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What should a quote include for energy modeling and blower-door testing?
Energy modeling and blower-door testing answer different questions, so I’d want to see their scopes clearly separated even if they’re bundled with design or construction. What deliverables are useful for comparing proposals: a modeled energy-use estimate with its assumptions, the blower-door result and test conditions, or something more?
Timing seems important too. When should the model be completed so its findings can still inform design, and at what construction stage should air-leakage testing happen to leave time for corrections? If a test misses the project’s target, is locating and fixing the leaks typically included in the testing fee, or quoted separately?
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For comparing the energy estimates, I’d want the predicted use broken out by fuel or end use, alongside the assumptions behind it: weather file, occupancy, and equipment efficiencies. Otherwise, two quotes could look different because the homes are modeled differently, not because one design performs better.