How to Find a Contractor
A lot of air sealing and even insulation jobs you can do yourself—and still get rebates. We like this guide from Efficiency Vermont, with videos for 9 do-it-yourself projects to save money on heating. But if you can already see yourself swearing and sweating in your basement and attic, it’s time to find a contractor!
To get started finding a pro, check these lists.
- Building Performance Institute
You can search for contractors around our zip code who are certified by the Building Performance Institute. Under “Find a Contractor,” enter your zip code, and put in a 25- or 50-mile radius. https://www.bpihomeowner.org/
- Abode Energy Management
Middleborough Gas & Electric contracts with Abode, which has a list of contractors who have already successfully participated in rebate programs. https://abodeem.com/homeowners/participating-contractor-list/
- MassSave
Similarly, MassSave has a list of contractors that have participated in its rebate program. Middleborough residents are not eligible for MassSave rebates, but it’s still a good place to look for contractors. Since Middleborough is not part of the MassSave system, try putting in a Plymouth zip code to find contractors near us: 02360. https://www.masssave.com/en/learn/find-a-contractor
- EnergySage
For information and help with solar, Sustainable Middleborough has partnered with EnergySage. EnergySage provides a free, competitive marketplace to match you up with quotes from pre-screened solar installation contractors and EnergySage advisors will help you review quotes and decide what system works best for you. All services are free to consumers. Click here to learn more.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can make a FREE appointment with an independent Abode Energy Management consultant who will talk to you about your house and situation before you invest in weatherization, heat pumps, or solar panels.
While you’re waiting for your audit, contact Abode, who can help you get started:
Tips to finding a contractor
- Ask friends, family, and neighbors who they have used.
- Local contractors can sometimes give you a better deal than bigger regional companies. Find a mix of big and small.
- Prepare for your conversation. What do you see as the main issue , e.g. What’s causing my house to be drafty? or Do I have enough insulation? Be ready with info about the age and square footage of your house, current heating system, and any previous efficiency projects.
- Get 3-5 written estimates & interview the contractors. How does it feel to have them in your house?
- Ask if they have licenses and insurance and whether they use subcontractors.
- Ask about previous projects and the results. How many projects like yours do they do in a year? Do they have experience with rebates and other incentives?
- Ask for references, and call those references to ask: Were the owners happy? As happy now as when the work was completed? Did the contractors come when they said? Did they keep to the estimated cost? Did they leave a mess?
- Get a written agreement on payment. It’s OK to pay part of it upfront, but don’t make the final payment till you’re completely satisfied the job is finished.
- Check the Better Business Bureau for customer disputes. Look over online reviews, but keep in mind people who write reviews are often only the most or least satisfied.
Neighbor-to-neighbor referrals
If you’d like to connect with other Middleborough residents who have hired weatherization or HVAC contractors—or are going through the process of finding them right now—contact us at sustainablemiddleborough@gmail.com.
DID YOU KNOW?
25%-40% of the energy used for heating and cooling an average home is lost to air leakage. That’s like having a window open year-round and letting your money fly out the window!
Start Weatherizing Now
Sign Up for Your Energy Audit:
