DIY insulation: Save Money or Hire a Pro? We Break It Down

Putting insulation in your home is one of the best ways to make it use less energy. But what if you could do it yourself and save even more money? It might be tempting to do your DIY insulation to save money, especially if you want to make your home more energy efficient without spending a lot of money. If you want to know if putting your DIY insulation is really worth the time and effort, let’s look at how much it will save you in the long run.

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The Cost of Professional Insulation Installation

It may cost a lot to hire a professional to put in insulation, but you should know what you’re getting for your money. Professional insulation work can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500, but it depends on the size of your home and the type of insulation that is used. The price includes the supplies, the work, and any other costs, like getting rid of old insulation or sealing up air leaks. An important part of the total cost is the type of insulation you pick. As an example:

Fibreglass batt insulation: One of the least expensive choices is fibreglass batt insulation, which costs about $3 to $5 per square metre, not counting the cost of fitting.
Spray foam insulation: The costs range between $10 and $15 per square metre, which is more than other types of insulation.
Cellulose or blown-in insulation: You can also use cellulose or blown-in insulation, which costs about $6 to $9 per square metre.

The prices are different, but they can add up quickly if you need to protect a big area. Right there is where installing it yourself could save you a lot of money. Foam insulation can help with prices, so Learn more about it.

The Cost of DIY Insulation Installation

If you do your DIY insulation, you will only have to pay for the products and not the work. If you do it yourself, you could save anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 or even more, depending on the type of insulation you use. Here is a list of possible prices for do-it-yourself insulation:

Fibreglass batt insulation As much as $3 to $5 per square metre for fibreglass batt insulation
Spray foam insulation:It costs $5 to $8 per square metre to insulate with spray foam (DIY kits).
Cellulose or blown-in insulation:Costs $4 to $6 per square metre for cellulose or blown-in insulation, which includes renting the tools.

You may also need to buy some tools, like a utility knife and a staple gun, as well as safety gear, like gloves, shields, and a face mask. Your total costs will be less if you already have these tools. But even though you’ll need to buy tools, doing your DIY insulation can still save you a lot of money.

The Time and Effort Involved

Not only will you save money, but putting in insulation yourself will also take some time and work. It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer, and you should think about whether you can handle the hard work.

Preparation: Getting ready. You’ll need to carefully measure and plan your job before you start installing. This means figuring out how to get to hard-to-reach places like attics, crawlspaces, or walls and how much material you’ll need. If your house is big, this could take several hours or even longer.
Installation: The installation Your area and the type of insulation you use will determine how long the work takes. It could be a few hours or a few days. Spray foam and blown-in insulation may need special tools or equipment, which could make the installation process take longer. Batt insulation is pretty easy to put in.
Physical Labour: Hard physical work doing your DIY insulation can be hard on your body, especially if you have to work in a small area. It can be hard on your body to crawl around in attics or lofts, move heavy rolls of fibreglass or foam boards, and make sure they fit perfectly. Before jumping in, you should think about what you can physically do.
Safety : Peace of mind Fibreglass and other insulation materials can hurt your eyes, skin, and lungs, so you must take safety measures. To keep yourself safe, you need to wear gloves, goggles, and a mask. For some kinds of insulation, you might also need to rent a fan or sprayer, which could make the job take longer and cost more.

Conclusion

You can save money and feel good about yourself by installing your DIY insulation, but you should weigh the possible savings against the work and risks that come with it. Do-it-yourself insulation can be fun and useful if you’re willing to put in the time, have the right tools, and know how to do it safely and correctly. It will also save you money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable over time. If the thought of doing something so hard and time-consuming makes you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to talk to a professional to make sure your home is properly insulated. It comes down to your skills, how comfortable you are, and how much work you’re willing to put in.