What does a typical insulation contractor quote include in New Brunswick? | Insulation IQ?

Getting an insulation quote in New Brunswick is not always straightforward, especially if you have never hired for this type of work before. A thorough, professional quote should give you a clear picture of exactly what will be done, what materials will be used, what the work will cost, and what the finished product will perform at. Knowing what to look for -- and what to ask about if it is missing -- puts you in a much stronger position when comparing contractors.

A solid insulation quote in New Brunswick typically begins with a site assessment, either in person or sometimes via photos for simpler jobs. The contractor should note the existing insulation type and depth, the condition of any vapour barriers or air sealing, the presence of soffit venting or attic baffles (for attic work), and any moisture or structural concerns that need to be addressed before or during insulation installation. If a contractor quotes without doing any form of assessment, that is a warning sign.

The quote itself should clearly state the area to be insulated in square feet, the insulation type and product to be used (e.g., blown-in fibreglass, mineral wool batts, open-cell spray foam, closed-cell spray foam, rigid EPS board), and the target R-value that will be achieved upon completion. In New Brunswick's Climate Zone 6, standard targets under the 2020 NB Building Code are R-50 to R-60 in the attic, R-20 or better in basement walls, and R-28 to R-31 under floors over unheated spaces such as crawl spaces or garages. Any quote that specifies only a vague description of standard insulation without citing R-values should be queried directly.

Labour and materials should be broken out separately in a professional quote, or at minimum you should be able to ask for that breakdown. Material costs vary considerably between insulation types -- blown-in cellulose is often the most economical for attic top-ups, while closed-cell spray foam commands a premium of $3.00 to $6.00 per square foot due to its dual role as insulation and vapour barrier. A quote should specify the number of inches or the board feet of foam being applied so you can independently verify the R-value math.

For spray foam jobs, look for the foam product brand and whether it is open-cell or closed-cell. Open-cell foam (roughly R-3.7 per inch) is suitable for interior applications where moisture drive is managed by a separate vapour barrier. Closed-cell foam (R-6 to R-7 per inch) is the preferred choice for rim joists, below-grade surfaces, and anywhere in the building envelope in Atlantic Canada where moisture infiltration is a concern. Many spray foam quotes will include ventilation precautions -- the space must typically be vacated for 24 to 48 hours after application -- and this should be noted in the scope.

Preparatory and associated work is often where quotes diverge most significantly. A thorough quote will include: removal and disposal of old deteriorated insulation if present, installation or replacement of attic baffles, air sealing of penetrations (pot lights, plumbing stacks, top plates), replacement of the ground vapour barrier in crawl spaces, and any required repairs to framing or sheathing discovered during the job. Some contractors price these items separately as allowances; others include them as flat line items. Either way, they should appear explicitly.

The quote should include the total project price with HST broken out (HST in New Brunswick is 15%). Many insulation contractors in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John are familiar with the Canada Greener Homes Grant and NB Power Home Energy Efficiency Program and will note on the quote which measures qualify for rebates. Some will assist with paperwork submission, which adds convenience but should not affect the underlying price.

Warranty terms are worth reviewing -- most reputable installers offer a workmanship warranty of one to two years in addition to any manufacturer material warranty. For spray foam, some manufacturers offer longer performance warranties.

Finally, always confirm the contractor carries WorkSafeNB coverage and adequate liability insurance. A quote that arrives without confirmation of these is incomplete. To find experienced insulation contractors in New Brunswick who provide detailed, transparent quotes, New Brunswick Insulation connects homeowners with vetted local professionals across the province.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• moose luxury painting
• 3Tone Construction Ltd
• Brunswick insulation & roofing
• Arctic Fox Construction Inc.
• Thirty Four Renovations