Should I hire a contractor who handles NB Efficiency grant paperwork, or can I apply for rebates myself after the work is done in Caraquet?

You'll need to apply for NB Power and federal rebates yourself, but the process requires specific timing and documentation that many homeowners find challenging to navigate alone.

The NB Power Total Home Energy Savings Program and Canada Greener Homes Grant both require a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation before any insulation work begins. This is the most critical step that trips up many homeowners — if you start the insulation work before getting the pre-evaluation, you're automatically disqualified from both rebate programs, regardless of how good the work is.

Here's the proper sequence: First, you hire a certified energy advisor to complete the pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation of your Caraquet home (costs around $300-$500). This evaluation identifies exactly what insulation upgrades qualify for rebates and establishes your home's baseline energy performance. Then you can hire insulation contractors to complete the eligible work. After completion, you schedule the post-retrofit evaluation with the same energy advisor to verify the improvements and calculate your rebate amounts.

The paperwork itself is manageable for most homeowners — both programs have online portals where you upload the EnerGuide reports, contractor invoices, and photos of completed work. The applications are straightforward if you have all the required documentation. However, the timing and eligibility requirements are strict. For example, the work must be completed by certified contractors (spray foam installers need specific training credentials), invoices must show detailed material specifications, and the improvements must meet minimum R-value thresholds.

In Caraquet specifically, you're looking at potential combined rebates of up to $5,000-$10,000 for comprehensive insulation upgrades. Given the significant rebate amounts available, many homeowners find it worthwhile to hire an energy advisor who can guide them through the entire process — from the initial evaluation through final rebate submission. Some energy advisors in the Bathurst-Caraquet region offer package deals that include both evaluations plus rebate application assistance.

The main advantage of handling rebates yourself is saving the 10-15% fee that some contractors charge for paperwork management. The main advantage of professional assistance is ensuring nothing falls through the cracks — missed deadlines, incorrect documentation, or non-compliant work can cost you thousands in lost rebates.

For a typical Caraquet home insulation project, I'd recommend getting the pre-evaluation done first, then getting quotes from insulation contractors who are familiar with rebate requirements, even if you plan to handle the paperwork yourself. The energy advisor who does your evaluation can also clarify exactly what documentation you'll need to collect during the project.

Need help finding qualified insulation contractors in the Caraquet area? New Brunswick Insulation can match you with professionals experienced in rebate-eligible work through the New Brunswick Construction Network.