Paying Extra For Big Box Installation Services Could Cost More Than Advertised

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — When Sean Andrade bought a brand new microwave at Home Depot --- he figured -- why not pay an extra hundred dollars for delivery and installation?

"I'm a cook. I'm not a handy man so I figured I would be better off to just go ahead and let them do it," Andrade said.

But when the technicians arrived with his microwave... He almost immediately began to regret that decision.

"When they unbolted the old oven they dropped it onto the range," Andrade said, which damaged his stove and dented his refrigerator.

"As they were taking the old oven out they accidentally dropped it on the laminate floor and dented it in a few places," he said.

But the worst damage was to his cabinet... Which he says was partially ripped from the wall when a technician used it to pull himself up.

"One of the risks of going through big box retailers is that their contractors aren't necessarily going to be their employee," consumer advocate Joe Ridout said.

Big Box retailers often hire out third party installers who may or may not live up to your expectations.

"In effect you give up your right to choose your own contractor," Ridout said.

And for Andrade, Home Depot was a name he could trust. The third party, not so much.

"My understanding was that Home Depot was coming to do the installation," Andrade said.

Instead, he says he was left him with thousands of dollars in damages. And wishing he would have hired his own contractor.

"I'm at a point now it almost pains me to cook," Andrade said.

Home Depot issued this statement:

"We gladly see to it that customers are fairly compensated for legitimate damages during a delivery or installation. This claim has been complicated, so we appreciate GE's willingness to look further into the facts to ensure Mr. Andrade is treated fairly. We'll certainly continue to work with him to address his concerns and work towards a reasonable resolution."