What Do You Need to Know about your Insulation Contractor?
by Mark Row
A Few Simple Questions for High Quality Insulation
Consider this a perfect time to get prepared for the winter. And we are not only talking about renewing your wardrobe or planning your winter holiday, but also taking required preparations in the word of protecting your home from the cold winter months approaching. This most definitely includes adding proper insulation and weatherizing your home which will not only create a more stable and comfortable inner temperature but also increase the energy efficiency of your home and help you save some money on heating bills.
Now, there are probably a few insulation projects that you can undertake yourself, without hiring professional help, but some more complex one always require consulting and engaging a trained and experienced contractor that has the necessary knowledge and equipment for the job. However, finding the best man for the job is never an easy task nor should it be taken lightly since you most certainly do not want to end up with something that is not worth the money and time you have invested. This is why you should thoroughly review your options and make the adequate decision. Well, in order of making your job somewhat easier, here is a list of things you need to know about your insulation contractor that may give you the upper hand.
Where, Why and How Much?
The first thing we need to emphasize here is that you should never feel uncomfortable to ask as many questions as you can. Namely, you might think that you are boring or that you are asking unnecessary questions, but only try to see it this way – you are the one paying for the job (and you will notice that adding insulation can be a very expensive investment) and you deserve all your questions (as silly as they may seem) properly answered. If the insulation contractor you are thinking of hiring does not have all the answers or assures you that you have nothing to worry about without answering your questions directly, that may be a signal that something is not right and you should probably hire someone else. Another valuable tip is that you should always try to find more than one offer and try to compare them. Although, this may seem tiring and time consuming, it is never a good idea to choose only one contractor and stick with it. Comparing prices, experience, professional skills, offered services and available materials will help you make the right choice. Simply, surf the net, look at yellow pages, send a few e-mails or make a few phone calls to get the right picture. Only then will you be ready for the next step.
-
Ask for references
Once you have set aside a few insulation contractors and are trying to make the final choice, what can help you make up your mind are the references and the level of experience and training the contractor and its employees have. You will notice that installing certain materials requires not only special equipment (such as blown-in insulation), but also a higher level of expertise and experience. Basically, you need to make sure that the job is going to be done right and proper references will help you do that. Also, make sure to ask whether the insulation contractor has any special training program for its employees, since renowned contractors will make sure that only certified and experienced personnel is engaged for some specific tasks in regard to installing insulation. Another vital point is relevant insurance, since again respectable insulation contractors will offer some insurance and guarantees in respect to the work carried out.
-
Ask about the price
Another important (probably the most important) issue that needs to be addressed is the overall price of the insulation project. It is vital that you make sure that you get all the relevant information on all the costs and tasks that are included in the overall price. Namely, insulation will always include the price of the material, the installation, but it also might include some professional assistance and advice or preparing the site for installation and cleaning it up once the job is done. If this is not included in the overall price, make sure that it will not be additionally charged, once the work has been carried out or better yet try to determine how much will these additional services cost, particularly if you need some advice on, let’s say, the material that is going to be installed, some safety issues etc.
-
Ask about the insulation material
Finally, it is also important that you have all the relevant information on the material that the insulation contractor is going to install. Do not hesitate to ask about its properties, insulation power, maintenance, durability and potential safety issues that you should be aware of. Although most of the products are safe to install and use today, that is they are not hazardous for your health, some materials do need additional attention. For example, glass wool insulation requires some protective equipment to be used, but also for the area that has been insulated to be well ventilated upon installment. Also, some materials may require more detailed maintenance than the others, just as some materials are much more durable, while others need to be replaced after a certain period of time, why is very important to get all your facts straight if you do not want to end up with damaged and inefficient insulation in the years to come.
For more information on how to choose the perfect insulation product and install them yourself, without the service of an insulation contractor, please read related blog articles and product descriptions on our website. Feel free to contact us with your questions.