How much does insulation cost?

Have you recently noticed your electricity bills going up? You might want to check your home insulation, as it dramatically affects your heating and cooling costs. The heating costs during colder seasons will make you feel like your money is escaping your home. 

Insulation gives your house resistance to heat flow and helps you manage your heating and cooling expenses. Insulation costs between $1,500 to $6,600 for a home insulation project. If you're planning to insulate your house, this guide will help you budget for the upgrade.

Insulation price list

Not sure how much it costs to insulate a room or roof? Below is a comparison table of various insulation projects and the common materials used.

Factors that affect insulation costs

Insulation comes in various forms and is installed by different methods. Read on to know how these factors affect the overall cost. 

Type of insulation 

The cost of insulation depends on several factors. Make sure to ask your contractor for advice regarding the needs of your home. Here are some of the common insulation materials. 

• Blanket insulation is one of the most common types and comes in rolls with a foil backing. It's made from glass wool and recycled bottles, making it cost-effective. 
• Spray foam insulation costs will depend on the size of your house. This type uses a foaming agent that expands and becomes solid as it cures.
• Blown-in, also referred to as loose-fill insulation, comes in three types: cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool. It is commonly used in attics, existing walls, and open-wall cavities. 
• Rigid foam insulation is used when there is a weight that needs support. Its rigidity also helps give acoustic insulation by minimizing the sounds passing through walls and raised floors.

Part of the house 

The cost of insulating a house will typically depend on which part it is. Roof insulation costs range from $1,600 to $4,600 for a typical home, sometimes more based on the size and thickness of the insulation.

Attic insulation prices start at around $1,500 and can go up to $6,000, depending on the type of insulation (i.e., batting, spray foam, blown-in, or a combination). Meanwhile, insulating an attached garage costs $1,650 up to $6,600, as determined by the size and materials. 

If you're wondering how much it costs to insulate a basement, it's often priced per square foot, starting at $2. Basements don't require as much insulation as other parts of the house since their surrounding area is enough to keep it cool during summer and warm on chilly nights. 

On the other hand, wall insulation costs range from $1 to $4 per square foot and are installed using mineral wool or fiberglass batts in between wall studs. 

Before you begin with roof installation, you might want to evaluate if your roof needs ventilation first.

Size of the project

The area size will determine the kind and volume of material appropriate for its insulation. The larger the size of your home, the more expensive it will be. Preparation and cleanup costs will also dictate the total insulation installation costs. 

Additionally, some contractors include the price of scaffolding in the overall quote. But if there are hard-to-reach areas with restricted access obstacles in the way, it will be an additional charge.

Location and labor costs

Labor costs can be per hour or per project and will most likely depend on where you live. Companies in major cities usually charge higher, but consider its proximity to your home. Expect labor costs to be $0.50 to $3 per square foot. This can increase if the insulation requires specialized equipment and protective gear. 

Why your house needs insulation

Insulation comes in many types and forms, but all of them work by occupying dead air spaces or cells to help slow heat flow. This protects the rooms of the house. Without insulation, heat escapes your home through the roof and loft, through the walls, windows, floors, vents, and openings. 

• Provides comfort: Living in a well-insulated home will bring you year-round comfort. It will keep you from getting too cold during winter and improve the air temperature inside your home in summer. This saves you from expensive heating and air conditioning systems that may cost thousands of dollars. 
• Blocks outside noise: Good insulation also reduces noise, which is great if you live near a busy road. Cavity wall insulation fills up the space between the internal and external layers of brick that form your exterior walls. The contractor will drill holes in the wall where the insulating material will be pumped in.

If you plan to sell or list your home, good insulation is a great way to increase your property's value and appeal. 

Post a task for house insulation

Insulation helps you live comfortably and cut down on electricity costs. If you’re ready to start your home insulation project, put up a task on our platform and connect with reliable insulation installers. Mention crucial details, such as the area and size you’ll insulate and the material you prefer, so Taskers can provide you with a more accurate quote.