Blown-In Insulation Cost in Boston [2025 Data]

The average blown-in insulation cost in Boston is $2,198, with many homeowners paying somewhere between $1,445 and $3,333. As Boston homeowners might expect, a combination of higher R-values and increased labor costs results in a local cost for blown-in insulation that is approximately 30% above the national average. Homeowners might see quotes for insulation vary based on things like the type of blown-in material they choose and the size of the space being insulated. Read on to learn more about the cost factors that go into getting new blown-in insulation professionally installed at your Boston home.

Blown-In Insulation Cost Factors 

Everything from the R-value needed for your home to how much blown-in insulation you use can shape this project's cost. Be sure to ask any contractors you contact about the pros and cons of different materials, like wool and cellulos,e based on the age and layout of your home.  

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 $2.27 to $4.45 depending on the type.

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:

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 $0.70 and $3.20 per square foot for materials, not including installation. Below is a breakdown of each blown-in material type and how much it costs.

Blown-In Insulation Pro Costs

When hiring a local insulation installer in Boston, MA, you can expect to be charged a custom rate that's priced by square foot. Keep in mind that Boston contractors don't just split fees between labor and materials. All investments in equipment, certification and licensing, business expenses, insurance, and other business-related costs are factored into the final price.

Local Labor

On average, Boston insulation companies charge between $3 and $5 per square foot for labor when installing new blown-in insulation. If you have an older home with a steep or angled attic that needs to be insulated, the cost may be higher than average. Most local insulation companies also remove and haul away old insulation for a fee. Expect to be charged between $0.50 and $3 per square foot if you need this service.

Permits

Massachusetts tightly regulates insulation installation for safety and environmental reasons. Additionally, Boston has strict permitting processes that require your installer to obtain permits and adhere to stringent building codes. Overall, the permit cost for a project like blown-in insulation in Boston comes out to around $50 per $1,000 of project value.

Insurance

While Boston doesn't require contractors to carry special insurance, Massachusetts law requires all contractors to hold general liability insurance. If a contracting company employs workers, it must also carry workers' compensation insurance. Depending on the size of an insulation company in Boston, monthly premiums for meeting all insurance requirements can range from $45 to $295 on average. One of the tips for hiring an insulation contractor is to ask to see a Certificate of Insurance (COI).

Taxes

Homeowners should know that sales tax will be added to the cost of all materials purchased for blown-in insulation in Boston. However, labor costs are not taxed for this type of home improvement project. By comparison, the single Massachusetts sales tax rate of 6.25% that applies in Boston is lower than that of most other major cities.

Licensing

Massachusetts requires home improvement contractors to be licensed if they perform more than $1,000 of work on a residential property. Depending on the number of employees a contracting company has, the fee can range from $300 to $500.

Does New Blown-In Insulation Increase Home Value?

Yes, adding or updating blown-in insulation to fortify a home's efficiency in Boston is a major value-adding project. Part of the chilly Northeast, Boston experiences extreme winter conditions, characterized by low temperatures and regular snowfall. With Boston's energy rates above the national average, homeowners can find relief from their energy bills by installing quality insulation with a high R-value. This makes insulation one of the best home upgrades you can do to improve home value without major construction.

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. 

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