sink and take that out - usually screwed to the cabinets on either side and possibly screwed to the countertop. If the cabinet doesn’t slide out you can cut its bottom panel down the middle , pull it out and then collapse and remove the rest of the cabinet. _Composed this am and negelected to post before leaving_