Determine the Effort Required

Use the chart below to assess which home improvement projects you will feel comfortable doing yourself, and which you may want to hire a contractor for.

Attic
Doing the Project Yourself*	Ease of Project	Difficult
	Time (days)	1−3
	Costs	$$$$$
Hiring a Contractor*	Time (days)	1-2
Hiring a Contractor*	Costs	$$$$$
Projects	How-to-Instructions	Attic Air Sealing Project Attic Insulation Project

Basement/Crawlspace
Doing the Project Yourself*	Ease of Project	Moderate − Difficult
	Time (days)	1−3
	Costs	$$$$$
Hiring a Contractor*	Time (days)	1-2
Hiring a Contractor*	Costs	$$$$$
Projects	How-to-Instructions	Basement/Crawlspace Air Sealing and Insulation Project

Ducts
Doing the Project Yourself*	Ease of Project	Moderate − Difficult
	Time (days)	1−3
	Costs	$$$$$
Hiring a Contractor*	Time (days)	1−2
Hiring a Contractor*	Costs	$$$$$
Projects	How-to-Instructions	Duct Air Sealing Duct Insulation

Doors/Windows/Walls
Doing the Project Yourself*	Ease of Project	Moderate
	Time (days)	1−2
	Costs	$$$$$
Hiring a Contractor*	Time (days)	1
Hiring a Contractor*	Costs	$$$$$
Projects	How-to-Instructions	Air Sealing Wall Penetrations Air Sealing Electrical Outlets Air Sealing Behind Window and Door Trim Weatherstripping Doors Weatherstripping Windows Applying Plastic Over Windows Air Sealing Fireplaces

*Results will vary depending on the age, construction and condition of your home, as well as the contractor estimates.

Key: $ = <$100, $$$$$ = >$2,000

Utility Rebates

Many local utilities may offer rebates for a professional home energy assessment and certain air sealing and insulation projects.

Be sure to contact your utility company before beginning a project to see what incentives are available in your area. You can also check for incentives using the DSIRE database for state incentives.

Financial Assistance

You may be eligible for financial assistance to make improvements like air sealing and insulating through your state's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

For more information, visit the following site and select your state of residence: Weatherization Assistance Agency Locator.