What should I consider when choosing an insulation installer?

Begin by prioritising certifications and compliance. Ensure installers hold TrustMark accreditation (a UK government-endorsed quality scheme) and PAS 2030 certification for retrofit projects. These confirm adherence to building regulations and competency in handling grants like the Great British Insulation Scheme.

Key factors to evaluate

1. Credentials and compliance

• Licensing: Verify they hold local authority licenses and public liability insurance (£1M+ coverage is standard).
• Building regulations: Insulation must comply with Part L requirements for energy efficiency. Improper installation risks dampness and invalidates guarantees.
• Specialisations: Some focus on specific insulation types (e.g., internal wall vs. spray foam). For listed buildings, ensure expertise in breathable materials like wood fibre.

2. Reputation and reviews

• Third-party platforms: Check Trustpilot, Which? Trusted Traders, or MyBuilder for recent customer feedback.
• Case studies: Reputable firms like Eco Home UK provide examples of completed projects, including thermal imaging before/after results.
• Red flags: Avoid contractors unwilling to share references or proof of past work.

3. Cost and transparency

• Quoting process: Expect a free onsite assessment. Be cautious of "remote quotes" without inspecting attic space/loft access.
• Funding options: Many installers assist with ECO4 or Home Upgrade Grant applications (available until March 2026).
• Price benchmarks:
• Loft insulation: £400-£1,200 (depending on material and property size).
• Internal wall insulation: £5,000-£15,000 (varies by wall type and finishes).

4. Materials and methodology

• Material options:
• Mineral wool: Standard for lofts; £20-£30/m² installed.
• PIR boards: High-performance option (0.022 W/mK conductivity) for limited-height spaces.
• Multi-layer systems: Essential for solid walls to manage moisture.
• Avoid: Overly cheap spray foam installers lacking BBA certification.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ignoring ventilation: Poorly installed insulation traps moisture, leading to mould. Ensure installers include eaves vents or breathable membranes.
• DIY pitfalls: Most cavity wall insulation requires professional handling due to fireproofing requirements around electrical boxes.
• Grant confusion: Some contractors inflate prices when using government-subsidised schemes. Always compare market rates.

Final steps

• Contract clarity: Demand written terms covering project timelines, waste removal, and post-installation support.
• Guarantees: Seek 25-40 year warranties on materials (e.g., British Board of Agrément-certified products).
• Post-install checks: Use a thermal camera (often provided by installers) to identify gaps or compression issues.

For listed buildings or conservation areas, consult specialists like Heritage Insulation Ltd, who combine traditional methods with modern materials like hemp-lime composites. Recent updates to Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Standard (2023) and Wales’s Optimised Retrofit Programme (2024) have tightened competency requirements, making certified installers more critical than ever.