Insulation Contractor

Summary: Insulation contractors determine what their insulation bids to you will be based on the square footage of actual area to be insulated as well as the insulating material to be used, and the R-Value you desire for the various areas of your home.

Carl, Can you tell me how do insulation people determine their insulation bid? Do they charge by square footage? I'm just learning and would appreciate your help with this matter.

Thank You, Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Great question!

Insulation contractors determine what their bids to you will be based on the square footage of actual area to be insulated as well as the insulating material to be used, and the R-Value* you desire for the various areas of your home.

But NO, you do not ask for, nor accept insulating bids based on a price per sq ft.!

This is because it is an absolute fact that NO two people will ever come up with the same square footage of any given area, so bids based on square footage can turn into a point of contention down the road.

What you do is have each insulation contractor give you a "total price" or "total price per specifications" bid on your insulation job.

You tell them (in writing) the type of insulation YOU desire and the R-value* YOU desire. These items are called the "Specifications". Each insulation contractor will then have the same "specifications.

Each insulation contractor will then do his or her own (behind the scenes) square footage calculations to come up with a bid that they can live with and that is competitive and comparable.

You don't need to know how many square feet are actually involved, nor should you care.
I never care because I know that as much insulation will be installed as needed for each area in the (your) home based on the (your) "specifications".

You DO however, need to know much insulation you need, but that's easy. It's all based on where you live.

Here is a

Just click on the insulation calculator picture above and, based on your zip code, you'll find out what R-value(s)* you need.

Then, after researching what type of insulation you prefer (I won't recommend one over the other) decide the type you want and "Bingo", you are ready to write out your specifications give them to each insulation contractor and start getting your bids.

Then choose the insulation contractor you want based on the total price for the complete job and what their references have to say. Find Insulation Contractors. Get Up to 4 Quotes Now. It's Quick, Free, and Easy!

Be sure you get references.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to read my article Insulation Calculator.

Other pages I have on insulation:
· Basement Insulation
· Crawl Space Insulation
· Rigid Foam Insulation
· Attic Insulation
I hope I have answered your question and good luck, Carl Heldmann
*An R-Value indicates insulating power or thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Higher R-values are more effective at maximizing your energy savings and comfort.