A BETTER BRIEF
Planning your insulation project
Identify the space and problem
Describe an attic, wall, basement or other area and the symptom you want addressed: drafts, uneven comfort or a planned renovation. Share existing insulation information if known. Do not disturb unfamiliar materials to identify them; ask how the contractor assesses existing conditions before removal.
Compare the whole assembly
Ask which areas are insulated, which preparation and air-sealing steps are included, and how ventilation and moisture concerns are handled. Request the proposed material, installation method and any product-specific occupancy or re-entry instructions. A larger insulation quantity is not a complete project specification.
Document the result
Agree on access, protection of stored items, disposal, photographs and completion checks. Natural Resources Canada’s Keeping the Heat In guide explains insulation and air sealing in the context of the whole home. Use it to prepare questions, then have the property-specific work assessed by the provider.
Jobs to describe in your request
- Attic insulation
- Wall insulation
- Insulation removal assessment
- Air-sealing scope
What changes the cost?
Use these factors to compare the scope of proposals. A total price alone does not show whether the same work is included.
- Area and access
- Existing material condition
- Preparation and removal
- Material and installation method
Ask for a written description of included work, exclusions, payment stages and how additional work is authorized. Confirm who supplies materials and what documentation or warranty terms you receive at completion.
Official resources
Check these sources and confirm requirements for your property with the responsible authority. Guidance is a starting point, not a property-specific assessment.