Hey all….
I dont post much, but lurk everyday. Basically a DIY’er like most.
I’m remodeling my house and have done tons of work on my house. Found that I really get into insulation. Just find it really interesting.
Been thinking about it for awhile, I know tons of home builders and contractors and could maybe get a start contracting with them on the side for insulation.
Could someone give me an idea of what it takes, cost up front, time involved and maybe profits for this occupation.
Very thankful for any information….if it’s over my head then I need to know. If it’s a worthy career move that would also be a plus. Basically just looking at doing extensions and new construction for now since the blow in gear is pricey.
Replies
PT-
Most insulation contractors have a few things in common:
- They're big enough to buy truckloads on insulation direct from the manufacturer. This will give them a distinct price advantage over you, since you'll be buying retail.
- They hire fairly low-paid help. Let's face it- though you may "get into it", installing insulation isn't exactly rocket science, so you don't need a highly-skilled labor force. If it's going to be you doing the work, you'll basically be making that low wage.
- They carry all of the necessary insurances to work for the builders, and can wait the 30, 60, 90 days they need to get paid. If you're planning on doing this "on the side", no legitimate builder will hire you if you aren't insured, since he now owns the risk of you injuring yourself or causing damage to his property.
- The profit through volume. Only by running 5, 10, 15 crews can the boss make enough moeny to justify the company's existence. You need trucks to deliver materials, and estimators/salesmen to get work. You've got to install a lot of the itchy stuff to make decent $$ when the profit OH&P may only be 10 to 15 cents a SF.
Hopefully that didn't burst your bubble.
Bob
Around here 84 Lumber owns the insulation installation business. Like you said, they sell it installed, for the same price as me/you buy it.My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard
Thanks for the info all....
Everyday on my way to work I see 4-5 trucks of a well known insulation company on the highway heading to a job. Didnt expect to compete with that size company...just looking for something interesting and self relying.
Gives me something to look at, especially with the P&E potential. If I couldnt get the materials at a cost that would keep me profitable it would be a losing hobby.
the question is can you even get the materials to install?
I'm friends with a guy who has done very well in the insulation business... they also install closet systems, gutter, mirror doors, bath hardware, door locks, gas fireplaces, he purchased the largest insulation manufacturer in the world just so he could have product... he then sold out to Masco... build a few golf courses, leases corp jets, has door factories around the world, and now his non compete has run out is back in the insulation business... so there must be money in it or he's really bored with all the money he already made... for the record... 90% of his growth around the country came from buy'n other insulation companies... and as i understand it thats the only time the guys who sold out ever made any real money
p