| * Do you want your home insulated this Winter | | | | this is no barrier whatsoever as long as you own |
| but are worried about the costs? | | | | your own home, or you are a private tenant, you |
| * Afraid you'll have to DIY the task to reduce | | | | are entitled to a home insulation grant of up to |
| costs? | | | | 70%. This could even be 100% if you are on |
| * Worried about the finished job and the mess if | | | | certain benefits, tax credits or allowances. |
| you DIY? | | | | Think That DIY is Cheaper? Then Think Again |
| * Would you like a quality finished job but think | | | | If you think the prospect of professionally installed |
| you can't afford to have it done professionally? | | | | insulation partially funded by a government-backed |
| * Have you dismissed the idea of a home | | | | grant is not appealing enough and you are still |
| insulation grant because you think you're not | | | | considering DIY then you need to take a look at |
| entitled to one as you own your own home or | | | | the following 10 reasons on why not to DIY. |
| are in full-time employment? | | | | * DIY is Usually More expensive - even taking into |
| Well if you answer yes to any of the questions | | | | account the buy one get one free offers that are |
| above then the chances are you' re in luck and in | | | | available, DIY is usually more expensive than with |
| for a nice surprise this Winter. | | | | an insulation grant.*(full cost comparison |
| You Really Can afford Home Insulation This | | | | information available) |
| Winter | | | | * No Extras - the grants scheme involves lots of |
| People in any of the situations above are often | | | | extras including lagging of pipes & tanks, draught |
| put off the idea of having cavity wall or loft | | | | proofing & insulating the hatch and fitting a walk |
| insulation installed, even though it is something | | | | board. |
| they would like to have done, as they are | | | | * Takes Longer - Insulating a loft yourself could |
| frequently poorly informed and have no idea of | | | | take you most of a day. A professional installer |
| what they may be entitled to. Home insulation | | | | can complete the work in around an hour. |
| does not have to be as expensive as you think | | | | * Quality of Workmanship - Unless you are a |
| and there is more than one way to reduce costs | | | | seasoned DIY enthusiast, the quality of your |
| than going down the DIY route. I am going to | | | | finished job will not be up to the same standard. |
| explain a way that for many people, who thought | | | | * Level of Fitness - It requires a reasonable level |
| the costs were too great and that they were | | | | of fitness to climb through the hatch and tread |
| ineligible for help, you can have professionally | | | | around carefully. |
| installed insulation at a fraction of the normal cost | | | | * Risk of Personal Injury - Lofts are dark, |
| and in most cases even cheaper than DIY. | | | | cramped and dangerous. The chances of banging |
| In the UK if you own your own home or rent it | | | | your head or falling through the ceiling are great. |
| from a private landlord you are entitled to at least | | | | * Greater Risk of Damage - Pipework can easily |
| a partial insulation grant of up to 70%, if not a full | | | | be burst and electrical cabling can be disturbed. |
| grant! These are Government-backed grants that | | | | There is also a chance of damaging ceilings. |
| are part of a Government initiative between | | | | * Dirty and Messy - Most lofts contain thick |
| themselves and the utility companies to reduce | | | | layers of dust and fibres from previously laid |
| carbon emissions in the UK and have all homes | | | | insulation. |
| insulated by 2015. In taking up one of these | | | | * Makes You Itch - It is a well known fact that |
| grants you also have the satisfaction of getting | | | | laying insulation makes you itch. Professional |
| some of you money back from the utility | | | | installers are used to it. |
| companies who have not passed to us, as | | | | * You Can't DIY Cavity Walls - It is not possible |
| customers, the reductions in fuel prices they have | | | | to fit Cavity Wall Insulation yourself. It requires |
| experienced. | | | | specialist equipment to blow the mineral wool in. |
| If you apply and receive a home insulation grant | | | | Taking advantage of one of these home insulation |
| not only are you going to be given a significant | | | | grants will result in professionally installed insulation |
| grant towards the expenditure of the insulation | | | | at a fraction of the true cost and in a fraction of |
| but you will also be entitled to have it | | | | the time. You will be doing you bit for the |
| professionally installed at no extra cost. Still think | | | | environment by reducing carbon emissions as well |
| you are not entitled to a grant because you are in | | | | as significantly reducing your heat loss and saving |
| full time employment? Well think again because | | | | on future fuel bills. |