I finally got an insulation quote, and am having a little sticker shock. Here's the job: 1400 square feet, one big rectangle, all one level, typical 2X4 trusses w/ energy heel, no A/C ductwork, just the usual wiring and small bath and dryer vents. I'm going to do the soffit shields and recessed light covers myself. I had them quote open cell foam flash to make it tight, covered with R-49 blown in. The quote works out to $2 a square foot, which is a lot more than I was expecting. This is in rural SC, where labor rates are low. Does this sound like a typical price, or should I shop around?

going rate around here (northern new england) for closed cell is about 1.25 per board foot (one SF, 1" thick). varies with the conditions & amount of area of course.

You really do not need that foam layer if you are very careful with air sealing. Builders specializing in high performance homes typically use drywall, taped plywood or membranes instead of spray foam. These are all usually less expensive.

I was recently quoted $0.72 per square foot for R49 stabilized cellulose attic insulation for a 2200 square foot home. This is in central Arkansas.

I'm going to ask them to break down the cost. Maybe the foam is what's running the cost up.

Posted By jdebree on 18 Dec 2013 07:25 AM
I'm going to ask them to break down the cost. Maybe the foam is what's running the cost up.

Of COURSE it is!

A 2-3" shot of open cell (about the least you can actually hit consistently with o.c. foam) runs about a buck a square foot in my neighborhood. 

Rather than full-coverage with o.c. foam, hitting the seams, holes, and electrical/plumbing penetrations with a flash-inch of closed cell is pretty reliable, and this can be a DIY with a few 12 board foot FrothPak kits for maybe $100.