By Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen
So, you’re confident you found a good contractor, but after the hiring is complete it’s smart to realize that contractors need to be managed.
First, decide who will be the main contact with your contractor. Clear communication is critical because a renovation that includes energy efficiency improvements comes with extra challenges. A single point of contact will help avoid confusion, conflicts and cost overruns.
Before the work starts, have a discussion with your contractor about quality. The contractor should know you will carefully oversee the work and that there may be others involved, such as building inspectors, your electric cooperative or an independent energy auditor. You can discuss the standards of a professional, high-quality job and agree on the points at which the contractor will pause so you or someone you designate can review the work. At a minimum, an inspection should take place before you make an interim payment.
Insulation blown into wall cavities should fill the cavities completely, and the contractor should repair the exterior siding or interior walls. Photo Credit: Jennifer Dickert
Here are a few examples of interim review points:
• The building envelope should be properly sealed before insulation is installed because air leaks increase energy use and reduce comfort.
• Replacement windows should be properly flashed and sealed before siding and trim are installed, which prevents moisture problems and air leaks.
• Some insulation measures can be inspected before they are sealed up behind walls or ceilings.
Almost all efficiency measures require some kind of final inspection. For example, infrared thermometers can show voids in blown insulation, and fiberglass batts can be visually inspected to ensure there are no air gaps and the batts are not compressed.
HVAC technicians or energy auditors can use diagnostic equipment to measure air leakage and air flow.
HVAC measures require special attention. Nearly half of all HVAC systems are not installed correctly, according to ENERGY STAR®, which often causes uneven temperature distribution throughout the home, along with higher energy bills. ENERGY STAR® has a special program to ensure quality HVAC installation. Forced air systems typically have poorly balanced supply and return air delivery that can often be improved. Air flow can be measured at each register, and a duct blaster test can identify and quantify duct leakage.
When you review the work, it may be helpful to take photos or to bring in an energy auditor. Be sure to have these inspections outlined in the contract and discussed beforehand so the contractor is comfortable.
It will be tempting to add “just one more thing” along the way, and the contractor may agree a change is simple and possible within the timeframes. Contractors and customers often miscommunicate about change orders and end up disagreeing about additional costs when the project is completed. Before you make any changes, be sure to get a written cost quote. If it’s significant, you can then weigh the cost against the benefit of the change.
It’s a good idea to maintain good records as the project progresses. These records could be helpful for building inspectors or to qualify for rebates or tax credits.
When the renovation is complete, it may be tempting to sign the check, shake hands and breathe a sigh of relief that it’s all over. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, it may be worth the extra step of having a final audit by a licensed energy auditor.
My neighbors were saved from a home renovation disaster when an energy audit discovered the energy efficiency contractor failed to produce the promised efficiencies. The contractor had to perform thousands of dollars’ worth of improvements to fulfill the contract before they made the final payment.
Once you confirm that the work is 100 percent complete, you can write a check for the final payment, then sit back and enjoy your revitalized, more energy-efficient home.
This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency.