At some point, you may have a need for a contractor that specializes in home energy projects. For example you may need to buy a new air conditioner or perhaps add some insulation. Or, you may need an HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) tune up.
No matter the situation, thumbing around your phone book will reveal to you that there are practically hundreds of decisions. Which one do you select? The ones with the flashiest or most familiar commercials on the TV or radio? The first one in the phone book? The one with the biggest ad?
The best possible testimonial for contractors, especially home energy pros, is word of mouth. Ask your coworkers and neighbors if they've had any work done by a home energy pro. Aside from this, you can try to slim your search by distance to your home or by specialty. So, if you have a need for a furnace tune up only, try pros that have experience in furnaces and HVAC work rather than those who perhaps do it all.
Its important to know that ad size or company size has no effect at all on the service you can expect to receive. In fact, just the opposite may be true. A small operation or business of just one contractor may be completely dedicated to keeping you satisfied while a larger company with numerous employees may take less time to satisfy you - since they have hundreds of other customers!
I would compile a listing of at least 3 or more contractor listings (I recommend at least 5). Contact each one and inquire if they can do the job, and if they do no charge in home estimates. Most will say they do. Schedule a time for them to come out and look at the situation. Require the estimate in writing, and have each contractor go over what they intend to do, or how they intend to solve the problem.
Be ready for some of them to be overly ambitious - and be ready for many of the "contractors" that call to your home for the estimation to not be contractors at all! Some companies (especially the larger ones) tend to send salesmen with some knowledge of home energy products that may know how to talk the talk - but don't know where to start when it came down to the repair. These folks focus on one thing - closing the sale! Be on the watch.
From the list you have compiled do a quick internet search for the repair professional, and especially reviews. Check forums, the Better Business Bureau, and consumer protection websites. You can also call the contractor and ask for references. Most reputable ones have several that will vouch for their work.
If you don't feel comfortable dealing with a company based on reviews, simply eliminate them from contention. You can choose whether you want to find more estimates at this point.
Now that you have at least a couple estimates that you are comfortable with in writing, you can pick the "winner". It may not necessarily be the lowest bidder. Always choose the contractor or company you think understands the most about your house, your goals, and the repair. In other words, the one that won't screw you over.
Call them up and sign to have the work done.
At times you may feel pressure to make a decision fast. This is really true if someone is hovering over you or begging you for a decision right away. The best thing is to take your time and make the right decision for your needs. You must be absolutely comfortable with the decision - after all it is your home we're talking about. If someone is putting you in an awkward situation, ask for information in writing and ask for some time to make a decision.
Choosing the correct home energy contractor is a big decision - but it doesn't have to be hard! Follow these tips and you'll find yourself more relaxed.
David Andersen is an energy expert and homeowner with over 5 years experience in saving energy. His current interests include energy audits and alternative energy and homeowner education on energy savings. His blog, which features free home energy tips is updated several times per week. Visit today and start saving on energy tonight ==> http://www.utilitybillbusters.com
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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