Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Dryer Vent Installation
Dryer Vent Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Dryer Vent Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Dryer Vent Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Dryer Vent Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Dryer Vent Installation labor cost? What are the important Dryer Vent Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Dryer Vent Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Dryer Vent Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Dryer Vent Installation expect to pay between $79.88 to $119.81 for each dryer vent. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Dryer Vent Installation work? | Your Dryer Vent Installation project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Dryer Vent Installation work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Dryer Vent Installation work? | The operation and performance of the dryer vent may be adversely affected by inexperience or poor installation techniques. Hire service providers for Dryer Vent Installation carefully and be sure to tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (from the list below). |
| Is Dryer Vent Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Dryer Vent Installation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Dryer Vent Installation requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Dryer Vent Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Dryer Vent Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Dryer Vent Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Dryer Vent Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- All connection trim plate(s) will be sized and configured to provide reliable, safe operation and full design performance of the dryer vent
- All holes, cuts and notches necessary to complete the work will be no larger than 25% of the object routed through the opening; cuts will be clean and uniform; all framing holes, notches and modifications will fully comply with local code guidelines
- Ceiling and wall cutouts will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- Cutouts on exterior walls will be neat, uniform and no larger than necessary; any air gaps around the cutout(s) will be insulated and sealed; the cutout(s) will not be visible when cover plates are installed
- Dryer vent will be installed so that the dryer vent base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
- The dryer vent, its connections and fittings will be verified 100% leak-free under all operating conditions
- The dryer vent surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Dryer Vent Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Dryer Vent Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the dryer vent work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Determine if permit is required for Dryer Vent Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of dryer vent, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order dryer vent; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Install dryer vent using manufacturer recommended fittings and connectors, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the Dryer Vent Installation; patch must be flush to the surrounding surface and seamlessly match the texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Patch holes, gaps and openings left by the Dryer Vent Installation work; patch must be secure and match shape, texture and color of surrounding surfaces
- Connect dryer vent to exhaust venting system in manner that is compliant with all local building codes
- Remove debris, dirt and dust from all work areas; unless otherwise agreed, all demolition debris and construction waste will be removed from the site within 24 hours
- Inspect Dryer Vent Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Carefully remove all manufacturers labels and clean the dryer vent surfaces - without scraping, scratching or otherwise damaging the dryer vent
- Collect and neatly organize in a single binder all product installation and maintenance documentation, receipts, and any rebate information
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
