Contractor Selection Checklist

- ABI Contractor Selection Checklist -

Checklist Item
BID #1

BID #2

BID #3

The contractor is a licensed and registered contractor for your state.
Ask for the state registration number if they don't offer it.

The contractor has the appropriate insurance coverage to protect your interests.
For Example: Worker's Compensation, General Liability, Builder's Risk

Estimates and contracts that detail exactly what will be done and how much it will cost.
Fixed price estimates are the only safe bet for the consumer.

Make sure that each contractor is bidding on the exact same set of specifications.
If you ask for a Cadillac and one contractor prices for a Yugo, you can't compare bids fairly. With insulation, REAL WORLD R-Value is actually what you are purchasing. Make sure you get what you pay for! more on this

You understand the plans and specifications the contractor gave you.
If there is something you don't understand, ask.

The contractor will obtain any necessary building or zoning permits.
The town and state inspection systems are your protection against shoddy workmanship. You won't have much luck with insurance claims either if you don't obtain proper permits.

See some work that the contractor has done that is similar to your project.
Better Insulation contractor's customers are happy to tell you of their experiences and how low their energy bills are and may even let you come over to hear how quiet their house is.

You have checked out the contractor's references.
Lots of people ask for references and then don't bother checking them. References will usually tell it to you straight.

You and the contractor have an open channel of communications right from the start.
If communications are open and honest, most problems will be easily solved.

The contractor relies on the strengths of his own product's and is truly informed about the competing products claims. Beware of false statements from sales people, especially if it is their main claim. Ask for proof of negative statements, then check out the proof to make sure it isn't fabricated.
Remember that insulation is the single most important consideration for energy efficiency in your home.

The contractor has a pleasant business manner, and you can talk comfortably.
If you feel uncomfortable during the bidding process it could be a sign of friction to come.

Choosing Better Insulation is a safer and environmentally sound decision.

Thank you for your consideration. The Association for Better Insulation. www.betterinsulation.org

Phone number 256.974.0538 - Founders of the Insulation Fraud Defense Network

Checklist Item	BID #1	BID #2	BID #3
The contractor is a licensed and registered contractor for your state. Ask for the state registration number if they don't offer it.
The contractor has the appropriate insurance coverage to protect your interests. For Example: Worker's Compensation, General Liability, Builder's Risk
Estimates and contracts that detail exactly what will be done and how much it will cost. Fixed price estimates are the only safe bet for the consumer.
Make sure that each contractor is bidding on the exact same set of specifications. If you ask for a Cadillac and one contractor prices for a Yugo, you can't compare bids fairly. With insulation, REAL WORLD R-Value is actually what you are purchasing. Make sure you get what you pay for! more on this
You understand the plans and specifications the contractor gave you. If there is something you don't understand, ask.
The contractor will obtain any necessary building or zoning permits. The town and state inspection systems are your protection against shoddy workmanship. You won't have much luck with insurance claims either if you don't obtain proper permits.
See some work that the contractor has done that is similar to your project. Better Insulation contractor's customers are happy to tell you of their experiences and how low their energy bills are and may even let you come over to hear how quiet their house is.
You have checked out the contractor's references. Lots of people ask for references and then don't bother checking them. References will usually tell it to you straight.
You and the contractor have an open channel of communications right from the start. If communications are open and honest, most problems will be easily solved.
The contractor relies on the strengths of his own product's and is truly informed about the competing products claims. Beware of false statements from sales people, especially if it is their main claim. Ask for proof of negative statements, then check out the proof to make sure it isn't fabricated. Remember that insulation is the single most important consideration for energy efficiency in your home.
The contractor has a pleasant business manner, and you can talk comfortably. If you feel uncomfortable during the bidding process it could be a sign of friction to come.