Insulation costs depend on R-value, material type, and installation method. Attic blown-in (R-38 to R-60) runs $1,500–$4,000 for a typical house; spray foam in crawlspaces or rim joists runs $1–$3/board foot. This calculator helps you price attic, wall, crawlspace, and basement insulation jobs accurately, including air sealing that drives energy performance.
Blown-in fiberglass (R-38, 1,000 sq ft attic): $600–$1,200 materials. Blown-in cellulose (R-38): $500–$1,000. Batt fiberglass (R-15 wall, 1,000 sq ft): $400–$700. Open-cell spray foam: $0.40–$0.65/board foot. Closed-cell spray foam: $1.00–$1.50/board foot. Spray foam equipment and chemical costs are higher — factor rig time and purge waste into your per-board-foot price.
Blown-in attic insulation (2-man crew): 500–800 sq ft per hour at full production. Batt installation: 300–500 sq ft/hr. Spray foam (open-cell, walls): 150–250 sq ft/hr with a 2-man crew after setup. Spray foam produces more waste on small jobs — minimum charges of $600–$1,200 are common for foam jobs under 500 board feet to cover rig setup and cleanup time.
Air sealing before insulation installation can increase energy performance 15–30% compared to insulation alone. Common air sealing work: attic bypasses around plumbing and electrical penetrations ($200–$600 as an add-on), rim joist sealing with spray foam ($400–$900 for a typical house), and basement band joist sealing. Price air sealing as a separate line item and lead with the energy savings argument — it's a strong upsell.
Utility rebate programs (Energy Star, state programs) often require participating contractors to be certified (BPI, RESNET, or utility-specific credentialing). Rebates can range from $200 to $2,000+ per project and are a powerful sales tool — customers see a net cost well below your invoice. Know your local utility programs and include rebate information in your proposal.