How Much Does it Cost to Insulate a House?
Written by Barrier Insulation

How Much Does it Cost to Insulate a House?

The cost to insulate a house depends on how much you plan to insulate.  For example the cost to insulate an attic ranges between about $300 and $2,000.


There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as each house varies in size, condition, and whether there is already insulation.

The cost will depend on if it’s a new home your building or if an older home will need insulation removal before installation of new insulation.

Read below to get an idea of how much it may cost to insulate your house by insulation type.  Prices will vary depending on the brand and type of each insulation along with how much of the home needs to be insulated.


How Much Does it Cost to Insulate a House?

There are four main categories of insulation.  Each have their pros and cons and will have a different cost for the insulation materials and labor to install them.  The four main categories of insulation are;  fiberglass batt insulation, spray foam insulation, blown-in insulation, and radiant barrier insulation.

Fiberglass Batt Insulation Cost

The average insulation project usually involves about 500 square feet of insulation.  Cost for 500 feet range between $145 and $200.  For installation labor, fasteners, cutters, and tape it can run from about $170 to $420 dollars.

Fiberglass rolled insulation or batt insulation is one of the least expensive ways to insulate homes in the United States.  This is especially true if the wall or attic is open in new construction or during a remodel.  The cost of this insulation depends on the brand, type, if the insulation is boxed or comes in rolls, and the area that needs to be covered.

Batt insulation can be effective but only if it is installed carefully.  Any tears in the backing or gaps will throw away the value of the insulation.  Each roll will display an “R-value” which is a measurement of how well the insulation performs.  As high as that number is if the insulation isn’t installed correctly it will not be effective.

Spray Foam Insulation Cost

To calculate the cost of spray foam insulation you take the square feet x depth.  This gives you the “board feet” needed to complete your insulation project with spray foam. Then you can multiply that number against the cost per board foot for two options for spray foam insulation.  There are two options for spray foam, open and closed cell.

  • The cost of open cell spray foam is about $0.35 to $0.55 per board foot
  • The cost of closed cell spray foam is about $1.00 to $2.00 per board foot.

So if you have a 500 square foot area needing spray foam at 6 inches deep you’d need 3,000 board feet.  You can take that 3,000 board feet needed and multiply that against the price per board foot.  For 3,000 board feet of spray foam in a 500 square foot area at $0.35 the cost for materials would be about $1,050.  Rates for installation vary by company, for specific information about your home please get in touch with your local insulation contractor.

Spray foam insulation is popular for a number of reasons.  Firstly it has great thermal performance.  Secondly it seals up air gaps and leaks to keep your home more comfortable. This means that it solves two problems when installed and helps reduce energy bills.

Blown-In Insulation Cost

Blown-in insulation is popular due to how inexpensive the material is.  For a 1,500 square foot area you might only pay about $500 dollar for materials. This makes it an attractive option for DIY homeowners, however there is a learning curve to installing it correctly.  Trained professionals will help ensure your insulation is installed correctly and is the right investment for your home.  Rates vary from company to company and for the area you need insulation installed.  Contact your local insulation contractor to get specific information about what their labor rates will run for your home.

Radiant Barrier Insulation Costs

The cost to install radiant barrier insulation depends on it is boxed, rolled, brand, and type.  With that said costs for radiant barrier range between $0.15 and $0.30 per square foot. That means that for a 550 square foot attic you’d be looking at spending between $83 to $165.  Double sided radiant barrier is a bit more costly but more effective.  Professional installation of radiant barrier costs between $500 to $750.  So plan accordingly when budgeting for your insulation project.

Insulation Return On Investment

Whenever we spend money on our lives, homes, and hobbies these days we are concerned with the return on investment.  Investing in quality insulation which is installed correctly is a great way to get bang for your buck.  Quality insulation makes your home more energy efficient and improves the value of the home.  In addition, insulation just keeps your home more comfortable and reduces strain on your HVAC system.  This leads to reduced energy costs which add up to big savings!  So it does cost to install insulation, but the savings more than pay for your investment and keep saving you money on utility costs.

Phoenix Valley Insulation Contractors

If you’re searching for insulation contractors in the Phoenix Valley, we can help!  As one of the leading insulation installers we offer whichever type of insulation you prefer that fits your home and your budget best.  For more information about how much it would cost to get your home insulated please give us a call to discuss the size of your home, which areas you’d like to insulate, and what type of insulation will work best.

Call Today for more information at 602-499-2922