Selecting the right insulation contractor can make a significant difference in the energy efficiency of your home.
This article presents crucial questions to ask potential insulators, so you can make sure your home insulation is handled by reliable experts. Since different types of insulation can last for decades or longer it’s important to make sure that your investment is installed properly.
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors say that spray foam insulation, wrap tape and house wrap insulation can last for more than 80 years! So it’s important to find the right partner.
10 Important Questions to Ask Your Insulation Contractor
Every homeowner seeking insulation services should be mindful of the essential questions to ask their trusted insulation contractor.
These types of questions will not only give you peace of mind but will also set the standards for the forthcoming insulation project.
Are you licensed?
When starting a conversation with an insulation contractor, it’s crucial to inquire about their licensing. Possessing a legitimate license is an indispensable prerequisite and a clear indicator of a trustworthy insulation company.
In Virginia, getting licensed includes passing the rigorous Insulation and Weather Stripping Contractor Exam. This license acts as an assurance that the contractor is well-acquainted with attic insulation standards, building codes, and safety precautions necessary for insulation installation. It also is a clear indicator of the contractor’s proclivity to cut corners, take the easy way out, or generally not work to your best interests on the home insulation project.
This license acts as an assurance that the contractor is well-acquainted with insulation standards, building codes, and safety precautions necessary for insulation installation.
How long have you been in business?
The longevity of insulation contractors in the business significantly influences their reliability and credibility.
A lengthy tenure signals vast experience and expertise in managing substantial insulation projects, dealing with numerous insulation types such as attic insulation, crawl space, and batt, and ensuring client satisfaction. The knowledge accrued over time by insulation companies to their ability to provide optimal insulation solutions tailored to meet individual customer needs.
What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer for your insulation services?
Knowing the warranty or guarantee on insulation is essential when choosing an insulation contractor. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the work performed, we will return at no charge. Below are some typical warranties covering materials only offered by the material supplier.
| Insulation Type | Warranty Period |
|---|---|
| Spray foam insulation | Manufacturer dependent, typically 10+ years |
| Cellulose insulation | Manufacturer dependent, usually lifetime of the home |
Always check the details of the warranty. Confirm what’s excluded, as well as the process to claim under warranty, to avoid any future complications. Keep your warranty in a safe place, as this is a critical legal document that you may need to reference down the road.
What safety gear do your workers use?
When inquiring about the safety precautions taken by an insulation contractor in a crawl space, the prospective client should specifically ask about the safety gear used by their workers. Protective gear, which may range from insulated gloves and protective eyewear to safety harnesses and respiratory protection, ensures that the insulation work is conducted without compromising the health and safety of the installer team.
Do you have insurance for liability and workers’ compensation?
When hiring an insulation contractor, one pivotal detail to scrutinize is their liability insurance coverage. Without liability insurance, any property damage incurred due to the attic insulation project might fall on the homeowner.
A trustworthy insulation contractor maintains workers’ compensation insurance to safeguard their clients from potential legal liabilities in case a worker sustains an injury on the homeowner’s property during the installation process. This insurance serves as a proactive measure and demonstrates an insulation contractor with a higher responsibility level, emphasizing their commitment to both the homeowner’s well-being and the safety of their own workforce.
What insulation options do you offer?
Homeowners should ask their insulation contractor about the full range of insulation options they provide. Getting educated about the various choices available empowers residents to make an informed decision that aligns with their specific insulation material requirements.
Here are some samples of insulation materials that can be used in your home:
- – Spray foam insulation: A high-performance solution that expands to fill gaps and seal air leaks.
- – Cellulose insulation: An environmentally friendly option, made from recycled paper products.
- – Foam board insulation: Rigid panels of insulation installed in attics and basements for exceptional thermal resistance.
- – Fiberglass insulation: Versatile and commonly used, it comes as fluffy batts or rolls.
How long does the evaluation take?
The process begins by allocating an appropriate amount of time for a thorough home assessment. If you’re focusing on attic insulation and insulating the attic, the inspection can be relatively quick, depending on the attic’s size. However, if you’re extending the insulation work beyond the attic to the crawl space, the investigation may require a substantial amount of time, contingent upon accessibility and scope.
One thing is sure, it’s advisable to schedule more time than you think you might need, rather than rushing through this crucial phase of the job.
Which insulation do you recommend and why?
Understanding the best insulation type for your home’s energy efficiency is a good question to ask your insulation contractor. Not only does this provide clarity about the chosen insulation material like spray foam or cellulose, but it also sheds light on why a particular material is recommended for your home improvement.
For instance, we might recommend a specific insulation type due to factors like the home’s proximity to water, the homeowner’s energy bills, or the specific needs of the attic space or crawl space within the property. The insight gained from such a discussion helps homeowners make informed decisions about their attic insulation project and choose the most suitable insulation material for their crawlspace.
What is the timeline and budget needed for the work?
The duration of the home insulation project and the associated costs will be outlined in the estimate, which you should receive from the insulation installer without any charge. While it’s possible for unexpected issues to arise during the project that may extend the timeline, the price should not be a source of certainty once you’ve reviewed and agreed to the estimate.
The estimate should provide a clear and transparent breakdown of the expected costs and the anticipated timeline for the insulation work.
Do you have any references we can speak with?
Legitimate insulation contractors have a suite of references you can speak to or a collection of 5-star reviews online. They have often worked in your neighbors home or in your neighborhood before.
To evaluate the competence of your attic insulation contractor, it’s advisable to conduct a comprehensive review of your neighbor’s standing within the industry and establish contact with their contented customers who can confirm their positive experiences.
Contact Universal Insulation Doctor for All Your Insulation Needs
When it comes to making your choice, the unanimous recommendation from homeowners throughout Virginia Beach is Universal Insulation Doctor.
We are renowned not only for our extensive experience but also for providing customized insulation services that are designed to meet the unique requirements of every client.
We have an array of insulation products suited for different home requirements:
- – Fiberglass Insulation
- – Cellulose Insulation
- – Rock Wool Insulation
- – EcoBatt Cellulose
- – Pest Guard Insulation
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Universal Insulation Doctor for your home insulation needs.
We are not just an insulation company but a partner you can trust in making your home more energy efficient.in making your home more energy efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been in the insulation business?
Universal Insulation Doctor has been proudly serving customers in and around Virginia for over a decade. We are renowned as one of the most highly sought-after attic insulation companies, dedicated to consistently achieving 5-star reviews for every project we undertake.
In addition to our expertise in attic insulation, we specialize in crawl space insulation, addressing heat flow and enhancing energy efficiency, particularly in our specific climate zone. Our product guide provides comprehensive information on topics such as air sealing, cooling costs, utility bills, energy expenses, ice dams, penetrations, and much more.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are licensed and insured. We take all the necessary precautions to protect both our clients and our business.
Can you provide references from previous customers?
Yes, we are highly rated online and have many happy customers we can connect you to!
What type of insulation do you recommend for my specific needs?
The choice of insulation material best suited to your requirements depends on several factors, including your climate and the desired level of insulation. To identify the most appropriate option for your unique situation, which may involve factors like crawl space, heat flow, batt, insulation removal, and retrofit, we recommend scheduling a walk-through with one of our experienced insulation installers.
Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your work?
Yes, if you have any complaints about the insulation we installed, we come back out until you are satisfied.
