The Pros and Cons of DIY vs. Hiring an Insulation Professional

The value of added insulation just before winter in Minnesota is substantial. With temperatures plummeting to minus-60, boosting the amount of insulation in your home is a wise way to increase energy efficiency, ensure indoor comfort, and lower utility bills. 

Whether you decide to tackle the job yourself or hire a professional to install your insulation can be a tough decision. Read on to help you determine what is best for your home’s insulation installation—hiring a professional or DIY. 

Considerations Before Deciding to DIY or Hire a Pro to Install Your Insulation

1. Take a look at the space you are insulating and the equipment you’ll need. 

• Consider the risks – There are a variety of risks involved in a DIY insulation project. Falling from a considerable height is one of them. Fiberglass insulation is an irritant to the eyes and lungs (so you will need to be covered with protective gear like goggles, gloves, mask, and more). If your current insulation has asbestos, realize it can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Working near light fixtures is a fire hazard, and a DIY job will likely require it. 

• Get ready for prep work – Before adding insulation, it’s important to adequately seal the air leaks around your roof, chimney, ducts, exhaust fans, wires, pipes, and attic. 

• Do your homework – Find out the recommended R-value based on your house’s climate zone and location. 
• Create a disposal plan – Research the local, state, and federal regulations and waste management policies for insulation disposal (especially if it is asbestos). 

2. Evaluate how your attic’s shape will impact insulation installation. 

If your attic is a traditional A-frame shape, it’s possible to DIY with your insulation installation. If it is a more irregular shape, or super tight, air leaks should be sealed by a contractor who then installs your insulation. 

3. Look at the safety aspects of installing your own insulation.

• Equipment – In addition to an N95 mask, work boots, and a long-sleeved shirt and pants, for a safe and streamlined insulation installation, you’ll need a variety of tools to do the job. A caulking gun, putty knife, screwdriver, stapling tool, utility knife, straight edge, and more are necessary for the installation. A blowing machine is essential, and a spray foam gun (for spray foam insulation) is a must. Realize some rental equipment is outdated and performs poorly. 
• Look at risks from a new angle – If you don’t have training or experience installing insulation, you may end up damaging your home, risking your health and well-being, and spending more cash than you thought you would on the project. 

Pros and Cons of DIY vs. Professional Insulation Installation

Keep in mind that every insulation project is different, and the risks of improper insulating techniques can cost you. From mold buildup to a leaky roof (in Minnesota!), it may not be worth it to save a few bucks by trying to tackle the installation project yourself. 

DIY 

• Pros – Cost savings are the primary benefit of installing insulation yourself. You’ll have a sense of accomplishment from upgrading your home. And you’ll have the flexibility to make all the decisions that come along with a home improvement project (and take responsibility for them!) from start to finish. 

• Cons – It’s vital that insulation is installed with precision and attention to detail. Mistakes can end up leaving you with greater energy loss than you started with, and costing you more in the future. There are safety risks with a DIY job—and without proper protective gear, you’ll put your health and safety at risk. Additionally, the time it takes you to gather the equipment and do the job can add up, and usually takes longer than you anticipate. 

Professional Installation

• Pros – When you hire a contractor, you gain from their experience, training, and the specialty equipment they have to install insulation properly. They assess what type of and how much insulation you need, and where you need it in the home. You’ll maximize your energy efficiency as a result. The time involved in having a pro install your insulation is minimal compared to doing it yourself. And the safety protocols they adhere to eliminate any risks to your health. You’ll get energy savings and enjoy a warm and cozy winter as a result. 

• Cons – It’s a greater initial investment to hire a pro to install your insulation. But the cost can pay off by lowering your energy bills and increasing your indoor comfort. 

Clear Away Uncertainty by Hiring a Pro to Install Your Insulation

Improperly installed insulation can have a negative impact on your energy bills. Instead of seeing them decrease, they could end up skyrocketing. Air conditioning could seep out through unsealed gaps. Leaving the installation of your home insulation to a pro (like us!) will ensure your home is properly sealed, your attic’s airflow is preserved, building codes are adhered to, and you get the proper type and amount of insulation installed in your home. 

Make Your House More Energy Efficient as Our Installation Experts Install Your Insulation

Who installs your home insulation is directly related to its success. If you have great intentions to do it yourself and have learned as much as possible about it, that’s good. But nothing replaces the experience and training a professional has when it comes to insulation installation. Their well-earned license along with their years of experience will give you peace of mind that your insulation will be installed to perfection. 

With little-to-no room for error and lots at stake, why not relax and let the professionals do your upgrade? At Lutgen Companies, we install both fiberglass and expanding foam insulation. As a local home remodeling company, we have served over 10,000 homeowners in the St. Cloud area since 1983. Learn more about how our insulation services can make your Minnesota home warm and cozy this winter and save you on utilities.