How to Review Bids For Installing New Insulation to Your Attic
Any time you need a contractor to do work at your home it’s important to get multiple bids. Reviewing those bids is overwhelming, especially if you haven’t had to do it often. However, the review process is how you choose a qualified contractor who will provide you with a quality service that’s in your budget. At Golden Home Management we’re here to help make everything to do with home management and maintenance easier and less stressful. For our clients, we handle the bidding process to ensure that you have the best contractor at the best price to do the work. Here’s how we review the bids for installing new insulation in your attic.
Start by Requesting the Right Information
Getting thorough bids starts with asking the right questions. The first step is determining which contractors you will request bids from. Getting names from friends or family satisfied with their contractor’s work is a great place to start. You can also choose a few companies from online research. It’s what always important to confirm that they are licensed, bonded, and insured before you schedule a time for them to come out and see your home.
It's a good idea to request bids from three to five contractors. You’ll need to give them as many details about your attic as possible. Approximate size, current insulation, and any specific requirements you may have such as the type of insulation you prefer and any additional services you want. Bids should include an on-site visit to be sure you and the contractor are on the same page. Make sure to ask questions – as important as their answers is how they respond. If they are a little condescending (the ‘I-can’t-believe-I-have-to-explain-this’ reply) that should be a red flag, especially if they have the lowest bid. This is why we work diligently cultivating our list of already vetted professionals to streamline this process.
Once You Have Bids In Hand
· Go through each one to be sure all the appropriate details are included.
This should outline the materials to be used, the insulation method, any additional services, and the estimated completion time. Make sure you can compare all the bids in an apples-to-apples comparison – don’t be afraid to show a bid to another contractor and ask why they didn’t include something.
· Check that each bid specifies the R-value of the proposed insulation.
The R-value measures the insulation's effectiveness, and the appropriate level depends on the climate and energy efficiency goals.
· Confirm that warranty information is included and compare any differences between contractors.
· If contractors have offered any suggestions for additional energy efficient improvements, consider these – along with their associated costs – as a secondary part of the bid.
· Ensure that each bid includes a detailed cost breakdown, specifying the cost of materials, labor, and any additional services.
This breakdown makes it easier to compare costs between contractors. Bids should be transparent without any unclear charges or ambiguous fees. If any parts of the bid raises questions be sure you get clarification in writing.
· Bids that get your serious consideration should fit into both your timeline and budget.
Once you’ve taken everything into consideration you will hopefully have at least one bid that fits all your requirements. As you’re making your final decision take your general impression of each contractor and their communication style into consideration. Now, if all of this sounds like it will take a lot of time – it does. If you would rather spend your time other ways, give us a call. We’re here to take care of your home so you can sit back, relax and enjoy life.