🏡 Working with Contractors for a Successful Home Energy Retrofit

Lesson 1: Understanding & Managing the Scope of Work (SOW)

The Scope of Work (SOW) is the foundation of a well-executed retrofit, ensuring that each phase of the project is planned, scheduled, and monitored to prevent costly delays or miscommunication.

✅ What’s Included in an SOW?

  • Project Goals & Deliverables – Energy efficiency, decarbonization, comfort improvements
  • Timelines & Milestones – Expected start, key phases, completion dates
  • Roles & Responsibilities – Who is doing what, including contractor details
  • Budget & Payment Terms – Estimated costs, contingencies, and payment schedules
  • Quality Control & Post-Completion Testing – Ensuring all work meets expectations

✅ Best Practices for Communicating with Contractors

  • ✔️ Use clear terminology – Understand key retrofit terms like “air sealing,” “thermal bridging,” and “R-value” to avoid miscommunication.
  • ✔️ Ask about certifications & experience – Ensure contractors are familiar with energy efficiency standards (e.g., Pearl Certification, Home Energy Score, or BPI training).
  • ✔️ Clarify timelines & milestones – Ensure upgrades happen in the correct sequence (e.g., air sealing and insulation before sizing heat pumps to reduce equipment capacity needs and costs).
  • ✔️ Request progress updates – Weekly check-ins help prevent small issues from becoming major delays.
  • ✔️ Get all agreements in writing – Every upgrade and service should be documented in the SOW and final contract.

  • 📌 When to hire a general contractor or architect

    • Lesson 2: Using DOE Checklists for Quality Assurance

    The U.S. Department of Energy provides Home Improvement Expert™ checklists to help ensure quality installations. These checklists incorporate best practices from industry leaders for over 20 home improvements.

    ✅ How to Use DOE Checklists in Your Project:

    • ✔️ Include the relevant checklist in contractor bids and contracts to ensure best practices.
    • ✔️ Use the checklist during inspections to verify installation quality.
    • ✔️ Cross-check contractor work against DOE standards for energy efficiency, comfort, health, and safety.

    📌 Example: DOE Guide for Basement Wall Insulation

    💡 Pro Tip: Always hire licensed, insured, and certified contractors, and check for rebate programs that require compliance with DOE guidelines.

    Lesson 3: Tracking Progress – Timeline, Milestones & Reports

    Using a project timeline helps monitor progress and coordinate contractors (e.g., weatherization teams, solar installers, heat pump technicians).

    ✅ Key Project Phases & Milestones:

    • 1️⃣ Pre-Construction: Home energy audit, permit approvals, financing finalized
    • 2️⃣ Building Envelope Improvements: Air sealing, insulation, window upgrades
    • 3️⃣ HVAC & Water Heating Upgrades: Heat pump installation, ventilation, water heating
    • 4️⃣ Solar & Battery Storage: System installation, utility interconnection
    • 5️⃣ Post-Project Testing & Commissioning: Final inspections, system optimization
    • 6️⃣ Documentation & Incentives Submission: Final reports, rebate applications

    📊 Generating Progress Reports:

    • ✔️ Request contractor status updates to ensure work remains on schedule.
    • ✔️ Track milestones to confirm steps like blower door testing are completed.
    • ✔️ Use a shared document/folder to store project updates, photos, and receipts.

    💡 Pro Tip: If a delay occurs, ask how it impacts other work (e.g., insulation must be completed before sizing a heat pump).