People often ask, What do remodelers do at Walmart? The short answer: they don’t. Not the way you think.
Walmart doesn’t employ in-house remodelers. You won’t find a team of carpenters, plumbers, or tile setters walking the aisles with measuring tapes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a kitchen remodel through Walmart. It just works differently than you might expect.
Walmart’s Role in Kitchen Renovations
Walmart is a retailer, not a contractor. They sell the materials you need for a kitchen remodel-cabinets, countertops, lighting, flooring, sinks, and appliances. Their home improvement section is stocked with products from brands like Whirlpool, LG, Moen, and IKEA. You can walk out with everything you need to rebuild a kitchen, but you’ll need to hire someone else to install it.
Some customers assume Walmart offers full-service remodeling because they have a home improvement aisle and a service desk. The service desk handles returns, gift card issues, and occasionally schedules appliance deliveries. But it doesn’t schedule installers, handle permits, or manage demolition. That’s a common misunderstanding.
How Walmart Connects You to Contractors
Walmart partners with third-party service providers through its Walmart Home Services platform. This isn’t a physical team on-site-it’s an online marketplace. You can go to walmart.com/home-services, pick a service like kitchen installation, and get matched with local, vetted contractors.
Here’s how it works:
- You select a service-say, “kitchen cabinet installation” or “countertop measurement and install.”
- You enter your ZIP code and preferred date.
- Walmart connects you with a local pro who’s been background-checked and rated by other customers.
- You pay Walmart upfront, and they pass the payment to the contractor after the job is done.
This isn’t free. You’re paying for convenience, not low cost. Installation fees range from $200 to $1,500 depending on scope. A full kitchen remodel through this service-cabinets, countertops, sink, faucet, and disposal-can easily cost $5,000 to $12,000, not counting materials.
What the Contractor Actually Does
When you hire a contractor through Walmart’s service, here’s what they’ll do:
- Measure your space accurately-no guesswork.
- Remove old cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
- Install new cabinets, ensuring they’re level and securely fastened.
- Set countertops, seal seams, and cut openings for sinks or cooktops.
- Install new sink, faucet, and garbage disposal.
- Hook up electrical for under-cabinet lighting or smart appliances.
- Clean up debris and dispose of old materials.
They won’t do structural changes. No moving walls, adding windows, or rewiring your whole kitchen. That requires a licensed general contractor, not the installers Walmart connects you with.
Why People Choose Walmart for Remodeling
Walmart’s appeal isn’t expertise-it’s simplicity. If you’re buying cabinets from Walmart, it’s easy to book the installer at the same time. You don’t have to juggle multiple vendors, chase down quotes, or worry about compatibility between products.
For a do-it-yourselfer, Walmart offers a one-stop shop: buy the materials, then pay a little extra to have them put together. For someone who doesn’t know how to measure for a backsplash or install a floating countertop, it’s a safe, low-stress option.
It’s not the cheapest path. A local handyman might charge $75/hour, while Walmart’s service adds a 20% convenience fee. But for many, the peace of mind is worth it.
What Walmart Doesn’t Do
Let’s be clear about the limits:
- No permits. You’re responsible for pulling building permits if your project requires them.
- No design help. They won’t give you layout suggestions or color advice.
- No warranty on labor. Walmart backs the materials, but the contractor handles their own workmanship guarantee.
- No emergency service. You can’t call for a leaky faucet fix on a Sunday.
- No custom cabinetry. All cabinets are pre-built, standard sizes.
If you want an island with a built-in wine fridge, a custom hood vent, or a backsplash with hand-painted tiles, Walmart isn’t the place. You’ll need a full-service design-build firm.
Alternatives to Walmart’s Remodeling Service
There are other ways to get a kitchen remodel done:
| Option | Cost Range | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart Home Services | $2,000-$12,000 | Standard remodels, DIY buyers | Easy booking, bundled materials, vetted pros | Higher markup, no customization |
| Home Depot Pro Services | $3,000-$15,000 | Mid-range projects | More product options, better warranty | Less transparent pricing |
| Local Contractor (Hired Directly) | $1,500-$10,000 | Custom work, budget control | Flexible, lower cost, personalized service | Time-consuming to find, no built-in protection |
| Full-Service Design-Build Firm | $15,000-$50,000+ | Luxury remodels, structural changes | End-to-end management, permits included | Expensive, long timelines |
Home Depot and Lowe’s offer similar services. But Walmart’s advantage is price on materials. If you’re buying cabinets for $800 instead of $1,200, the extra $200 for installation feels less painful.
When to Use Walmart’s Service
Use Walmart’s remodeling service if:
- You’re buying cabinets and countertops from Walmart anyway.
- You don’t want to hunt down a contractor on Angie’s List or Thumbtack.
- You’re not doing major structural changes.
- You value convenience over cost savings.
- You want a single point of contact for billing and complaints.
Don’t use it if:
- You need custom cabinetry or unique layouts.
- You’re planning to move plumbing or electrical lines.
- You want to design your kitchen from scratch with an architect.
- You’re on a tight budget and willing to do the legwork.
Real Experience: A Burlington Kitchen Remodel
A neighbor in Burlington recently remodeled her kitchen using Walmart’s service. She bought a set of white shaker cabinets and quartz countertops for $3,200. Then she booked installation through Walmart’s site for $850. The contractor showed up on time, removed the old cabinets in one day, and installed the new ones the next. No mess left behind. The sink and faucet were connected, and the garbage disposal worked right away.
She didn’t change the layout. She kept the same sink location and outlet positions. That’s the sweet spot for Walmart’s service: swap out the look without moving the bones.
Her total cost: $4,050. A local contractor quoted her $6,200 for the same work. She saved $2,150 by buying materials at Walmart and using their installation service.
Final Thoughts
Walmart remodelers don’t exist as a team inside the store. But Walmart does make it easier to get a kitchen remodeled-by linking you to real professionals who install the products you buy there. It’s not a full-service renovation company. It’s a smart bridge between shopping and service.
If you’re looking to update your kitchen without the stress of hiring strangers, Walmart’s model works. Just know what you’re getting-and what you’re not.
Do Walmart remodelers install cabinets?
Yes, but only if you buy the cabinets from Walmart and book installation through their Home Services platform. The installers are local contractors, not Walmart employees. They handle cabinet removal, leveling, and mounting, but not structural changes like moving walls or plumbing.
Can I get a full kitchen remodel through Walmart?
You can get a partial remodel-cabinets, countertops, sink, faucet, and lighting. But Walmart doesn’t handle major changes like moving plumbing, electrical, or load-bearing walls. For those, you need a licensed general contractor.
Is Walmart’s installation service worth the cost?
It depends. If you’re already buying materials at Walmart, the installation fee is often cheaper than hiring a contractor separately. You also get a single bill and a vetted professional. But if you’re shopping around for the best prices, you might save more by buying elsewhere and hiring your own installer.
Do I need a permit for a Walmart-installed kitchen remodel?
Yes, if you’re changing plumbing, electrical, or structural elements. Walmart’s installers won’t pull permits for you. It’s your responsibility to check local codes and apply for permits before starting work. Most basic cabinet and countertop replacements don’t require permits, but always confirm with your city’s building department.
How long does a Walmart kitchen installation take?
Most cabinet and countertop installations take one to two days. If you’re also installing a sink, faucet, and lighting, plan for two full days. The contractor will schedule the job after your materials arrive. Delivery delays can push the timeline back, so order materials early.
