Insulation subcontractor for builders

Home builders, general contractors, remodelers and developers who hire you per project.

Bid per house or per square foot of insulated area, usually paid in stages as each job passes inspection.

• Reading building plans and energy code requirements
• Scheduling crews around other trades
• Bidding jobs and managing cash flow

• Contractor licensing and bonding requirements, which differ by state and city, so check with your licensing board
• Builders may pay 30 days or more after invoicing, so keep cash in reserve
• Work must pass inspection, so know the local energy code R-values
• Workers' compensation is usually needed once you have employees, and builders often ask for proof of insurance
• Reliance on a few builders is risky if their work slows down

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on your equipment, vehicle and materials. Builders may pay 30 days or more after invoicing, so keep extra cash in reserve.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on how many builders you work for and the size of the projects. Relying on a few builders is risky if their work slows down.

Check contractor licensing and bonding requirements with your state and city licensing board. Also make sure your work can pass inspection by knowing local energy code R-values, and check workers' compensation and proof-of-insurance requirements that builders often ask for.