4.  Install Insulation.

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Insulation plays a key role in creating a more comfortable and consistent indoor climate while significantly improving a home’s energy efficiency. One of the most important qualities of insulation is its thermal performance or R-value, which indicates how well the material resists heat transfer. Most homes are insulated in all exterior walls, as well as the attic and any floors that are located above unfinished basements or crawl spaces.

The most common types of insulation used in new homes are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Depending on the region and climate, your builder may use mineral wool (otherwise known as rock wool or slag wool), concrete blocks, foam board or rigid foam, insulating concrete forms, spray foam, or structural insulated panels.

Blanket insulation, which comes in batts or rolls, is typical in new home construction. So is loose-fill and blown-in insulation, which is made of fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool particles. Another insulation option, liquid foam, can be sprayed, foamed in place, injected, or poured. While it costs more than traditional batt insulation, liquid foam has twice the R-value per inch and can fill the smallest cavities, creating an effective air barrier.

Fiberglass and mineral wool batts and rolls are usually installed in walls, attics, floors, crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings, and basements. Manufacturers often attach a facing such as kraft paper or foil kraft paper to act as a vapor and air barrier. In areas where the insulation will be left exposed, such as basement walls, the batts sometimes have a special flame-resistant facing.

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Cost Breakdown.

Because of the wide range of insulation types, home sizes, and location climates, the cost of insulation highly varies, ranging from $1.00 to $4.50. The average cost for new home insulation, based on a 2,000-square-foot house, ranges from $2,000 to $10,000; but costs can be as high as $24,000. The good news is that new homes are cheaper to insulate because it’s easier to add when the walls and ceilings are unfinished.

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Timeline.

On average, insulating the entire house can take one to two weeks. The type of insulation and the home’s size are important to factor in when looking at your timeline.

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Complete Drywall and Interior Fixtures; Start Exterior Finishes