Consider this: Is cost without value, even if the cost is extremely low, a good deal?  I'm betting you answered no.  If this is the case, why does the construction industry live and die by the mantra "cheap, cheap, cheap?"  Would it not be a much wiser investment to spend a little more money up front to insure you are getting the greatest value per dollar spent?  Think of it this way.  When you purchase a new car, do you look only for the cheapest vehicle you can find?  I seriously doubt it.  You probably have a pretty good idea what safety features and creature comforts you require.  Now, you shop around and find the best value.  The mechanical insulation industry should work the same way.  Let's say you have a project that is out for competitive bid, and three insulation contractors provide pricing.  Let's say the two highest prices are $150,000 and $162,000.  The low bid is $100,000.  This should raise some questions in your mind.  Did the low bidder miss something?  Is their reputation sound?  Have they been in business for a reasonable amount of time, and how do other mechanical contractors evaluate their past performance.  Always assuming the low bidder is the right fit for the job is a mistake, and may cause problems over the course of the project.  In a case like this, a long look at the middle bid would be a prudent move.  That is not to say contracts should not be awarded to low bidders, but if the spread between lowest and next lowest bidder is fairly broad, and all other bidder's prices are grouped reasonably tight, maybe that warrants a closer look.  Because mechanical insulation contractors typically bid to mechanical contractors, the responsibility to check past performance, willingness to adhere to the specifications, ability to stay on schedule and fully complete projects falls to the mechanical contractor.  Insulation contractors have a responsibility to insure the products used are installed in the proper manner.  Failure to fulfill this responsibility can result in personnel injury from hot systems, higher fuel consumption from energy loss, greater stress on equipment and condensation (some wet/damp insulation jackets can promote mold growth).  The mechanical contractors have a responsibility to the customer to insure the subcontractors they employ on a project are capable of providing the best installations possible.  Remember, increased value benefits everyone.

RK