C13-Sunday News, August 24, 1980

Smart consumers checking out insulation

When there is large-scale .

consumer demand of any
kind, you can be sure there
will be a response from the
marketplace.

Five years ago in Ontario,
for example, there were 20
to 25 contractors
specializing in insulation
installation. Today there are
close to 800 such firms
ranging from the reputable
to the fly-by-nighters. The
consumer must be as careful
in choosing a contractor as
in choosing an insulation

Ask them if they have had
valid complaints against
contractors you are con-
sidering. Ask reputable
building contractors you
might know to fecommend
someone to you.

Finally, check to see if
there is an insulation con-
tractors’ association in your
area. These associations
have been set up by
reputable contractors to
regulate this booming in-
dustry and membership
requirements are normally

contract sets out in detail the

cost, the quantity, the type,

and the quality of insulation
material to be used, as well
as the labor cost of in-
stallation.

Compare the cost of the
matenal described in the
contract with the same
material sold at retail
outlets.

You should also have
some idea of what parts of
your house need to be in-
sulated and how much
material is needed. It is no

their Enersave question-
naire. Fill it in, send it to
EMR and they will do a free
computer analysis of your
insulation requirements.

After you have made your
choice of contractor, check
the work to make sure the
agreed-upon type and
quantity of insulation is
installed. And ask questions.
Reputable contractors will
gladly reply.

Why should you be so
cautious when shopping for
insulation? The basic reason

mention an additional ex-

In February the Federal
Government announced a
certification program to heip
protect consumers against
imcompetent insulation
contractors by certifying
them. Certification can be
revoked if work falls below
standards.

When you get right down
to it, though, it is up to
consumers’ to protect
themselves against insulation
rip-offs. There is a wealth of

just as the Better Business
Bureau does. At the federal
level there are several
departments and agencies
ready and willing to help
you.

A good first step would be
to call the Enersave Heatline
at 1-800-267-9563. This line
is toll-free. For B.C.
residents the number is 112-
800-267-9563. From _ the
Yukon Northwest
Territories you call collect to
(613) 995-1801. Residents of
Ottawa and Hull can cail

product. high. use stuffing an attic with is that insulation is quite assistance available for the 995-1801.
Consult with your Before signing any _ insulation when the heat loss different from most products asking.

neighbors when selecting a contract, obtain at least is from the basement. you buy. It is hard to return Provincial governments

contractor or look up _ three written estimates from Get in touch with the insulation for a_ refund.

“Insulation Contractors” in different companies. Read Federal Department of Correcting improperly in-

the yellow pages. Check with all terms and conditions Energy Mines and _ stalled insulation can be a

the Better Business Bureau. carefully. Make sure the Resources. Ask them for considerable nuisance not to

FU bs Hie R ELLIS REALTY LTD.

WE PLACESOL DOVER
OUR FOR SALES

a
Upgrading the insulation

all have consumer assistance in your house need not be a

_ Offices which keep tabs on painful experience if you
complaints received about take the steps to be a smart
particular insulation firms consumer.

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- NTEMPORAR SETTIN WEST SIDE RICHMOND
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SUPER INVES

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erated pi!
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tag i

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