Properly insulating your home is one of the most important things you need to do as a homeowner, regardless of how good your heating system is or how you choose to power it. Having an insulated home is not only cheaper in the long run, but it is also eco-friendly. Unfortunately, properly installing insulation is easier said than done. And it is not something you’d want to DIY. This is why we will use this article to give you a couple of tips on hiring insulation contractors.
What you need to consider when hiring insulation contractors
The insulation process can be surprisingly complicated, especially if you’ve never done it before. Your contractor needs to determine what type of insulation is best for your home. Then, they need to consider your budget and determine the most cost-effective solution. Good contractors will always give you the best value for your money and ensure your home is as insulated as possible. On the other hand, poor contractors may not only waste your money through poor insulation but may also put you in a situation where you need to re-insulate your home in a couple of years. Therefore, you should always do your best to find the ablest insulation contractors in your area. Here is what to consider.
Does the contractor have the necessary licences?
Insulation contractors need to have specific licenses to work within a particular area. Which licenses are mandated by law can be dependent on the area. This is why you first need to educate yourself on which licenses are required in yours. Once you do, only look for contractors that have them. A good place to check is the Better Business Bureau website. If they don’t have the necessary paperwork, consider them untrustworthy and unsuitable for insulating your home.
Do they have insurance coverage?
Valid contractors always have insurance coverage. This covers any accidents or damages that may occur during work (whether or not they were caused by the workers). They may even end up suing you to cover themselves if they do not. After all, by default, you will be responsible for the safety of their work area. So, do yourself a favour and only work with insulations contractors with proper insurance. If necessary, hire legal counsel and go over their legal paperwork.
What are their reviews?
Each reputable company has reviews to validate its expertise and quality of service. So, check their reviews once you’ve established which contractors are in your area and licensed and insured. Google or Yelp can be all you need to determine what the local customers think about your potential contractors. The good ones will usually have plenty of good reviews and maybe a couple of bad ones. If the company only has a few overly positive reviews, don’t put much faith into them. While they can be genuine, they are most likely from the friends and family of the company owner.
Can they properly help you out?
An important aspect to consider is that not all contractors are capable of helping you out. Different homes require different insulation. And some are far more arduous and complex than others. So, before making your pick, ensure that the contractor can help you. This shouldn’t take more than a brief talk and a simple explanation of your insulation needs.
Another thing to go over is what your expectations are from the contractor. If you need them solely to install insulation, great. But this means you will move your items out of the way and provide them with the necessary room for work. While third-party companies like Peasley Transfer & Storage can help you with this, it is usually better to discuss it with the contractor in advance, even if it is last minute. That way, you will know what you are paying for.
How will they deal with old insulation?
Removing and disposing of old insulation is necessary if you plan on installing new ones. Unfortunately, most contractors will deem this as two separate projects. So, before you do any work, make sure that you develop a plan with them for insulation removal. It would be great if they could safely remove and dispose of your old insulation. If not, have them recommend companies that can. Remember that you are dealing with dangerous chemicals here and that improper disposal can easily lead you to court.
What is their estimate?
Once the contractor arrives, they should first give you their estimate. Now, you must take at least three estimates and compare them. That way, you will know what to expect and what is fair to pay for your insulation requirements. If one offer is way below others, beware. Some contractors will promise much and deliver little. And if one offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Our advice is to always go with what sounds fair and reasonable. Those contractors are your best bet if your goal is to install insulation properly.
Final thoughts
Following our outline, you should have a relatively easy time finding and hiring insulation contractors. But don’t get us wrong. Estimating the professional integrity of any contractor is no easy matter. This is why people usually opt for recommendations from friends. And why finding a reliable, hardworking, honest contractor is never easy. If you aren’t hard-pressed by external factors, we suggest you take your time picking the right contractors. If a neighbour has recently installed insulation, ask them for their experience. They might recommend a terrific contractor or steer you away from a subpar one. Whatever the case, knowledge can be quite helpful in saving yourself from needless headaches.
