Lowe’s opened in 1946 as a hardware store and has since become the second-largest home improvement chain in the world. Each week 15 million people walk into a Lowe’s store looking for help with a wide range of issues such as plumbing, electrical and carpet installation. If you are a skilled contractor, you can apply to become an official Lowe’s installer and spend your time working rather than seeking clients.

Pre-Application Screening

First, complete the provider registration and pre-application process by visiting Lowesinstaller.com. Take your time with this, because the pre-application process is screened carefully before you are allowed to proceed to the next level of acceptance. The questions vary according to your chosen field. Be prepared to provide information such as where you are licensed, certifications you possess, references and pricing of your services. Be competitive when setting your prices. If you are an electrician, for instance, keep in mind that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay is $24.28 per hour. You must also have liability insurance that meets Lowe’s minimum requirements -- $300,000, as of 2014. There is a link on the pre-application providing the most current coverage requirements.

Application and Contract

If you pass the pre-application screening, you will be emailed an approval code and key with instructions to complete the online application process. Carefully read and answer all questions as thoroughly as possible to avoid possible delays in your application processing. As you navigate through the application, you will eventually be presented with the official installer contract. In this section, you will be asked to list the areas in which you want to work and to provide a list of numbers for all licenses, certifications and permits you hold. Read the contract carefully to ensure you are able to meet Lowe’s requirements. For example, although you may have other clients, you are expected to put Lowe’s customers first in your work schedule.

Lowe’s Standard of Service

After reading the contract, the next page presented is Appendix A. You won’t need to type anything here because a Lowe’s area manager will provide you with a labor cost sheet at a later date for your signature. However, you will need to read and agree to Appendix B, C and D, pertaining to Lowe’s standards for professionalism, courtesy, insurance and ethics when dealing with Lowe’s customers.

Completing the Process

The application requests you to provide IRS form W-9, proof of worker’s compensation insurance and agreement to a background check. Once you agree to the background check you will be provided an order number that will be necessary to complete and print the application. After you pass the background check, you will be contacted for an appointment by the area installation manager from the Lowe's store closest to you, in order to sign the contracts in person. Remember, you are an independent contractor and not an employee, and as such you need to manage your own salary requirements and taxes. With this step completed, you are now an official Lowe’s Installer.

Electricians salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $98,720 ($47.46/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $56,900 ($27.36/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $33,810 ($16.25/hour)