Quick answer: To compare insulation quotes fairly, put them side by side on the same rows: target R-value, material, depth, air sealing, baffles, hatch work, removal, rebate handling, after-tax price, rebate estimate and net price. The rebate estimate on Ontario’s standalone attic path is 50% of the after-tax insulation cost, up to the tier maximum of up to $1,250. Amounts can change, so check them before you sign.
Updated November 2026
On this page
- Key takeaways
- What should you compare in an insulation quote?
- How do you calculate the rebate estimate and net price?
- How do you score insulation quotes?
- What 12 questions should you ask every insulation contractor?
- What are the red flags in an insulation quote?
- How do you use this with the rest of your planning?
- Frequently asked questions
- Get a free attic assessment
Key takeaways
- The lowest price is not always the lowest net cost once scope and rebate are counted.
- Compare scope first. A quote without air sealing or baffles is not the same job.
- Rebate estimate = 50% of after-tax insulation cost, capped at your tier maximum. See current rebates.
- The contractor must be a participating contractor or the rebate does not apply.
- Use the scoring framework to turn three quotes into one clear decision.
What should you compare in an insulation quote?
Copy this table into a spreadsheet or print it. Fill in one column per quote. Leave a cell blank if the quote does not say, then ask.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company name | |||
| Date of quote | |||
| Starting R-value (measured) | |||
| Target R-value | |||
| Material | |||
| Installed depth (inches) | |||
| Air sealing scope (which leaks) | |||
| Baffles at eaves | |||
| Hatch insulation and weatherstrip | |||
| Removal of old insulation | |||
| Disposal of removed material | |||
| Rebate paperwork handled | |||
| Participating contractor for the rebate | |||
| After-tax price | |||
| Rebate estimate (50% of after-tax cost, up to tier cap) | |||
| Net price (after-tax price minus rebate estimate) | |||
| Warranty in writing | |||
| Insurance / WSIB proof provided | |||
| Timeline (start date and length) | |||
| Score (from framework below) |
How do you calculate the rebate estimate and net price?
- Find your tier from your measured starting R-value. Use our R-value guide.
- Take 50% of the after-tax insulation cost.
- Compare it to the tier cap. Your rebate is the smaller of the two numbers.
- Subtract the rebate from the after-tax price to get the net price.
| Attic before upgrade | Upgrade to at least | Tier cap |
|---|---|---|
| R-12 or less | R-50 | up to $1,250 |
| Above R-12 to R-25 | R-50 | up to $1,000 |
| Above R-25 to R-35 | R-50 | up to $800 |
| Cathedral/flat roof, R-25 or less | R-28 | up to $750 |
| Cathedral/flat roof, R-12 or less | R-20 | up to $650 |
example — not a specific customer or a price quote. Say your attic starts at about R-10, so the cap is $1,250.
- If a quote’s after-tax insulation cost were $2,000: 50% = $1,000. That is under the $1,250 cap, so the rebate estimate is $1,000. Net price: $2,000 − $1,000 = $1,000.
- If a quote’s after-tax insulation cost were $3,000: 50% = $1,500. That is over the cap, so the rebate estimate is $1,250. Net price: $3,000 − $1,250 = $1,750.
Notice that once you pass the cap, every extra dollar comes out of your pocket. That is why scope matters more than the headline price. The program is currently scheduled to run until March 31, 2027, and is first-come, first-served. For more scenarios, see our Ontario attic rebate study.
How do you score insulation quotes?
Give each quote a score from 1 (poor) to 5 (strong) on each factor. Multiply by the weight, then add up. The highest total is usually your best fit.
| Factor | Weight | What a 5 looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Scope completeness | 30% | Target R-value, depth, air sealing, baffles and hatch all in writing |
| Net price | 25% | Lowest net price for a complete scope |
| Rebate readiness | 15% | Participating contractor, paperwork explained clearly |
| Warranty and proof | 15% | Written warranty, insurance and WSIB proof provided |
| Communication and timeline | 15% | Clear answers, realistic start date, easy to reach |
How to score: For each quote, multiply each score by its weight and add them. For example, scores of 5, 3, 5, 4 and 4 give (5 × 0.30) + (3 × 0.25) + (5 × 0.15) + (4 × 0.15) + (4 × 0.15) = 1.5 + 0.75 + 0.75 + 0.6 + 0.6 = 4.2 out of 5.
Change the weights if something matters more to you. Just keep them adding to 100%.
What 12 questions should you ask every insulation contractor?
- What is my attic’s starting R-value, and how did you measure it?
- What target R-value and installed depth are you quoting?
- Which material are you using, and why for my attic? Our material comparison can help you check the answer.
- Which air leaks will you seal, and with what?
- Will you install baffles at the eaves?
- Is the attic hatch included, with insulation and weatherstripping?
- Does any old insulation need to come out first, and how will it be disposed of?
- Are you a participating contractor for the Home Renovation Savings Program?
- Who handles the rebate paperwork, and what do I need to sign?
- What is the after-tax price, and what rebate estimate are you showing?
- What does your written warranty cover, and for how long?
- Can you send proof of insurance and WSIB coverage before work starts?
What are the red flags in an insulation quote?
- No target R-value or no installed depth in writing.
- A rebate figure higher than the tier cap, or one that is not based on 50% of the after-tax cost.
- Not sure if they are a participating contractor, or will not confirm it.
- “Free insulation” claims that do not show the full price and the rebate separately.
- No mention of air sealing when you have obvious leaks around lights or the hatch.
- No baffles, which can block soffit vents and trap moisture.
- Plans to cover suspected vermiculite, soiled or mouldy insulation without testing or removal. See vermiculite and asbestos removal.
- Pressure to sign today or a large cash deposit with no written contract.
- No written warranty or no proof of insurance.
- Promises of a specific bill saving. Savings depend on your home, air leaks and weather, so an exact figure is not something any contractor can honestly promise.
How do you use this with the rest of your planning?
Start with 12 signs your attic needs insulation to decide if you need the work. Use this template to compare quotes. Then run through the attic insulation checklist before install day, and follow how to claim the attic insulation rebate afterward.
Frequently asked questions
How many insulation quotes should I get?
Two or three is usually enough to see a fair range. More than that can make it harder to compare scope line by line. Use the same template for each so you are comparing like with like.
Why is one quote much cheaper than the others?
It often means less is included, such as no air sealing, no baffles, a lower target R-value or less depth. Fill in every row of the template and the difference usually becomes clear.
How do I estimate my Ontario attic rebate from a quote?
Take 50% of the after-tax insulation cost and compare it to your tier cap. Your rebate is the smaller number. The highest standalone cap is currently up to $1,250, and amounts can change. See the Ontario attic insulation rebate page.
Does the contractor have to be part of the rebate program?
Yes. The standalone attic rebate requires installation by a participating contractor. Ask each contractor to confirm this before you sign.
Should I pick the quote with the lowest net price?
Not automatically. Compare scope first, then net price, then warranty and communication. The scoring framework above helps you weigh all of these together.
Get a free attic assessment
Want a quote you can drop straight into this template? Pro Home Insulation puts the target R-value, depth, scope and rebate estimate in writing. We serve Toronto, the GTA and nearby areas like Brampton, Markham and Hamilton. Call (647) 250-0606 or Book online.