Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most, grouped by topic. For questions about a specific service, see that service page; each has its own questions section.
Scheduling and inspections
How long does an inspection take?
Forty-five minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the size and access of both spaces.
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
Someone needs to let us in and show us both accesses. You are welcome to stay and ask questions; many homeowners like to see the photos on the tablet as we take them.
What if my crawl space access is blocked or sealed?
Tell us when you book. If the access is under a carpet, behind a built-in or painted shut, we can usually open it. If there is no access, we can propose adding one.
Pricing
Is the inspection free?
The inspection is a flat $175, and the full amount is credited to your project if you go ahead with the work.
Why do you need to inspect before giving a price?
Two houses of the same size can differ in cost by thousands of dollars depending on access, contamination and what is hidden. A price without an inspection is a guess. The cost calculator gives a planning range in the meantime.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Projects over $2,500 can be financed through our lending partner with terms from 12 to 60 months, subject to credit approval. Ask for the application with your proposal.
Are there rebates for insulation?
Electric and gas utilities in our area have offered weatherization incentives at various times. Eligibility depends on your utility and heating type. We check what applies to your address and provide the documentation utilities ask for.
Permits
Does attic or crawl space work need a permit?
Insulation, vapor barriers, air sealing and rodent exclusion typically do not require a building permit. Sump pump circuits require an electrical permit. New exterior vents may need review in historic districts or under HOA rules. We tell you in the proposal what applies.
Who pulls the permit?
For electrical work, the licensed electrician performing it.
Safety during the work
Is it safe to stay home during the work?
Yes. Equipment stays outside, work areas are contained, and for removal work the vacuum pulls air away from the living space.
What happens if you find asbestos or mold?
Suspect asbestos materials stop work until they are tested; abatement is done by certified contractors. Attic mold is something we treat, along with its cause. Mold inside living spaces is referred to a remediation specialist.
Do you use chemicals?
Disinfectants and antimicrobials we use are EPA-registered and applied according to their labels. Cellulose insulation is treated with borate compounds. We can provide product data sheets.
Scope
Do you repair foundations or roofs?
No. We identify those issues and refer you to specialists. We focus on what happens inside the attic and crawl space.
Do you do wall insulation?
Our work is the attic and crawl space, including knee walls and rim joists. Insulating finished exterior walls is outside our scope.
Do you handle rodent trapping?
Trapping is done by pest control companies. We seal entry points and clean up, and we coordinate with the company you choose.
Selling or buying
Can you help with items from a home inspection report?
Yes. Send us the relevant pages. We can inspect, propose fixes for the attic and crawl space items, and provide a written closing report with photos for the buyer or seller.
How fast can you complete repairs before closing?
Most attic and crawl space repairs take one to three days once scheduled. Tell us your closing date when you call.