Grill assembly: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What grill assembly is

Grill assembly puts a gas or charcoal grill together from its box, mounts the burners, hoses and regulator, and leak tests the gas connections before the first use. People hire it when the box has many parts, the igniter or burners are hard to align, or the gas connections are unclear.

Signs you need it

  • The grill box holds many parts, and the burner tubes, heat plates or hose are unclear
  • The igniter will not spark, or the burners do not line up with their valves
  • The gas hose, regulator or connections are new and need checking for leaks
  • You want the grill set up on a deck, patio or outdoor kitchen before the first cookout
  • You are moving a grill to a new spot and want it reassembled and leak tested

What the pro does

  • Unbox the grill and check the parts list, including burners, heat shields, grates and hardware
  • Assemble the cart or base, then mount the firebox or lid as the manual directs
  • Set the burners or the charcoal grate in place, aligning each burner with its valve and igniter
  • Attach the gas hose and regulator to the tank or line, tightening each fitting the way the manual says, since some tank fittings are hand-tight only and a wrench can damage them
  • Leak test every gas connection with a soapy water solution, watching for bubbles
  • Light the grill, check the burner flames and the igniter, and show the owner how to shut the gas off

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Grill type and size, such as a multi-burner gas grill, a charcoal grill or a built-in unit
  • Number of burners and the number of parts in the box
  • Whether a gas hose, regulator or propane tank connection needs checking or replacing
  • Whether a fixed natural gas line must be connected, which often needs a licensed gas trade
  • Access to the deck or patio, and whether the grill must be carried into place
  • Whether packaging must be taken away

What a written quote should spell out

  • The grill model, type and burner count, with the fuel named
  • Whether the gas hose, regulator and leak test are included
  • Any gas line connection, listed separately for the licensed gas trade doing it
  • Replacement igniter, burner, grate or hardware, listed separately
  • Haul-away of packaging

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will you leak test the gas connections before you light the grill?
  • Do you connect a natural gas line, or only a propane tank?
  • What hose and regulator will you use, and are they rated for this grill?
  • Will you check the igniter and the burner alignment?
  • Where should the grill sit for safe use, away from the house and any overhang?
  • Who does the gas work if a new line is needed?
  • What warranty covers the grill and the assembly?

Red flags

  • They skip the leak test and say the connections are fine
  • They connect a grill to a natural gas line without a licensed gas trade where one is required
  • They use an open flame to look for leaks
  • They fit a hose or regulator that is not rated for the grill
  • They set the grill close to the house or under a low overhang without warning you

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can assemble most grills by following the manual, and can check the gas connections for leaks with a soapy water solution, since escaping gas makes bubbles. Do not use an open flame to look for leaks, and do not connect a grill to a fixed natural gas line yourself, because that work often needs a licensed gas trade. If you smell gas, turn the gas off, move away from the grill, and call your gas utility.

Licenses and permits

Grill assembly is not commonly a licensed trade. Connecting a grill to a fixed natural gas line often needs a licensed gas trade, and some areas require a permit for gas work. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building office before any gas connection.

Grill assembly questions

How do I check a gas connection for leaks?

Mix a soapy water solution, brush it on each connection with the gas on, and watch for bubbles. Bubbles mean a leak, so shut off the gas, tighten the connection and test again, or call a pro if it still bubbles.

Can I use any propane tank with any grill?

No. Use the hose, regulator and tank setup that the grill manufacturer lists for your model, and check the regulator and hose for damage before use.

Where should a gas grill sit?

Place it outdoors, away from the house, windows and overhangs, as the manual directs. Never use a gas grill inside a garage or any enclosed space.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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