You’re having problems in your home that only insulation can fix, but hiring the wrong contractor can lead to even bigger issues.
Finding a good contractor is a big job, and choosing the wrong person can turn your home insulation project into a disaster.
Several things could go wrong if the contractor isn’t licensed or doesn’t carry insurance. So, there are several factors you should consider when hiring the right person for the job.
Here at RetroFoam of Pittsburgh, we’ve seen and fixed the problems that can arise when an inexperienced contractor installs insulation. As part of our continued efforts to educate our customers, we have compiled a list of tips on hiring a contractor and what to look out for.
6 Tips to Avoid Common Problems with Contractors
Doing your homework when considering an insulation contractor for your project could mean the difference between a home comfort win and a loss.
Check out these tips to help you weed out who will and will not be a good fit for your home’s insulation needs.
Tip #1: Ask About Their Experience
You should ask how long they have been performing the specific task you are asking of them – insulating an attic, crawl space, exterior walls, or rim joist.
You should also ask them what kind of experience they have with the type of siding on your home because working with vinyl siding when insulating the exterior walls, for example, is an entirely different job than working with brick or even wood.
Tip #2: Understand Their Product Knowledge
Any good insulation contractor should be able to explain the different types of insulation materials that could be used and why they are using the product they are recommending.
A good example of a bad contractor is one that can’t tell you the difference between closed cell and open cell spray foam insulations and why one might be a better fit for a project over the other. While the two products are similar, the way they work and the areas where they work best are entirely different.
Tip #3: Ensure They are a Licensed Contractor
It is important when choosing a contractor to make sure they are licensed in the state they are working in.
A contractor working in a Pennsylvania home must be licensed in this state. If the contractor isn’t licensed, then it could end up costing the homeowner money.
Tip #4: Verify Insurance and Warranty
Insurance and warranties are two other significant things you need to worry about when choosing a contractor.
Accidents happen, and general liability insurance protects the homeowner if an accident occurs or the property is damaged.
A lifetime warranty is important because it covers the life of the product. If there is an issue further down the road—areas that may have been missed during installation or if the insulation was installed incorrectly—the contractor will fix the issues without further cost to the homeowner.
Tip #5: Check Their Specialization
It’s okay to ask your contractor how long they have been installing the insulation material you want installed in your home and if that is their expertise.
There are some contractors that do a little bit of everything – roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and everything under the sun. While that contractor may know how to do all of these things, this doesn’t mean they are a master of any of them.
An insulation contractor is a specialized contractor who installs thermal insulation and specializes in making homes more comfortable and energy efficient.
Tip #6: Be Wary of Overselling
It is important that you are wary of estimators who work for contractors that are pushy and trying to oversell you.
The best insulation estimators and project managers come to your home to solve your problems, not push you into work you don’t need to have done or make you sign the contract before you’re ready.
Deciding Which Pittsburgh Insulation Contractor is Best for Your Project
By following these tips and doing your due diligence, you can avoid common contractor problems and ensure your home insulation project is a success.
Remember, the right Pittsburgh insulation contractor can make all the difference in achieving a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Hiring the right insulation contractor is crucial to avoid potential issues and ensure the job is done correctly. By asking the right questions and understanding what to look for, you can protect your investment and enjoy the benefits of a well-insulated home for years to come.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us for a free estimate and professional advice tailored to your specific needs.
