• Selecting Materials
• Selecting Contractors

Depending on your climate zone, consider the following elements when building or addding on to a home.

1. High-efficiency heat pump with a minimum 14 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
2. Ceiling insulation
3. Wall insulation (total wall)
4. Floor insulation
5. Mastic sealed duct system
6. Insulated windows and doors (+15% window area, maximum)
7. Electric water heater (40 gallon, R-12 insulation)

• Insulation recommendations:

• In Carolina:
  • Ceiling: R-30
  • Wall: R-11 to R-19 in frame wall
  • Floor: R-19 in floors 
    
    
• In Florida
  • Ceiling: R-19 or R-30
  • Wall: R-11 in frame wall, R-5 in CBS walls]
  • Floor: R-11 in floors (suspended frame only)   
    
    
    

Whether you're replacing your air conditioning system or building an addition to your home, the results you'll receive will greatly depend on the workmanship delivered by your contractor. You can best control the situation with smart planning, by selecting a reputable contractor and by using effective communication to convey your expectations and concerns.

• Know What You Want
  Before you consult a contractor, determine exactly what you want done and put it in writing. Also spell out any additional considerations you may require. A responsible contractor should be happy to provide the details you need to decide what will yield the best value for the dollars you spend.

If you're approached by someone selling a product or home improvement that is claimed to save energy, get as much information as you can about the product. Write down the firm's name, address and phone number. Request documented proof of energy savings. It is also a good idea to check with your local Department of Consumer Affairs or Better Business Bureau to see if they can provide you with background information on the company. If you're still in doubt, you could also check with your local utility.

• Locating a Contractor
  Be sure the contractor you are dealing with is a licensed contractor. In Florida, the law requires all contractors to display their contractor license number on all advertising material. The license number should be on their truck or business card.
  
  Door-to-door salespeople and contractors are required to have a license or permit issued by local or state government. Ask for the license and record the number for future reference. It's always a good idea to verify the license or permit by calling the office that issued the license.
  
  An easy way to find a contractor is to consult the Yellow Pages. Look under headings defining the work you want done, such as "Insulation Contractors," etc. But keep in mind this directory only tells you who is available, not who is best; neither does the size of the contractor's advertisement. Some key indicators to look for when seeking a contractor include:
  
  
  • Reputation: The contractor you choose should be respected for honesty, workmanship and delivery record. It's usually best to check with your local Department of Consumer Protection, local or state licensing board and Department of Professional Regulation for licensing information and to check for available business performance reports before you do business. Friends, neighbors and business community members can also provide you with references and real-life reports of their past experience with a particular business and/or contractor.  
    
    
  • Credit Standing: You may be able to determine the company's financial standing through its bank. Sound financial condition is a good indication of a contractor's reliability and stability. Remember that you are not asking for any more than you are asked to provide when you apply at the bank for a home improvement loan.  
    
    
  • Work Performance: Ask for photographs of previous installations and a list of satisfied customers. You may also want to interview some of their previous customers.
    
    Using these indicators, you should be able to develop a list of three or four dependable contractors from which to make a final selection.
    
    

• What to Ask Your Contractor
  When dealing with a contractor, be sure you understand the difference between an estimate and a bid. An estimate is simply an educated guess at the cost for making a specific home improvement. A bid, however, is a precise calculation of the price which, upon your acceptance, is binding on both you and the contractor.
  
  To avoid a misunderstanding, provide each bidding contractor with identical specifications (and drawings, if applicable). Your written specifications should clearly explain the materials you require and how the home improvement should be installed.
  
  And remember, the lowest bid may not be the best. You may find that a higher bidder offers higher quality work or an earlier completion date.
  
  

• Put it in Writing
  The contractor should present a formal contract outlining the responsibilities of both parties before any work begins. Read the contract closely. It should fully explain the work to be done and the materials to be used. Make sure you understand and agree before signing the contract.
  
  The contract should also contain information about the insurance the contractor carries. Make sure they are covered in the event that one of the workers is injured or damages your home. And ask for a written, one-year warranty covering defects in parts and labor.
  
  Never deal with a contractor who asks you as the homeowner to pull the building permit.
  
  

• Payment Considerations
  Your contractor should discuss terms of payment before beginning work. Those terms should be included in your contract. Some contractors may offer a split-payment plan; the first being due upon signing of the contract; and the balance to follow over a specified period of time. There are many types of financing you may want to investigate.
  
  In Florida low-income families may be eligible for assistance under the Weatherization Act. Your State Energy Office or local Community Action Agency should be able to provide information on available programs.