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Yes, you can install insulation behind drywall yourself, but only if your walls are not finished. If your studs are exposed, installing fiberglass insulation in roll or batt form is very straightforward and just requires a few tools and some safety equipment. If your walls are already finished and you’re looking to add insulation, it’s better to hire a professional, as you’ll likely need blown-in insulation, which can be dangerous to work with and a challenge to get into the proper areas in your wall voids.

Doubling the insulation in your home also doubles the R-value of said insulation. In other words, by adding more insulation, you can reduce the heat loss by half. Most homes benefit from increasing insulation. Older homes, in particular tend to have less insulation as is, so doubling your insulation could drastically reduce your energy bills, keep your home more comfortable, and take the strain off your HVAC system.

On average, insulating an attic costs about $2,500, with a typical range of $1,500 to $3,500. The final price often depends on the attic's size, with costs generally falling between $1 to $3 per square foot. For example, insulating a 1,800-square-foot attic would likely cost between $1,800 and $5,400.

If the project involves removing old insulation, this can add an average of $900 to the total cost, bringing a full removal and reinsulation project to around $3,000.

Several factors influence the overall cost:

• Insulation Type: Prices per square foot vary significantly by material.

• Reflective: $0.50–$1.50

• Blown-in: $1–$4

• Batt: $2–$4

• Loose-fill: $2–$5

• Spray foam: $2–$5

• Structural insulated panels (SIPs): $4–$7

• Project Complexity: Factors like sealing air leaks, poor attic accessibility, and required inspections can add to the cost.

• Removal Issues: The discovery of mold, asbestos, or pests during the removal of old insulation can substantially increase the price.

Installing sheets of plywood over attic insulation is a popular choice, especially in storage spaces. That said, insulation works by trapping hot air—so it needs extra space to expand and be effective, or you might reduce the energy efficiency of your home. 

It’s important that you never compress the insulation by installing flooring directly on top of it. In many houses, you’ll need to install a subfloor before putting plywood over insulation in your attic.