The average cost to insulate a basement is $2,600, but it can range between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the materials your pro uses and the size of the project.
The average cost to insulate a basement is $2,600, though it ranges between $700 and $7,500. Insulating your basement is an excellent way to improve your home's comfort and energy efficiency, and could save you money down the road. Here's how much you can expect to pay based on your basement's specifics.
The two primary pricing factors when insulating a basement are the type of material you use and the size and complexity of the space. The best insulation for your basement will depend on your budget, location, and the final results you're trying to achieve. For example, if you plan to add sleeping areas to your basement, you may choose a material with a higher R-value or insulating ability than if you're insulating simply to boost the space's energy efficiency.
There are many different options when it comes to selecting a material to serve as insulation for your basement. Here’s what you can expect to spend on materials by type:
When installed correctly, fiberglass batts improve energy efficiency by 25% to 30%. Insulation costs for fiberglass batting are also significantly lower, both in materials and labor costs.
Several types of wool insulation exist, including mineral wool or Rockwool, sheep's wool, and hemp wool. Wool insulation costs are higher than that of fiberglass. However, you can expect a return on your investment (ROI) of 100% or more. Wool insulation is available in rolls, batts, and blown-in styles.
Blown-in insulation, often made of white recycled cellulose or fiberglass, is available at your local home improvement store. You can also rent a blower there for under $100 a day. However, the cost is higher when you opt for materials such as Rockwool and natural wool.
Rigid foam insulation, also called foam board insulation, is one of the best options for basement insulation, as you can glue it directly to the concrete walls. At 1 inch of thickness, it can be fairly affordable, but if you need a couple of inches, it becomes a pricier material—up to $3 per square foot installed.
The cost of spray foam insulation is generally higher than other materials, especially if you need insulation that is multiple inches thick. This is due to the extra cost to hire someone trained in this unique insulation material. Expect them to charge up to $4 per square foot for installation.
| Material | Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass Batting | $0.60–$2.30 |
| Wool | $1.10–$3.10 |
| Blown-in | $1–$2 |
| Rigid Foam | $0.25–$3 |
| Spray Foam | $0.50–$4 |
Your basement's size is a major factor in the total cost of insulating it. Additionally, adding ceiling insulation costs to the project will increase the final price. Overall, costs are higher for larger basements than for smaller ones. However, smaller basements can be more complex, with tighter spaces to deal with, especially in utility areas. This fact can complicate determining precisely how much it costs to insulate a wall in these areas.
| Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 500 | $700–$1,500 |
| 750 | $750–$2,100 |
| 1000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 1200 | $1,200–$3,600 |
| 1500 | $1,500–$5,000 |
The price you pay for labor when insulating your basement can vary by location, project type, and who installs the insulation. Many homeowners choose to perform some of the job tasks themselves to save on labor costs. However, you can achieve the best value by hiring a local insulation company for the work. If your insulation project is part of a larger remodeling undertaking, your contractor can handle the insulation demands in-house or through a subcontractor.
Because you'll lose easy access to some electrical and plumbing components when insulating, it's important to consider other labor costs that could come into play, such as repairing leaky pipes or ductwork, before insulating begins.
Contractors cost: 10%–50% of your overall project cost
Hourly rate plumbers charge: $45–$200 per hour
Cost to hire an electrician: $50–$200 per hour
Hourly rate for HVAC repairs: $50–$100 per hour
Insulating your basement is an excellent home upgrade. Keep in mind that before pursuing the project, dealing with existing conditions first may be necessary to make the most of your insulating dollars. Some tasks may include getting rid of mold growth or making sure the home's foundation is sound.
Mold remediation costs: $1,225–$3,750
Foundation repair costs: $2,200–$7,950
Where your house is located can have cost considerations when insulating your basement. While the cost of labor will fluctuate in line with the cost of living in your area, a more significant factor will be the R-value you choose to insulate to based on the climate where you are. Greater R-values protect your home better from temperature changes. However, achieving the higher R-values will increase the project's cost.
Because basements are vulnerable to water intrusion and other perils, your municipality may require a building permit when you choose to insulate the space, especially if you're remodeling the basement. Permit costs vary based on the project's value. Expect to pay between $140 and $500 for an insulation permit alone and between $150 and $2,000 for a basement remodeling permit.
The R-value represents your insulation's ability to decrease heat loss. A higher R-value means more insulating ability. How much insulation you can get into your basement walls and ceiling, and its corresponding R-value, will depend largely on your home's construction and your budget. Increasing the R-value in a space increases the price of the project. R-values vary by material, which can significantly impact the total costs involved.
| Insulation Type | R-Value per Inch of Thickness |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | 3.5–3.7 |
| Wool | 3.5–3.8 |
| Rigid Foam | 3.6–8.0 |
| Spray Foam | 3.5–7.0 |
Installing insulation on your own is an approachable DIY task if you have some experience around the house and already own the necessary equipment. Fiberglass insulation is the easiest for beginners to work with, but you have to take special safety precautions. Make sure you review steps on how to install insulation before attempting a project of this nature.
If you don’t have the time or know-how—or want a more complicated but more efficient type of insulation—consider looking for a basement insulation contractor near you.
If your home has a partial basement or recent home additions have left behind crawl spaces, adding the cost of crawlspace insulation is essential to getting a complete picture of your basement insulation project's price. Other common add-on projects include finishing the walls to add living space to your home after the insulation task is complete.
Basement finishing: $15,000–$75,000
Basement remodeling: $12,000–$34,500
Drywall installation: $990–$3,200
Whole-house dehumidifier installation: $1,300–$2,800
Insulating your basement is a considerable investment in your home. While the project's ROI can exceed 100% in many cases, you'll still have to spend money to accomplish the task. Here are a few ways to help control costs if you're sticking to a budget.
Choose the off-season for your insulating project. Builders and insulation companies are busiest in summer in most parts of the country. Scheduling your basement insulation project during winter months can help you avoid paying peak-season prices.
Depending on your reasons for adding insulation to your basement, you can consider walling off utility or other spaces to minimize the square footage that requires insulation.
Aim for a lower R-value or less costly material to save on costs. However, it's important to remember that if you're turning your basement into a living space, your municipality will require a minimum R-value amount.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Insulating your basement walls offers numerous advantages that make the project well worth it. By adding insulation, you can reduce the chances of moisture damage to the house's structure and lower the odds of mold growth. You'll also add comfort to the space by reducing temperature swings and increasing your home's energy efficiency, potentially reducing your energy bills to earn your investment back.
Heat lost through uninsulated basement walls can account for up to 30% of the total energy lost through heat transfer to the outdoors. While homes in mild climates won't gain as much benefit from having an insulated basement as those in cold climates, the effects are still noticeable on your energy bill.
