Hi,
I’ve been rehabbing for awile and am considering seriously branching into weatherization/energy efficiency. Been dabbling in it for along time. Like it cause it seems like a real win/win.
Anyone out there really serious in the field? Pros/cons, marketing, ideas, etc appreciated.
Thanks, Jon
Replies
I would think that the problem is that few people want to pay what the work is worth (if you do it right). Wether it caulking or crawling around in the attic sealing air leaks, the work isn't especially visible and thus doesn't seem like "work" to the customer.
I'm considering making weatherization a serious sideline. A lot of states have government sponsored programs that can lead you to work. Connecticut, where I live doesn't (and being an honest to Pete libertarian, I'm happy about that).
I'd thought to market weatherization through the media of ice dams. It's a seaonal marketing opportunity that could be worked with well-timed ads, photos of specific ice-dammed homes printed on flyers and mailed there, or my favorite idea, teaching an adult-ed class on the topic. There's a lot more to know than many people think. If you haven't been to http://www.affordablecomfort.org, get you there immediately.
Arguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it.
when i think of weatherization, i don't just think about caulking and foaming to keep air from moving around, but also of waterproofing.
i have heard it speculated that water leaks are the number one callback? is this right or at least high on the list if not #1, I think so.
i have also heard it speculated that with the improved sealing of a structure we may be seeing leaks caused by negative pressure, and if that is the case it is no longer good enough to "think like water" to be able to build to prevent leaks cause water isn't acting the same as it used to when it is sucked up against gravity.
my point is not one of gloom and doom, just a caution as to the liabilities of this particular specialty, and while it may be very lucrative as well as very much in demand, i think it may be analgous to a doctor that delivers baby, the chances of something going wrong are so great that the insurance is outrageous. somebody has to do it however, just trying to provide food for thought.
P.S. i didn't even mention mold, and what effect a weatherization contractor's work may have on a mold forming or growing, what with the air not moving the way it once did. as i was considering this work myself these were some of my concerns as to liability.
I run a growing “weatherization” business. For what it’s worth here’s my advice.
To help stay busy in the “off season” expand your definition of weatherization to include solving moisture problems, air quality, and building durability ect…. Since most of the solutions for weatherization problems also solve these other related issues, it’s a natural fit.
Ditto the advice regarding affordablecomfort.org
PS: we don’t do any work for government or utility programs