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Foundations For homeownersFree
How to Read a Spray Foam Quote
What's actually in a spray foam quote — board feet, $/sq ft, prep, and cleanup — so you can compare apples to apples.
4 min 2 modules
Lesson
A spray foam quote should tell you the foam type, the finished thickness, and the total board feet — not just a round dollar number. This lesson breaks down what every line means so you can compare quotes honestly.
Key takeaways
- A real quote is priced by board foot (1 sq ft at 1 in thick) or $/sq ft at a stated thickness.
- Prep, masking, ventilation, trim, and cleanup should be included — not extras.
- The foam type and finished thickness drive the price more than the square footage alone.
Step by step
- 1Check the foam type (open vs closed cell) and the finished thickness in inches.
- 2Convert to board feet: square footage × thickness in inches = board feet.
- 3Compare $/board foot between quotes at the same thickness.
- 4Confirm prep, masking, ventilation, trim, and cleanup are in the price.
- 5Verify the warranty — material and labor — is spelled out.
Quick checklist
- Foam type and finished thickness stated.
- Total board feet or $/sq ft at a stated depth.
- Prep, masking, trim, and cleanup included.
- Written material and labor warranty.
Common mistakes
- Comparing lump-sum quotes without knowing the thickness or foam type.
- Choosing the lowest number that quietly skips prep or cleanup.
- Assuming 'R-value' on a quote means the same thickness — it doesn't.
Ready to put it into practice?
Get a firm quote for your project or call the office to talk it through.
Finished reading?
Mark this lesson complete to track your progress.