How and When to Hire a Contractor
If you have decided that installing your own home solar project is
beyond your physical or technical abilities, or if you hope to
recoup costs by getting rebates or other incentives for installing a
system, you can hire a contractor to do the work for you.
Contracting the work, however, is only the beginning. There is much
more to contracting your home remodel than just hiring a service
provider. Developing a superior and successful home remodel to make
use of solar energy is a function of your planning, not just your
contractor’s abilities. Your builder or designer works to bring your
ideas to life, so it is paramount that you understand what you want
to accomplish, and that you plan every detail before the work
begins. You can then convey your vision to your contractor.
Here’s a quick checklist of issues that are important to consider:
* Interview several contractors.
* Check each contractor’s references, memberships, insurance, and
licenses. (Most governments require that a contractor obtain
certification for solar installations.)
* Know what you want, and be specific in explaining your needs and
ideas.
* Understand what to expect from the first meeting with the
contractor.
* Do not be afraid to ask for more meetings throughout the project
timeline.
* Understand what you should expect from a contractor.
* Do not settle for anything a contractor wants to sell you that
does not contribute to your goals.
• Know your budget and compare costs before making a financial
commitment.
* Make sure your contractor knows that you are in charge of the
project.
* Do not change your plans unless you prefer (and can afford) an
improved plan over the original.
* Plan the project in its entirety, including life disruptions and
time overruns. Unless you are leaving your home during the
renovation, personal and professional issues may interfere with the
project timeline; and the project may interfere with your personal
and professional timelines.
* Personally approve all contractors or service providers, including
subcontractors.
* Know the project team: architect, designer, or other experts
working on the project.
* Make sure that all service providers understand your plans, and
make sure you understand theirs.
* Manage the project and check on the progress frequently.
* Do not be afraid to stop the progress or fire a contractor if the
work is not progressing as it should or if the work is not meeting
your expectations.
Deciding when and how to renovate your home to make use of solar
energy involves planning, organizing, and sharing your plans with
your family. Include everyone who will benefit from the renovation
in the decision-making process.
Planning Your Solar Renovation
Proper planning should identify every detail, no matter how small or
seemingly insignificant. Knowing what you want will allow for better
communication with your contractor during the project. As you create
your plan, use the Internet to gather a bounty of valuable
information that can include complete remodeling plan details,
prices, and contractor information. Detailed product information of
all types is available. You can find lots of information about
passive and PV solar projects; PV panel types, brands, colors, and
styles; and the prices of the units and installation.
You can start by creating the plan in reverse. Start by imagining
how the finished project will look, and work your way backward to
determine what needs to be done to create this image.
If you are remodeling a single room, for example, understand how the
room will be used when it is complete. Consider the appearance of
the room as well as the function of the space. Think about how and
where sunlight will enter the room, how it will be distributed, how
it will look as it shines on the walls, fixtures, furniture, and
other objects in the room. Consider the seasonal light and sun
angles and how they will affect the sunlight entering in the room.
Source: Solar Power for Your Home by David S. Findley