Attic Insulation Checklist: 30 Things to Confirm Before, During & After

Quick answer: Before an attic insulation job, confirm your current R-value, your rebate eligibility and that the contractor is participating in the rebate program. During the quote, get the target R-value, depth, air sealing and baffles in writing. On install day, check depth markers and the hatch. Afterward, keep your invoice and rebate paperwork, since Ontario’s standalone attic rebate currently pays up to $1,250 and amounts can change.

Updated November 2026

Key takeaways

• Most rebate problems come from missing paperwork or a non-participating contractor, not the insulation itself.
• Get the target R-value and installed depth in writing before you sign.
• Air sealing, baffles and the hatch are easy to skip. Ask about each one.
• Keep photos of the attic before and after the job.
• The rebate is 50% of your after-tax insulation cost, up to your tier maximum. See current rebates.

How do you use this checklist?

Print it or copy it. Tick each box as you go. If you cannot tick an item, ask about it before moving on. Pair it with our insulation quote comparison template when you have more than one quote.

Which checklist items matter most for the rebate?

Items 4, 5, 6, 8, 14, 28 and 29 are the ones that most affect whether your rebate goes through. Ownership, heating fuel, no earlier attic rebate on the home, reaching the target R-value, a participating contractor, a clear invoice and a submitted claim are the core requirements. The rest protect the quality of the job itself.

Before you book (items 1–7)

• 1. Measure your current depth from the hatch, without stepping into the attic. Use our R-value guide.
• 2. Identify the material. If it is loose, pebbly and grey-brown or gold, do not touch it. It could be vermiculite.
• 3. Look for warning signs like droppings, damp spots, frost or mould. See 12 signs your attic needs insulation.
• 4. Confirm you own the home. The Home Renovation Savings Program requires ownership.
• 5. Check your heating fuel. Homes heated with Enbridge natural gas, or with electricity, oil, propane or wood (IESO grid), can qualify.
• 6. Check for a past attic rebate. Homes that already received an attic rebate from Enbridge, Save on Energy or the program may not qualify again.
• 7. Choose your rebate path. The standalone attic rebate needs no energy assessment. The bundle path needs an assessment before any work starts.

During the quote (items 8–15)

• 8. Target R-value in writing. At least R-50 for most attics to qualify, or R-28 / R-20 for cathedral or flat roofs.
• 9. Material and installed depth in writing. For example, about 14.3 inches of cellulose for R-50 (50 ÷ 3.5).
• 10. Air sealing scope. Which leaks will be sealed: top plates, pot lights, plumbing stacks, the hatch? See air sealing.
• 11. Baffles at the eaves. Confirm they will keep soffit vents clear so the attic can breathe.
• 12. Hatch insulation and weatherstripping. The hatch is often the leakiest spot in the ceiling.
• 13. Removal plan, if needed. If old insulation is soiled, mouldy or damp, ask whether insulation removal is included and how disposal is handled.
• 14. Participating contractor confirmed. The rebate requires a participating contractor. Ask them to confirm it.
• 15. Rebate estimate shown. It should be 50% of the after-tax insulation cost, capped at your tier maximum.

Before install day (items 16–21)

• 16. Signed quote matches what you discussed. Check every line item, including air sealing and baffles.
• 17. Proof of insurance and WSIB coverage. Ask for a copy before work starts.
• 18. Written warranty terms. Know what is covered and for how long.
• 19. Clear a path to the hatch. Move furniture and cover anything below it.
• 20. Plan for pets and kids. Keep them away from the work area on install day.
• 21. Take “before” photos of the attic from the hatch, including your ruler reading.

On install day (items 22–26)

• 22. Air sealing happens before the insulation goes in. Once loose fill is down, leaks are hard to reach.
• 23. Depth markers or rulers are installed in a few spots so you can check the depth later.
• 24. Baffles are in place at the eaves before insulation is blown.
• 25. Insulation is kept clear of anything the installer says needs clearance, such as certain light fixtures and chimneys.
• 26. The hatch is insulated and weatherstripped before the crew leaves.

After the job, including rebate paperwork (items 27–30)

• 27. Check depth and take “after” photos. Compare the depth markers to the depth in your quote.
• 28. Get a final invoice showing the material, final R-value and after-tax insulation cost.
• 29. Confirm who submits the rebate. Ask the contractor what you need to sign or upload, and when it will be submitted. Follow our guide on how to claim the attic insulation rebate.
• 30. File everything together. Keep the quote, invoice, photos, warranty and rebate confirmation. Rebate cheques typically arrive within a few months of approval.

What rebate should your paperwork support?

Under the standalone attic path, the rebate is 50% of your after-tax insulation cost, up to the maximum for your starting level. The program is currently scheduled to run until March 31, 2027, is first-come, first-served, and amounts can change.

For more on how the tiers play out, see our Ontario attic rebate study.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before getting attic insulation?

Measure your current depth, identify the material, look for signs of pests, moisture or vermiculite, and confirm your rebate eligibility. Then make sure any contractor you consider is a participating contractor for the rebate.

What should an attic insulation quote include?

The target R-value, material, installed depth, air sealing scope, baffles, hatch work, any removal and disposal, the after-tax price and a rebate estimate. Warranty terms and proof of insurance should be in writing too.

How do I check the work after my attic is insulated?

Look at the depth markers from the hatch and compare them to the depth in your quote. Confirm the hatch is insulated and weatherstripped, and take photos for your records.

What paperwork do I need for the Ontario attic rebate?

Keep your quote, final invoice with the after-tax insulation cost and final R-value, and any forms the participating contractor asks you to sign. Our rebates page explains the current program in more detail.

Can I do the insulation myself and still get the rebate?

No. The standalone attic rebate requires installation by a participating contractor. Do-it-yourself work does not qualify on that path.

Get a free attic assessment

Want a contractor who works through this checklist with you? Pro Home Insulation will measure your attic, explain your rebate tier and put the scope in writing. We serve Toronto and nearby areas like Mississauga, Vaughan and Oakville. Call (647) 250-0606 or Book online.