The Ultimate Guide for Choosing a Spray Foam Contractor
Tom Decker, Chicago Green Insulation
Everyone knows that adding spray foam insulation to your home is a big investment. This makes choosing the right contractor extra important. The last thing you want when it comes to spray foam is a “do-over”. Removal and replacement of foam is not something I had previously seen until the past three years when the quality of foam installers has really dropped and there are sales reps peddling expired chemical in our market.
There are three key elements when it comes to choosing a great, as opposed to a mediocre, contractor for your spray foam needs.
In today’s article, I want to talk about why contractor membership in certain organizations is important, as well as other factors that you must know.
While many people think the price is all that matters, the price will quickly become unimportant if you wind up with a botched spray foam application.
The Top 3 Elements When Choosing a Contractor
When searching for a contractor, you might be tempted to simply Google “spray foam contractors near me” and pick one at random.
Rather than do that, why not call your local chamber of commerce? They will have a list of spray foam contractors who are outstanding members of your community. (We are not only a member of our local Highland Park Chamber of Commerce but we are also an Ambassador helping Ginny Glasner, our President and CEO look for new members)
Every contractor will show up in a google search but not every contractor is a part of your local chamber of commerce.
From this list, you should check for these three key issues:
- Check the Licensing and Insurance.
If you have access, runs Lexus/ Nexsus search of the litigation involved with any contractor specifically damage caused by that contractor that they have either admitted or been held liable for.Every business needs to be properly licensed and insured. Don’t take their word for it, ask to see their current business license and insurance, including workers comp insurance.Some companies start off with the right insurance and license but then neglect to renew these, hoping that no one will notice.
Failure to produce current papers should be a huge red flag and a good reason to hang up the phone.
After all, if the company doesn’t care enough to keep their insurance and license up to date, they probably don’t care about their workmanship or their customer’s satisfaction.
- Check for References and Reviews
It seems as though only disgruntled customers leave reviews online, but you should see at least an equal number of good reviews as well. Very satisfied clients will leave reviews as well. If you see only negative reviews, if all the reviews list similar problems (workers don’t show up on time, they messed up my landscaping) over and over, then you should move on to another contractor.You can also ask for recent references and actually call them! Some companies will happily provide references, but they don’t believe you’ll take the time to call. Ask the reference how they feel about the job now as opposed to when it was completed. Would they choose this contractor again? Did they experience any problems and if so, were their concerns addressed promptly and courteously?If the contractor promises to provide references but they delay and delay giving them to you, or fail to provide them at all, or if the references don’t pan out, keep going down the list.
- Opt for the More Experienced Contractor
Newer contractors don’t necessarily equal poor workmanship, however, the more experienced a contractor is, the more likely that their skillset is more refined.Experienced contractors have probably run into a problem or two or three! They figured out ways to deal with it (or avoid it in the future) so your home won’t become part of their learning curve.Ample experience is always a big plus and while they might charge a bit more, experience is worth its weight in gold.
If you do your homework, you’ll find a contractor that meets or exceeds all the above, like Chicago Green Spray Foam Insulation.
Big Plus Marks for the Following
The above points are the basics that you should always check before you even consider hiring a contractor.
However, if you find a contractor with the following, you can underline that contractor’s name and give it a gold star!
- Does the Contractor belong to any of the following professional groups: The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA where we currently are not only a member but an active participant on the Government Affairs Committee), the Insulation Contractors Association of America, These are professional groups for spray foam insulation contractors. They share information, tips, and experience. A contractor who is a member of one or more of these groups is a true professional who is really dedicated to their line of work, not just in business to make a quick buck. In both cases you could call either Rick Duncan the Executive Director of SPFA or Michael Kwart, the Executive Director if ICAA for a reference on me and our work!
- Is the Contractor Willing to Give You an Estimate? A reputable contractor understands that you are looking for solutions and that you want to speak to them in person, as well as receive an estimate. When you call Chicago Green Insulation we will listen and provide an in person estimate when it is within our ability to address your issues.
- Is the Contractor Friendly and Attentive? Speak to the contractor directly. Do they promptly return your phone calls? Are they friendly and willing to talk to you about your concerns? A burly, dismissive, or inattentive contractor BEFORE they have your business will only get worse after they have your signature on the dotted line.
The perfect candidate for the job has plenty of experience, is friendly and has a can-do, positive attitude, has multiple good reviews and references, is reasonably priced, and has their license and insurance paperwork updated and in order.
You Should Choose Chicago Green
I encourage you to make comparisons before you sign that contract.
Chicago Green has been in business since 2013, exclusively doing spray foam insulation on homes in the greater Chicago area just like yours! Tom Decker has been in spray foam insulation since 2008!
We don’t skimp on workmanship or materials and you can check our website for reviews.
Our rates are very competitive and I will happily give you a complete estimate so you’ll understand exactly what you are paying for.
Best of all, if spray foam isn’t the best choice for your building, I will explain why and tell you what options would work best.
Despite what others may have told you, spray foam isn’t for every building. How many other contractors will tell you that?
Call us today for a free in-home estimate. As I always say, with winter on the way, comfort is just a FOAM call away!
Call us today!
With ten years of experience selling spray foam insulation in Chicago, Tom Decker is THE person to call and the Chicago Green Insulation is the organization to hire when you are looking for top notch quality and performance as well as someone who can deal with the needs of code officials, home owners and general contractors. Call the others in Chicago, if you are interested in the cheapest price, call Chicago Green Insulation if you are interested in using your dollars to make Chicago a better city for all of us!
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation
Chicago Green Insulation
