Are you wondering how much does home insulation cost? A fundamental part of keeping the home temperature comfortable with low electric bills is having your home winterized with insulation. It is crucial to keep the home safe and comfortable, whether it is warm or cold outside. But how much will home insulation cost?
Average Home Insulation Costs
When you want home insulation done, the price varies depending on different factors and the type of insulation material you choose. It also depends on the location of your home. Furthermore, it depends if it is a new or old building, considering the region’s labor charges.
So, to find out the estimated costs, you need the square feet to help reflect different price points. The cost can be lower or higher depending on the area you want to insulate. Here we have calculated it at a rate of $2 per sq. ft.
- The Average Cost is Between $3,000 to $10,000
- The Highest Cost Can Come to $24,0000
- While the Lowest Cost Can Be $2,000
These costs are calculated for a 2,000 sq. ft. home.
New Versus Existing Construction
When you start a new building project, it is the best time to add your insulation, as all the walls and ceilings are still open for adding insulation. Once homes are completed, you can add blown-in insulation to the open spaces like your attics, and for a new home compared to an existing one, it can cost you, on average, $1.00 less per sq. ft.
Removing or Replacing Old Insulation
If the existing insulation degrades or does not work effectively, it might need replacing. While some insulation can last for years, some only last for 20 years. If the insulation is very old, it needs replacing.
Removing the existing insulation can expose different toxic chemicals and requires a professional to complete the job safely. Insulation removal can range between $1 to $3 per sq. ft.
When combined with the installation costs in an existing home, it means removal and replacement ranging between $2 to $8 per sq. ft.
Different Home Insulations
You can find four types of home insulation methods used, each with different costs.
Blanket Batts or Rolls
It is the most inexpensive home insulation and easy to install. The insulation fits into standard with wall studs, joists, and rafters. You can install it on ceilings and floors with a new home-building project.
The insulation material comprises fiberglass and needs handling with care. You can find it made of cotton, plastic, or mineral wool. The average cost is between $0.65 to $2 per sq. ft.
Blown-In
Home insulation contractors use a machine to blow the insulation into gaps made of recycled cellulose like cardboard or newspaper. The fabric conforms to the space and works well in an existing home for hard-to-reach areas. The average cost is between $1.60 to $3.80 per sq. ft.
Foam Board
It is a rigid form of insulation made for exterior insulation of the home below a siding. You can use it in basement insulation on the floor or unfinished walls. It is thin compared to blanket insulation but very efficient, costing between $2.45 to $3.70 per sq. ft.
Spray Foam
The spray foam you also blow in works well in hard-to-reach spaces. It has a liquid form of polyurethane that you spray into cavities. You have two types, open and closed-cell, with the last mentioned more expensive. It’s denser and more durable to trap heat. The average costs are $3.10 to $7.55.
Cost by Location for Home Insulation
Another factor determining the home insulation cost is where you plan to install it, as your home needs insulation from top to bottom to make it energy-efficient.
Garage Insulation
While you rarely insulate the garage when building, it does not prevent you from doing this afterward. It helps when you want to create a living space above it. There are minimum charges implied by insulation companies, with an average cost between $0.25 to $1.30 per sq. ft. for a double garage, including the garage door.
The Basement
It is a place that typically does not need insulation but helps keep the area cool in the surrounding area in summer while warm in winter. On average, you can expect to pay $1.50 to $2.55 per sq. ft. This average may exclude homes constructed with pier and beam foundations or crawl spaces, as these often require a special quote.
The Attic
The most important part of insulating the home is your attic. As heat rises from below, you need more insulation in this section than in the walls. It helps to prevent the loss of warm air that rises. Here spray insulation is best to use, followed by batts or blow-in insulation. The cost varies between $1,500 to $6,500.
The Roof and Walls
If you have problems retaining heat in the living space or want to convert your attic into a living space, roof insulation helps. For new construction, it helps to use foam board to lay beneath the shingles. Using batting or spray foam is easily done along the rafters for an existing roof. Average cost between $1,500 to $5,000.
While wall insulation is typical insulation done using mineral wool to fiberglass. You may find in your newly constructed home that they use spray foam. These insulations can range between $1 up to $5 per sq. ft.
Final Thoughts
These are a few estimated costs for home insulation, and the labor can vary between $0.24 and $2.50 per sq. ft. It all depends on the installation method, equipment, and material used. So, if you want home insulation done, contact Universal Insulation Doctor for a free estimate today.
