Sean,
Thanks, that’s helpful input.
It is unlikely I will live in this house for more than another 5 years, so pay back on the insulation isn’t likely, but better efficiency is still a plus. This will not be a selling issue, or will it, given the price of oil an efficient insert may add at least the going cost of one in the selling price (faster sale at least). I have one price insulation for a 31’ liner of $450, overall installation a separate item of $625. Another estimate is $346.25 for an insulation kit (must be right out of the “book” to include the 25 cents) and overall installation of $750. When the cost of the liner and connecting parts top and bottom are added one bid is: $2,000 and the other is $2025. They must be using the same play book with a different allocation of prices/costs. So the installation cost is not the determining factor, of course I don’t have details on the materials other than flexible stainless steel liner (continuous or one piece), everything else is totally generic, e.g., Insulation, connector, collar plate, cap…
Well, in those cases where re-selling of the house is concerned it is always a tough call. First, the wood stove/insert may not help the re-sale cause at all. It’s a crap shoot. Some people love the idea, some people hate it. But, assuming you sell to a person who loves wood stoves, I would suggest that investing in the insulation makes good sense. You can confidently say you did not skimp on the materials and installed it in the best way as suggested by the professionals.
For what it’s worth, I would have asked for quite a bit more than what you are listing here. But I take the time to carefully explain the different possibilities and I ask my customers to pay a price commensurate with my professionalism. Many in my market are wiling to pay higher prices for a more detailed and valuable service than is offered through other sources. I do not appeal to those who only care about the lowest price. The trick is showing that we are worth the extra money. So, I disclose everything - how much it costs me to hire honest and responsible helpers, the exact materials we use, and why, and we offer to install alternate materials that cost less if the client asks us, as long as they agree that the less costly materials offer less value and higher risk.
If I were you, I would ask your dealer to show you the materials he/she is proposing to install and tell you why they feel they are the best choice for your situation. If you are satisfied that they are giving you good value you should pay their price.
Sean
