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R-value is a measurement that dictates how much resistance an insulation material has against heat flow—or how well it can stop heat from coming and going. A higher R-value, which is attributed to thicker and more dense materials, means the better the insulation performs. There is not one universal recommended value. It depends on climate zones. For example, Alaska, which has a naturally cold and arctic climate, has higher R-value recommendations than the hot and humid Hawaii.

While parts of the appraisal are out of your control, there are some things you can do to potentially raise the home’s value. You can make necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser visits—an appraiser can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades. The appraiser will likely increase the value of your home by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings tell you how well something blocks airborne noise. It’s a single number that sums up how much sound a material, like a window, can stop across regular speech frequencies. The higher the number, the better the sound reduction. A typical single-pane window hovers around STC 25 (where you can hear normal conversations), while well-sealed, double-pane options can push past STC 45 (which blocks out loud speech and most music). Just keep in mind that STC doesn’t cover everything—low rumbles like bass or thunder can sneak through—so pairing methods are always ideal for the most peace and quiet.

Insulation is measured by R-value, which is the measure of a material's ability to resist heat transfer. The higher the number, the better the insulation. When installing insulation yourself, you need to determine the optimal R-value you need to keep your home warm in the wintertime, cool in the heat of summer, and energy-efficient all year long. Each inch of insulation provides between a 3 and an 8 R-value. The climate where you live plays a major role in what R-value you need and the price tag you might see in your insulation installation.