Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Over-the-range microwave installation advice

Hi,
I need advice on installaing over-the-range microwave.
I am plannin got buy GE over-the-range microwave and replace my 17 Yr. old range-microwave combo unit.
The question is, shoud I use professional installation (whcih may cost upto $250) or try to do it my self?
If I do it myself, what things I need to keep in mind to make sure the microwave if securely placed?
Thanks.

Welcome to the forums! That's why we call it "Do it Yourself", rather than "spend your good earned money on a professional". Besides the name is too long.;) Installing it will not be beyond your and our capabilities, only you have to do the lifting and we don't. You will need the templates provided by the manufacturer so you can drill fairly precise holes in the cabinet above and in the wall behind the unit. You will want to be able to find a stud(s) behind the wall, and you will need to have electrical service in the form of a receptacle in the cabinet above the unit. Think you can do it? Let us know. We can guide you through it.

Installing the microwave is a fairly simple process. However, if you wish to vent the microwave externally you will need to do some preplanning.

Most OTR microwave have an external vent capability that allows them to vent vertically through the upper cabinet or they can vent horizontally through the rear wall. If you want to use the external venting feature you'll have to provide ventilation ducting from the miocrowave to the outdoors.