10 Tips for choosing the top Insulation Contractors

When it comes to home repairs or improvements, many people find themselves at a loss because they often don’t have the skills or equipment to complete the needed repairs. With these constraints, usually, the best thing to do is to hire a contractor. You should know must about, what qualities should one look for in an insulation contractor and how can you be sure that he will be the best person for the job? These are common questions and should be answered as part of the process when selecting a contractor.

Below are tips that will help guide you through the process of selecting the best man or woman for the job.

1. Before selecting a contractor, perform your due diligence.

In other words, check them out. Contact your local Better Business Bureau to ask about complaints, go to Angie’s List, do an online search for [Contractor Name] Reviews, contact your local Home Builders Association, and ask them to have their insurance agent send you a current Certificate of Insurance, and contact at least three of the LOCAL referrals they provide.

Here’s the most important question you should ask their referrals: Would you hire this contractor again?

2. Always make sure that a contractor is licensed to work in the state in which the work is to be done if that state requires licenses.

Many states do not reciprocate licenses. I live in one of those. That means a contractor’s license from a neighboring state won’t be valid in your state. The best way to find out about your state’s licensing procedure is to contact your local building department and/or consumer protection agency. If your state requires that a contractor be licensed, always ask to see a contractor’s proof of license and insurance prior to hiring him or her for the job. For the same reasons, insist on being provided license and insurance information for any subcontractors to be used.

3. When considering potential contractors, ask for a list of recently completed projects and energy efficiency results that are similar to the one you are considering.

Selecting a contractor that is experienced in projects similar to yours and with energy efficiency results that are in line with your goals will help to ensure that all goes smoothly and that the job will be done correctly.

4. The property/homeowner is usually responsible to ensure that necessary permits are obtained.

Be sure to ask your local building department, prior to the commencement of work, whether or not the job will require any type of permit. When required, all permits must be obtained before the actual work begins, or the homeowner may face a fine. It is best to discuss who will be responsible for obtaining permits, either you or the contractor, in the beginning.

5. Often called a supervisor or foreman or lead man, this is the person who directs the activities of the crew and normally the only person with whom you will communicate once the project is underway.

6. Once you are familiar with the supervisor, ask about the crew.

Ask for a list of the names of those who will be working on the construction crew. You will want to know whether or not they are trustworthy to make the decision about whether you want them working on/in your home. Will they need keys? If so, you need to know that they are honest and can be trusted near your family, children, and belongings.

7. Every professional insulation contractor will carry a certain amount of insurance coverage.

Don’t just ask about insurance coverage including general liability, property damage and worker’s compensation. Request copies of all Certificates of Insurance are sent to you by the contractor’s insurance agent and confirm coverage and amounts before work begins. Determining proper insurance coverage is a key component when selecting a contractor. Do not do business with a contractor who cannot or will not provide this documentation. If the contractor doesn’t have current insurance you may be held liable for any injuries and/or damages that occur during the project.

8. Always check with the contractor’s LOCAL references before deciding to hire him/her for your project.

A contractor who is proud of his insulation company and their work wants you to talk to prior customers and you really need to do it. You may have some questions that you don’t want to ask the candidate, such as about their work ethics and end results, where a third party will provide the best information. I cannot explain why so many people are reluctant to do this step because it is very important for all the obvious reasons.

If you think you will be bothering anyone, consider how you would feel if someone else were to call you for this reason. Would you be happy to praise the work of a contractor who exceeded your expectations? If you had problems, wouldn’t you want to explain to someone else what to watch out for? Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertising and it cuts both ways. Why not explain your satisfaction or concerns to someone who really needs the information you have rather than boring all your friends or co-workers at lunch?

9. When you and your contractor have come to an agreement on tasks and payment terms, get everything in writing.

Have the negotiated agreement signed by both parties. Before you sign, be sure to ask how you will be provided with a copy. All parties involved should have a copy of the signed agreement for future reference.

10. Where to look for more information

This list isn’t all-inclusive because it would take a book to begin to cover most of the possible twists and turns. The National Association of Home Builders and their affiliated state associations provide substantial amounts of information about the home building process.