Obtain price quotes or bids from contractors, dealers or installers for the desired projects, but do not proceed with any work or contractually obligate yourself to proceed. (If you do, you lose your eligibility to finance the project through the Energy Office. You may get a bid or quote, contingent on Energy Office approval of your project.) Only one bid or quote is required by the Energy Office. However, it is prudent to compare several bids or quotes and some lenders may require more than one. If there is a minimum performance requirement for a particular project, such as a heating or cooling unit, make sure the bidder is aware of the requirement and ask the bidder to mark the performance factor on the bid form. If more than one project is included on a bid form, or if there is additional work which does not qualify for low-interest financing, costs of each qualifying project must be itemized.
Complete all the information requested on each form and attach the price quotes or bids that you intend to accept. You may install projects yourself, but may not include the value of your labor in the project cost. If the project will result in a rebate, the amount of that rebate must be deducted from the project cost.