What to Ask an Insulation Contractor Before You Hire

Insulation is one of those upgrades that is hard to inspect once it is finished. The work disappears behind drywall, under attic boards, or inside a wall cavity, so you are trusting the contractor to do it right where you cannot see it. That is exactly why the questions you ask before you sign matter so much. A good insulation contractor in Canada will welcome these questions and answer them clearly. This checklist walks through what to ask about certification, products, R-values, air sealing, rebates, warranty, and insurance, plus the red flags that should make you pause.

If you are still comparing products before you compare contractors, our pillar guide on spray foam vs blown-in insulation is a good place to start. When you are ready to book, Greenfoot installs several types of insulation across Atlantic Canada and BC, and we are happy to answer every question below.

Are your installers certified for the product they are installing?

Certification is the first thing to confirm. For spray foam in particular, installers should be trained and licensed under CAN/ULC-S705, the Canadian standard that covers both the material and its installation. Spray foam is a chemical product that has to be applied at the right ratio, thickness, and temperature, and a poor installation can off-gas, shrink, or fail to cure. Ask to see proof of current certification for the specific crew that will be on your job, not just the company name.

Certification matters so much that we wrote a whole guide on it. For the details, see our article on spray foam and the building code in Canada. If you have ever wondered what happens when foam is installed badly, our piece on why people remove spray foam insulation shows why a certified installer is worth the money.

Is the insulation product CCMC listed and code approved?

Ask whether the exact product being installed has a Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) evaluation number. A CCMC listing means the product has been independently assessed for use in Canadian construction, which helps with code compliance and inspections. A reputable contractor can name the manufacturer and product and provide the technical data sheet on request. If they cannot tell you what they are spraying or blowing into your home, that is a problem.

Will you give me a written quote with R-values and material type?

Never rely on a verbal estimate. A proper quote should spell out the material type (closed-cell spray foam, open-cell spray foam, blown-in cellulose, fibreglass, or batts), the target R-value for each area, the thickness or depth being installed, and the areas covered. This is the only way to compare two quotes fairly, since a cheaper price often hides a thinner application or a lower R-value. Written R-values also protect you if a rebate program checks the result.

Do you air seal before adding insulation?

Insulation slows heat flow, but it does not stop air leaks on its own unless it is spray foam. In most homes, the contractor should air seal first, sealing top plates, penetrations, attic hatches, and gaps, before adding blown-in insulation on top. Skipping this step means warm, moist indoor air can still leak into the attic, carrying heat out and moisture in. A contractor who treats air sealing as a standard part of the job, not an upsell, understands building science.

Are you registered for the provincial rebate programs?

Most insulation rebates in Atlantic Canada and BC are tied to a home energy assessment and require the work to be documented properly. Ask whether the contractor regularly works inside programs such as Efficiency Nova Scotia, NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program, efficiencyPEI, takeCHARGE in Newfoundland and Labrador, and CleanBC Better Homes. A contractor who knows these programs can help you sequence the assessment, hit the required R-values, and keep the paperwork clean.

For a full breakdown of what is available where you live, read our guide to insulation rebates in Atlantic Canada and BC. It explains the home energy assessment, the closed federal grant, and how to stack provincial and utility incentives.

What warranty do you offer, and what does it cover?

Ask about both the manufacturer's product warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty. The product warranty covers the material itself, while the workmanship warranty covers the installation. Get the terms in writing, including how long the workmanship is guaranteed and what would void it. A company that has been around for years and stands behind its work is more likely to be there if you ever need a callback.

Will you remove old insulation and clean up afterward?

Sometimes old insulation needs to come out first, for example if it is water damaged, contaminated by rodents, or simply in the way of a proper retrofit. Ask whether removal and disposal are included in the quote or billed separately, and confirm that the crew will clean up the work area and haul away all debris. If your project involves a removal, our guide to attic insulation removal cost explains what to expect.

Can you show proof of insurance and WCB coverage?

This one protects you directly. Ask for proof of liability insurance and current workers' compensation (WCB or WorkSafeBC) coverage. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property or causes damage, you could be on the hook. A legitimate contractor will provide certificates without hesitation. While you are at it, confirm the business is properly licensed in your province and ask for a couple of recent local references.

How much experience do you have with my type of home and project?

Insulating a 1950s storey-and-a-half in Nova Scotia is a different job from foaming a new crawl space in BC. Ask how many homes like yours the contractor has done, and whether they have handled the specific challenge you face, such as a damp basement, a finished attic with limited access, or knob-and-tube wiring in an older wall. A contractor who has solved your problem many times will spot issues a newcomer would miss. Ask for a few recent local references and, ideally, photos of completed work in your area.

It is also fair to ask who actually does the work. Some companies subcontract, which is not necessarily bad, but you want to know that the crew on your roof or in your crawl space carries the same certification and insurance as the company you hired. Clarify the timeline too: when the job will start, how many days it will take, and what happens if weather or supply delays push the schedule.

What are the red flags to watch for?

A few warning signs should make you slow down before signing:

• No written quote or a quote that does not list material type and R-values.
• Cash-only deals or pressure to pay the full amount up front.
• No certification or insurance they are willing to show you.
• High-pressure, today-only pricing that rushes your decision.
• Vague product answers, such as not knowing the manufacturer or CCMC listing.
• Skipping the air seal or dismissing it as unnecessary.

If your project involves spray foam, one more red flag is worth its own mention: a contractor who cannot explain ventilation and re-entry times. Spray foam needs the right conditions to cure, and occupants should stay out of the area for the manufacturer's recommended period. An installer who waves off that question, or who cannot tell you the product's data sheet requirements, has not done enough of these jobs to trust with your home.

Asking these questions is not about being difficult. It is about making sure the insulation you pay for actually performs for decades. A trustworthy contractor will appreciate that you care about doing it right, and the answers will make it easy to compare your options side by side and choose with confidence.