Insulation: Call a pro or save some dough? Why not both?

Adding insulation to your home is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s comfort year-round and significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. Perhaps you’ve already decided your home could benefit from insulation upgrades. As with any home improvement, it may be tempting to keep project costs low by taking a DIY approach rather than hiring a contractor. 

However, by choosing to have a contractor do the work, you can avoid stress and ensure the job gets done right.

Here are a few reasons why it’s often a smarter idea to go with a pro:

Qualify for Mass Save rebates and incentives
The most likely reason you might consider a DIY approach to insulation is to save money. But did you know that if you schedule a no-cost home energy assessment, you may qualify for 75% off the cost of insulation offered by the Sponsors of Mass Save^®? That means you can get the best of both worlds—home improvements that don’t empty your wallet, and the peace of mind that the project was done by an expert. Note, this offer is valid until December 31, 2018.

Get the job done efficiently
If you go DIY, what you may save in contractor costs, you lose in time. Installing the insulation itself takes time, but also consider the amount of time it takes to prepare by educating yourself on insulation techniques and equipment. From start to finish, it may not be a weekend job if you did it yourself. Save time and give yourself space to relax by calling a professional.

Make the right decisions on where you need insulation and what kind you need
There’s no replacing the experience, knowledge, and intuition of a local, certified contractor when it comes to determining your insulation needs. From the type of insulation—there are many varieties—to the appropriate R-value of insulation, to identifying where you might also need air sealing, to understanding how to prevent moisture and mold from forming, a professional will do what’s appropriate to maximize your comfort and energy savings.

Handle unwanted surprises
You never know what you may discover when you get into the nooks and crannies of your home. Mold and mildew could be signs of improper moisture control and can lead to serious health issues. It is not uncommon for homes built prior to 1975 to have asbestos, which was common in insulation products in the past (and also leads to health issues). Older homes may also have knob-and-tube wiring, which can be a fire hazard if it comes in contact with insulation. It’s safer to leave this issues in the hands of someone trained to handle them.

Improve home resale value
If you ever decide to sell your home, being able to tout a well-insulated, energy efficient home makes a great selling point. However, potential buyers may ask for proof that a qualified professional did the work, otherwise they may question the safety and effectiveness of the job, which gives them more leverage at the negotiating table. By paying for a professional now, you can avoid a headache later. 

Ready to find a contractor to complete your home insulation project? Click here to learn about insulation incentives and to take the first step by signing up for a no-cost home energy assessment.