The cost to insulate a basement varies based on materials, size, and other factors, as well as how much of the work you wish to perform yourself.
Blown-In Insulation Cost in Indianapolis [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,114 - $2,540
The average cost of installing blown-in insulation in Indianapolis, IN, is $1,751, depending on the square footage and other cost factors.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
Blown-in insulation in Indianapolis costs $1.85 to $7.85 per square foot.
Homeowners should budget for R-60 insulation for attics to comply with Indiana's requirements.
With the city's home inventory on the older side, you may need to budget for asbestos insulation removal as an extra cost.
Extreme local winter temps make blown-in insulation a great way to reduce energy bills and boost home value.
With the average blown-in insulation cost in Indianapolis at $1,751, locals pay around 5% above the national average. Overall, costs for this project can range from $1,114 to $2,540, depending on factors such as the size of your home and the R-value you select. Use this guide to budget for your Indianapolis home's insulation upgrade.
Blown-In Insulation Cost Factors
Blown-in insulation costs in Indianapolis, Indiana, can vary depending on the type of insulation, with options including fiberglass, wet-spray cellulose, dense-pack cellulose, rockwool, and natural, each in its own price tier. The amount of blown-in insulation you need, based on your home's size and layout, is the biggest price factor in most cases.
Size of the Area
The biggest cost factor is the size of the area that requires insulation. A larger area requires more insulation and labor, increasing the overall price. This metric is calculated by multiplying your square footage by the cost per square foot of your chosen insulation materials, which are detailed below. However, a general range for blown-in insulation per square foot is $1.85 to $7.85, depending on the type.
| Area in Square Feet | Blown-in Insulation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $925–$3,925 |
| 1,000 | $1,850–$7,850 |
| 1,500 | $2,775–$11,775 |
R-Value
When measuring the efficacy of any insulation material, it all boils down to the R-value. Generally speaking, higher is better, though there are two metrics to consider. There’s the overall R-value and the per-inch R-value. For example, if you want a total R-value of 30, you’ll need ten inches of insulation at an R-value of 3.0 per inch. Materials with higher R-values cost more, like sheep’s wool, but you don’t need as much material to complete the installation.
Below is a breakdown of R-values and the corresponding prices:
| R-Value | Number of Bags per 1,000 sq. ft. | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-13–R-21 | 7–10 | Ideal for Indianapolis walls | $240–$346 |
| R-30–R-49 | 15–20 | Recommended for Indianapolis floors | $525–$1,680 |
| R-38–R-49 | 20–26 | Not ideal for Indianapolis homes | $1,365–$1,680 |
| R-49–R-60 | 26–32 | Recommended for Indianapolis attics | $1,680–$2,100 |
Type of Insulation
The cost to install blown-in insulation depends on the type of insulation you choose for the project. Anticipate spending anywhere between $0.52 and $3.25 per square foot for materials, not including installation. Below is a breakdown of each blown-in material type and how much it costs.
| Type of Blown-In Insulation | R-Value per Inch | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | 2.5 to 3.5 | $0.52 to $1.15 |
| Wet-spray cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $0.63 to $1.89 |
| Dense-pack cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $2 to $2.40 |
| Rockwool | 3.0 to 3.7 | $1.47 to $2.45 |
| Natural wool | 3.5 to 3.8 | $1.57 to $3.25 |
Blown-In Insulation Pro Costs
Most Indianapolis contractors handling blown-in and other types of insulation price jobs by the square foot. This option lets you view how labor and material costs are allocated based on the project's size. Within labor costs, contractors nest costs for items such as contractor insurance and operational expenses.
Local Labor
Most insulation installers in Indianapolis charge between $2.75 and $4 per square foot for labor. With Indianapolis neighborhoods featuring many older homes, you may need to budget for the removal of insulation materials containing asbestos. In this case, budget for an extra $3 to $7 per square foot for this project.
Permits
Indianapolis homeowners must obtain permits for new insulation to ensure that updates comply with Indiana energy codes, which require special markers and R-values. A project like this is subject to a $30 base fee up to the first $3,000 in value—with an additional $69 for each additional $1,000 in value up to $25,000.
Insurance
Indianapolis has some of the strictest requirements for contractor insurance in the country. To qualify for local licensing through the Department of Business & Neighborhood Services (DBNS), contractors must provide proof of a $10,000 surety bond, general liability insurance of at least $500,000, and workers' compensation (when applicable). Overall, this can add $50 to $300 per month to premiums, increasing the operating cost.
Taxes
While the labor for insulation installation is exempt from sales tax charges in Indianapolis, homeowners should budget for an additional 7% on top of material costs to cover Indiana state sales tax.
Licensing
While Indiana doesn't have a state licensure program, all Indianapolis contractors must be licensed through the city's Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS). The fee to obtain a license is $247.
Does New Blown-In Insulation Increase Home Value?
With wintertime temperatures in Indianapolis averaging 23 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping homes warm while taming energy bills is on the minds of locals. Increasing energy efficiency with new blown-in insulation is a smart way to boost home value by making lifetime ownership less expensive compared to similar homes without the same upgrade.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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