Questions to Ask Your Insulation Contractor
March 5, 2020
The best home improvement project, by far, is home insulation provided by one of the many insulation contractors in the Greater Toronto Area. When you start your search for insulation companies, begin with insulation companies near me. A little due diligence will provide excellent information that will help you evaluate whether the contractor is reputable.
A fully insulated home will be a great weight off your mind – it will save money through better energy efficiency. The financial windfall is just half of the equation; improved comfort that stabilized indoor temperatures brings is the goal here.
Specifically, find companies that specialize in insulation as their main line of business. If insulation is not the mainline of a contractor’s market, a careful screening is required to determine the contractor’s fitness to perform the work. Adding new insulation means you need insulation removal of the old product, and some companies don’t offer that service. Make sure disposal is part of any deal you sign.
At Integrity Roofers, we are the GTA’s leading insulation contractor, and we have compiled a list of questions to help you navigate your way through the contractor selection process.
10 Important Questions to Ask Your Insulation Contractor
- Are you a licensed installer?
Depending on the product, the contractor may need a license. For example, loose-fill fiberglass cellulose or batt insulation require no specialized licensing while spray foam requires an exclusive license. - How long have you been in business?
In general, it takes approximately 10,000 hours to master a trade – that is the equivalent of five-years on the job. Eliminate any contractors with less than five years of experience because they haven’t learned the insulation trade. - What warranty or guarantee do you provide for your insulation?
Warranties for renovation projects are two-stage documents. One covers the labour performed in the installation process, and the other warranty comes from the product manufacturer. The contractor – most times – issues a 10-year warranty for work, and depending on product/cost, the manufacturer issues a warranty based on the quality of materials used. If you buy inexpensive insulation, you can’t expect a lifetime warranty for the material. - What personal protective equipment do you require for your workers?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn on all worksites in Ontario. Proper gear like safety glasses, hard hats are required, and ventilation equipment is part of an insulation installers’ arsenal for safety. Also, ladders and other secondary equipment must be the right equipment for the proper application when insulating a home. - Do you carry liability insurance and worker’s comp insurance?
Every company in Ontario must carry worker’s compensation insurance by law. Liability insurance ranges in coverage depending on the size of the job. Some companies, for example, will carry a one-million-dollar policy, while others may need a higher dollar value. If the price is too good to be true, it should tell you the contractor doesn’t carry insurance or worker’s compensation. - What type of insulation products do you offer?
Spray foam insulation – license required to install it – batt, loose-fill, blown-in fibreglass, and cellulose are the products that the market has to offer. Your contractor will direct you to the best one for your application based on his or her expertise. - How long will the evaluation take?
It starts by scheduling the right amount of time to assess your home. If it is the attic that you are insulating, an inspection can be short and sweet – based on the size of the attic. If you are doing more than just the attic, the investigation can take a fair amount of time – subject to the size of the insulation job. One thing is sure; it is better to schedule more time than needed rather than rush during this critical phase of the job. - What type of insulation do you recommend, and why?
Variety is the spice of life, and so it should be when selecting insulation for your home. Any contractor worth his or her salt will be able to extoll the virtues of the different insulation products on the market. An accurate assessment of the pros and cons of each product should be an essential part of the presentation. Once this has part of the explanation is complete, a contractor will delve deeper into your project. He provides a qualified opinion on the type of insulation you need and why. - How long will the work take and how much will it cost?
The time to complete the job and costs are listed in the estimate that you should receive free of charge from the contractor. Sure, contractors encounter problems along the way that can lead to a longer timeline to complete the job. But, the price should never be in question when you have acknowledged the estimate. - Will you be making improvements?
Depending on the necessity, air sealing can be required to extract the maximum result from your new attic insulation. Most insulation contractors are capable of making the improvements your home will need – if not, ask who can
Contact Us for All Your Insulation Needs
Every home improvement project succeeds when the right party is hired for the work. Your insulation contractor choice is crucial to the project and getting the most out of home improvement dollars. The guide that has been tabled here, for your review, should be a big help when assessing your needs and finding the right contractor.
At Integrity Roofers, we have a consultation ready when you call our office today at 647.953.9365 to discuss the particulars of your project. To get an estimate, please fill out our online form, and we will respond in 24 hours.
