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 Seattle [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,084 - $2,816
Insulation service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
Blown-in insulation costs $1.50 to $3.80 per square foot in Seattle.
Homes that have never been updated may need prep work before new insulation can be installed, which can increase costs.
Larger projects require more material and labor, which is one of the biggest drivers of total cost in Seattle.
Hard-to-reach areas can extend labor hours and push the project price higher.
Seattle’s climate makes insulation an essential part of keeping homes comfortable and energy use steady throughout the year. Blown-in insulation in the area typically averages around $1,851, with most projects landing between $1,084 and $2,816. The final price depends on the size of the space, the material you use, and the R-value needed for reliable performance. Below is a breakdown of the main factors that influence what you’ll pay.
Blown-In Insulation Cost Factors
In Seattle, WA, the cost of blown-in insulation is shaped by several factors, including how much area needs coverage and the performance level you’re aiming for. Understanding how these and other factors contribute to the overall price can help you make an informed budget for this project.
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 $3.80, depending on the type.
| Area in Square Feet | Blown-in Insulation Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $750–$1,900 |
| 1,000 | $1,500–$3,800 |
| 1,500 | $2,250–$5,700 |
R-Value
Seattle’s cool climate and long heating season make it crucial to select an insulation level that maintains steady indoor temperatures. The R-value you select determines how well the insulation slows heat loss and maintains comfort during months when the furnace runs regularly. Higher R-values cost more, but they offer better performance and more consistent energy use.
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 | Only suitable for areas needing minimal insulation and not recommended for most of Seattle’s heating demands | $260–$390 |
| R-30–R-49 | 15–20 | Provides a noticeable improvement for older homes that were built with minimal insulation and lose warmth quickly | $560–$1,500 |
| R-38–R-49 | 20–26 | A dependable range for maintaining stable indoor temperatures without breaking the bank | $1,150–$1,650 |
| R-49–R-60 | 26–32 | Offers the strongest protection against persistent heat loss and helps keep overall energy use more consistent throughout the year | $1,550–$2,050 |
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 $0.60 and $2.40 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 | $0.60–$1.25 |
| Wet-spray cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $0.80–$1.90 |
| Dense-pack cellulose | 3.2 to 3.7 | $2.10–$2.40 |
| Rockwool | 3.0 to 3.7 | $1.60–$2.30 |
| Natural wool | 3.5 to 3.8 | $1.90–$3.10 |
Blown-In Insulation Pro Costs
Several local factors influence the cost of hiring a professional to install blown-in insulation in Seattle, ranging from how contractors price their time to the credentials they hold. The points below outline what shapes the overall cost.
Labor
Insulation crews in Seattle typically charge $95 to $175 per hour, with prices varying depending on the size of the crew and the complexity of the job. Projects that involve tight spaces, detailed prep work, or hard-to-reach areas tend to require more time and therefore fall on the higher end of the range.
Permits
Most blown-in insulation projects in Seattle don’t need a permit on their own, but one may be required if the work is tied to ventilation upgrades, electrical adjustments, or broader home improvements. Permit fees vary by scope and jurisdiction, often ranging from $90 to $300.
Insurance and Licensing
Insulation professionals in Washington should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and they must maintain proper state licensing to operate. These obligations contribute to contractor overhead and the price you’re quoted, but they also help ensure the work is performed by qualified pros while protecting you from unforeseen damage.
Taxes
Seattle applies a combined sales tax of about 10.35% to insulation materials. Labor for blown-in insulation is typically not taxed in standard residential projects, so make sure your estimate only taxes the materials and not the labor itself.
Does New Blown-In Insulation Increase Home Value?
Blown-in insulation can be a significant upgrade for Seattle homes, as it helps reduce heat loss during the prolonged heating season and maintains more consistent indoor conditions. It isn’t considered a project that changes a home’s resale price on its own, but the added comfort and improved energy performance are appealing to many buyers.
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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