Learn the key factors that influence the cost of renting a blown-in insulation machine.
Blown-In Insulation Cost in Raleigh [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $748 - $1,910
Insulation service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Highlights
Installing blown-in insulation in Raleigh ranges from $1.50 to $6 per square foot.
Raleigh homeowners are paying approximately 10% less than the average cost to install new blown-in insulation.
A major reason insulation costs less in this region is that you only need to meet an R-38 to R-49 requirement for compliance.
Lower overall labor costs also make new blown-in insulation less expensive for Raleigh homeowners.
With the average blown-in insulation cost in Raleigh at $1,329, local homeowners can enjoy the fact that they're paying roughly 10% less than the national average to make their homes more comfortable and efficient. Overall, Raleigh homeowners are paying between $748 and $1,910 to complete this project. A combination of lower labor costs and lighter R-values needed for North Carolina's climate helps to keep costs for this project lower. Learn more about the numbers you need to factor into your budget.
Blown-In Insulation Cost Factors
The type of insulation you choose and how much insulation you need are the two biggest cost factors for this project. While there are some choices in terms of insulation material, homeowners can expect the process for adding new blown-in insulation to be pretty straightforward.
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 $1.50 to $6 depending on the type.
| Area in Square Feet | Blown-in Insulation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $750–$3,000 |
| 1,000 | $1,500–$6,000 |
| 1,500 | $2,250–$9,000 |
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 Raleigh walls | $207–$307 |
| R-30–R-49 | 15–20 | Acceptable for Raleigh floors | $450–$1,440 |
| R-38–R-49 | 20–26 | Ideal for Raleigh attics | $1,170–$1,440 |
| R-49–R-60 | 26–32 | Not necessary in Raleigh | $1,440–$1,800 |
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 $0.45 and $2.70 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 | $0.45 to $1 |
| Wet-spray cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $0.55 to $1.60 |
| Dense-pack cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $1.60 to $1.90 |
| Rockwool | 3.0 to 3.7 | $1.10 to $2 |
| Natural wool | 3.5 to 3.8 | $1 to $2.70 |
Blown-In Insulation Pro Costs
Local insulation contractors in Raleigh will visit your home to provide an estimate based on the insulation material you select. In general, costs are higher for homes with spaces that are harder to access.
Local Labor
You can expect an insulation contractor in Raleigh, NC, to charge between $2 and $4.25 per square foot for labor. One of the best tips for hiring insulation contractors is to ask if a pro can remove older insulation that's no longer efficient or safe. Most will offer this service for $0.90 to $2 per square foot.
Permits
You'll need a permit and proof that your new insulation meets the minimum requirement for R-value when having new blown-in insulation added to your home in Raleigh. Residential permit fees for this type of project are around $75.
Insurance
While Raleigh doesn't have set insurance requirements or bonding minimums for contractors, it's highly recommended that you only work with licensed and bonded insulation installers to prevent becoming responsible for accidents that may occur on your property. Overall, contractors in Raleigh pay between $19 and $50 per month for premiums.
Taxes
The labor involved in installing new insulation at your Raleigh home is not subject to tax. However, your contractor will add local sales tax to cover the cost when billing for all the materials needed for this project. Raleigh's combined state and county taxes add up to 7.25%.
Licensing
In North Carolina, contractors only need to be licensed to work on projects valued at $40,000 or more. Contractors who do obtain licensing pay up to $130 in exams and $125 in registration fees.
Does New Blown-In Insulation Increase Home Value?
Yes, adding new blown-in insulation has a strong ROI because this project helps to regulate indoor temperatures and make a home more efficient. However, Raleigh's milder climate means that this project won't have the same impact for a local homeowner compared to homeowners in colder climates. While the ROI isn't the biggest, the fact that Raleigh homes require lighter and less expensive R-values makes this a cost-effective improvement.
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 survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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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