Now that you know the ABC’s of insulation, it is time to choose your installer. You have several options with who and how you will have your insulation installed. Below we list the options and describe each.

Option #1 DIY (Do it Yourself) – Yes you could try to DIY and save a few bucks but you should consider several factors before you start. Chances are, if you are going to take up this project yourself, you won’t be blowing in the insulation due to lack of machinery and will be using batt insulation. This is a very messy and itchy process that usually won’t produce the same energy performance as when a professional installs the insulation. DIY means cutting and piecing on all fours (usually have to do it twice because you want to stagger the insulation to cover the joists to eliminate gaps.)

Additionally, installing insulation requires walking on ceiling joists – if you slip you could push a foot through your ceiling and eliminate any costs savings you would have claimed. Finally, insulating an attic isn’t just about spreading insulation, it is also about ventilation and safety. If the proper ventilation isn’t maintained, mold can grow in your home causing major health concerns.

Option #2 Hire the Cheapest Company – You could also call around and try to get the cheapest possible installer. The past few years have squeezed all of us financially and we are all looking to stretch each dollar as far as we can; but the old saying “You get what you pay for.” does not dull with age. Some questions you will want to ask your potential installers include: How much/do you have insurance? Are you a BBB (Better Business Bureau) accredited? How long have you been in business? How old is your equipment? Do I have a choice in materials (Fiberglass vs. Cellulose)?

Option #3 Utilize a True Professional – By utilizing a professional insulation company you can rest easy knowing the job will be done right. Professional home improvement companies like Moonworks manage the project from beginning to end. Be sure to choose someone that is BBB accredited, fully insured, and well educated in insulating homes. The overall cost to insulate a home is relatively low – especially now that you can utilize a 30% 2009 & 2010 tax credit and recognize up to 20% instantly in annual energy savings.

This concludes our Insulation Blog Series. We hope you enjoyed reading the articles as much as we did writing them.