Insulation Cost Ranges by Type and Location
Understanding insulation costs helps Renfrew County homeowners plan energy efficiency improvements. Several factors influence the final price, including the type of insulation, the area being insulated, and the size and age of your home.
- Attic blown-in insulation (average home): $1,500–$3,500. Cost-effective for attic top-ups and full installations.
- Attic air sealing + blown-in (full treatment): $2,500–$5,000. The recommended approach for maximum energy savings.
- Attic spray foam (rafters or cathedral ceiling): $2,500–$6,000+. Higher R-value per inch, best for complex attic geometries.
- Basement spray foam insulation: $3,000–$8,000. Excellent moisture resistance for below-grade spaces and rim joists.
- Wall injection insulation (dense-pack cellulose): $4,000–$12,000 depending on wall area and access conditions.
- Whole-home retrofit (attic + walls + basement): $8,000–$20,000+. Comprehensive treatment for older Ottawa Valley homes.
Factors Affecting Insulation Cost
- Square footage: The larger the area to be insulated, the higher the material and labour costs.
- Existing insulation removal: If old, damaged, or rodent-contaminated insulation must be removed before new material is installed, disposal adds cost.
- Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach spaces — low-clearance attics, finished wall cavities, crawlspaces — require more time and sometimes specialized equipment, increasing labour charges.
- Product type: Spray foam costs more per square foot than blown-in cellulose or fiberglass, but provides higher R-value per inch and superior air sealing.
- Rural travel: Properties in Deep River, Eganville, Bancroft, or remote townships may incur travel surcharges from contractors based in Pembroke or Ottawa.
Grant Eligibility and EnerGuide Audits
A pre-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation by a registered energy advisor is required for most government grant programs, typically costing $300–$600. The audit assesses your home's current energy performance, identifies the highest-impact areas for improvement, and generates an EnerGuide rating — which is required for grant applications and serves as documentation for a post-retrofit evaluation to confirm the improvement.
For more information on available funding, see our Canada Greener Homes Loan page (interest-free financing up to $40,000) and the Ontario Home Efficiency Rebate (HER+) program page.
Return to the Insulation Services guide for a complete overview of insulation types, code requirements, and contractor selection.