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


*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. 

Get Started on Your Projects

Attic air sealing

Seal Behind Window and Door Trim

Attic insulation

Applying Plastic Over Windows

Basement/crawlspace