Written by Steve Kooi of Wisconsin Home Improvement and John Ratzow of Wisconsin Insulation Services
Purchasing and installing insulation is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. That’s why it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable professional on-hand to guide you through each step of the process. In fact, choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right insulation components. Follow the “4 Rs” to ensure you have the best person for the job.
1. RESEARCH local contractor options.
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The ideal contractor for your insulation project will be dedicated to outstanding craftsmanship and possess a high level of professionalism. Ask for referrals from friends and family or check out reviews on consumer rating sites. As a general rule, any contractor you consider should be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure to verify that he or she carries all required state and local licensing. As with any other professional service, it’s also a good idea to “shop around” and obtain a couple of quotes before making a commitment.
2. RELY on a trusted brand.
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The top insulation manufacturers proactively seek out partnerships with top contractors in the business. As part of a network of contractors, we provide homeowners with added assurance that our professionals are skilled and reputable. Being aligned in partnership with a top manufacturer means we are up-to-date on the latest industry standards and technologies, as well as trained inside and out on the manufacturers’ products.
“Installing insulation is a major undertaking, and homeowners deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their contractors are trained by a trusted, well-established brand,” said Mike Swift, vice president of sales at Owens Corning. “At Owens Corning, we have compiled a network of the country’s top insulation contractors. Homeowners can rely on these Certified Energy Expert® professionals to bring extensive experience and insight to any job because they have been specially trained and certified to install Owens Corning insulation products, ensuring an excellent level of quality.”
As a member of Owens Corning’s network of Certified Energy Expert® professionals (CEEs), we’ve undergone training in a variety of areas – including building science, thermal performance, moisture prevention, air infiltration, ventilation and auditing for maximum energy efficiency. Beyond providing expert training, Owens Corning also conducts annual third-party audits of all CEE business operations and field workmanship to ensure high levels of quality and customer satisfaction.
3. REVIEW proposals thoroughly.
After a prospective contractor does a thorough inspection of your home’s existing insulation (or lack thereof), he or she should provide a written proposal and cost estimate for your insulation project. Review the proposal closely and inquire about such details as projected start and completion dates, expectations for payment and adherence to local building codes. The proposal also should clearly outline the scope of work for the job – including all products to be specified. In addition, this is a great time to ensure that the contractor will commit to supervising the job during each phase of the work, inspect it thoroughly when finished and leave your home in the same condition as when they started.
4. REQUEST a comprehensive warranty.
Consider selecting a contractor who provides additional warranty coverage for ultimate protection. For instance, Owens Corning backs the work of each of its Certified Energy Expert® professionals through an exclusive 10-year limited warranty* covering installation in addition to the standard product warranty. This warranty speaks volumes about the confidence Owens Corning has not only in the work CEEs perform, but also in the Owens Corning insulation products they use. Additionally, the high standards of the program provide homeowners the peace of mind of knowing their insulation was expertly installed.
It’s important to make the extra effort to find an insulation contractor who will provide the support, know-how and breadth of services necessary to install energy-efficient insulation in your home. To locate an Owens Corning™ Certified Energy Expert® in your area, or to obtain tips on selecting and installing insulation, visit www.OwensCorning.com.
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*See actual 10-Year Limited Warranty for details. 10-year limited warranty coverage applies to the following Owens Corning products: PINK® FIBERGLAS™ Insulation in Batts and Rolls, PROPINK® Loose Fill Insulation, PINK® FIBERGLAS™ Loose Fill Insulation and EnergyComplete® Air Infiltration Barrier.
