Chances are, your home already has insulation. Although, unless your home was specifically constructed for energy efficiency, there’s a high chance that your home does not contain enough and more will need to be added.
Insulation is material that acts as a barrier between the internal temperature of your home and the temperatures outside. However, what tends to happen in homes not specifically built for energy efficiency is that outside air enters in while, at the same time, conditioned air escapes. This results in air conditioning units (and heating units, during the wintertime) working harder to compensate for the loss; thus, depleting your budget. This is why having insulation matters.
Understanding that there’s the likelihood of insulation either needing to be added or replaced, the conversation shifts to that of who should do the job. In other words, should you hire a professional or do it yourself?
Determine Scope & Know your Limitations
For some, it’s very easy to hang up their tool belts and call in a professional. Some simply don’t want to tackle a complicated project and/or risk damaging their home more than it is already. For others, the idea of a do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement project is an exciting challenge that they can’t wait to sink their teeth into.
But regardless of who’s doing the job, there are significant factors to consider. When it comes to your home, are you paying attention to:
1. The space you’re working within?
The setting of your project can drastically change the measures taken. Are you adding insulation to an area with easy access, such as an open room or unfinished basement, or are you adding insulation to an area that’s difficult to access, like an attic or crawl space? Based upon the setting of where you’ll be working, how do you plan to properly inspect for air leakage, damaged insulation, and existing insulation? Solving the answers to these questions may help you discern whether a professional is better-equipped to take on the task at hand.
2. The cost?
…And we don’t just mean money. Yes, it’s necessary to assess the monetary cost of materials needed to complete the project. When it comes to insulation, there are various types that can be used to do the job, such as spray foam, liquid or fiberglass insulation. Generally, liquid foam insulation tends to be more expensive; however, bear in mind that total cost also depends on the quantity of material you’re purchasing. That can be determined by assessing the R-value of your current insulation and how much heat flow the current material is blocking and absorbing.
You should also assess how much time the project will cost you. What’s the typical longevity and will your level of experience allow that time frame to be easily achievable?
3. Safety measures?
Your safety is, by far, the most important factor to consider when it comes to any home improvement project. Professionals are not only equipped with gear designed to protect against certain toxins and injuries that a project may present but also trained to stay aware of and uphold safety standards. This is not to say that attempting to improve your home by yourself will definitely cause an injury or be unsafe, however, relying on your own knowledge may not prevent against unforeseen circumstances (i.e. mold, asbestos, etc.).
Common Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions when it comes to do-it-yourself projects. Oftentimes, they’re thought of as the cheapest and quickest options when it comes to home improvement. This is not always the case.
Not all homes are the same which means that not all home improvement projects are the same. As mentioned, total cost of the project can vary greatly depending on the amount of material, type of material, and size of space you plan on working with. This, as well as your level of experience and expertise will, in turn, determine the timeliness of the project.
Why Hire?
For over 100 years, Cameron Group has specialized in home insulation and keeping families satisfied. We take pride in the amount of care we show each project and ensure that each step in the home improvement process will be done the correct way – your way.
We begin by scheduling a home energy assessment. This is done to inspect all areas of your home and determine the scope of work. From there, our professionals meet with you and your family to formulate a home improvement plan that works with your schedule and your budget.
At Cameron, we believe that affordability and comfort are two components that go hand-in-hand when it comes to your living space. It’s our mission to create the home of your dreams and ensure that the insulation in place is affording you more than it’s costing you! Give us a call today at (443) 459-5800.
