Choosing a Contractor

Making Upgrades To Your Home? Choosing A Contractor Doesn’t Have To Be Hard.

Summer is here and it’s a great time to make energy efficient improvements to your home. Some of the energy efficiency programs Idaho Power offers require using a professional contractor for installation to receive a cash incentive. While Idaho Power does not install equipment, give estimates or endorse specific contractors, here are a few recommendations to help you find a quality contractor.

Whether you choose to search online or consult with trusted family and friends, do your homework before hiring a contractor. Visit websites, like AngiesList.com, that allow you to search for contractors in your area and view customer generated ratings and feedback. Also, consider checking the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating—they are accessible both online and by phone. The BBB also offers many online articles and resources for selecting specific types of contractors.

Some Idaho Power programs, like the Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program, offer a list of participating contractors at Idaho Power’s website. While others, like the Home Improvement Program, allow you to choose any insulation company.

Take note: the average insulation installation cost in Idaho Power’s service area is about $430, but could be less.

Idaho Power recommends contacting a minimum of three contractors for bids, asking them for references and checking them out. Here are a few questions to ask their references:
• What service or installation did the contractor provide?
• When did the service/installation occur?
• What did they like the most, and the least, about the contractor?
• Would they recommend the contractor to a friend? Would they use the contractor again?
• How satisfied were they with the contractor and the project overall?

Also, confirm the contractor is licensed, insured and how long they have been in business. Finally, after asking the contractor all of your questions, get everything in writing before you authorize the contractor to begin work. Ask them to make their final quote as comprehensive as possible,  including everything:  the cost and the scope of the work that will be performed, what is included in the warranty, etc.

For more information on Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs, visit www.idahopower.com/energyefficiency.

If you have problems with a contractor that cannot be resolved by working directly with them, you can file a complaint with the:
• Better Business Bureau: www.bbb.org or (208) 342-4649
• State of Idaho Office of Attorney Genera
• Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
• State of Oregon Office of Attorney Genera
• Oregon Licenses, Permits and Registrations