Is it really just as cheap to pay someone to insulate?
#1
05-09-14, 09:19 AM
Is it really just as cheap to pay someone to insulate?
I've seen mention here & there on the forum that there's so little labor & markup on insulation service that it's almost as cheap to have a pro do it. Is that really true? Maybe only in large competitive markets? Does it only apply to blown-in?
I'd like to see some discussion of this. It's really a foreign concept to someone like me who HATES paying someone to do something I can do--even if it's a crummy job I don't WANT to do!
I'd like to see some discussion of this. It's really a foreign concept to someone like me who HATES paying someone to do something I can do--even if it's a crummy job I don't WANT to do!
#2
05-09-14, 09:34 AM
It might depend on the economy, the type insulation being considered, where you are trying to insulate, where you live, etc.That said:
I had my attic insulation (Fiberglas) added to about 7 years ago. At that time, I was told that the pros get the materials at such a (bulk?) discount compared to the "homeowner's cost", and that the labor is relatively cheap, to the extent that there would be very little savings found verses the cost to DIY. I did some checking,and found that their info was accurate. Add in the mess/ crawling in the attic,cost for tools, etc.and decided to go with the pro.
I had my attic insulation (Fiberglas) added to about 7 years ago. At that time, I was told that the pros get the materials at such a (bulk?) discount compared to the "homeowner's cost", and that the labor is relatively cheap, to the extent that there would be very little savings found verses the cost to DIY. I did some checking,and found that their info was accurate. Add in the mess/ crawling in the attic,cost for tools, etc.and decided to go with the pro.
#3
05-09-14, 09:53 AM
Super Moderator
And if it's batt wall insulation...have you ever seen how fast they can get it done? Like Pro sheetrockers...they can do a room faster than most people can do a wall.
#4
05-09-14, 10:20 AM
Ditto on GG's comments. The pros make their money on speed. Can you walk on stilts? You can be sure they aren't dragging a step ladder around for every batt.
Now, timing is also important as when they get busy they get more expensive. Not always, but it stands to reason that they would postpone a lower paying job to fit you in IF the price was right.
Right now in my area construction is cranking up and if I called 5 contractors for bids, probably the two worst would show up. The good ones get booked the quickest.
January is a good time to have some insulation installed
.
Bud
Now, timing is also important as when they get busy they get more expensive. Not always, but it stands to reason that they would postpone a lower paying job to fit you in IF the price was right.
Right now in my area construction is cranking up and if I called 5 contractors for bids, probably the two worst would show up. The good ones get booked the quickest.
January is a good time to have some insulation installed
.Bud
#5
05-11-14, 05:58 PM
I'll make some calls then. Not holding my breath though. Despite being in a rural area with high unemployment, bids run very high. Seems like everyone wants to eat for the entire month off my little jobs.
