Is $3,800 to air seal and re-insulate attic to R49 without removing existing insulation a fair price?
Project Details
I am in the middle of a DIY remodel. Lurking on this form has taught me that air sealing is the most important thing. I asked for complete removal of all blown in insulation, air sealing, including baffles, and then reinstallation to R49. I am skeptical that air sealing can be done effectively without removing existing insulation, as it doesn't make sense to my brain that every single top plate and penetration can be seen without removal. Any debris seen in pictures is from a roofing job where about 60% of the roof deck was replaced. This is not a flip. It sounds like it's not uncommon to leave insulation up there and move it around to air seal. The house was built in the 1960s, but there was at least one remodel done as a result of a small electrical fire, which was apparently hidden when I closed on the house but caught by the inspector. During the current remodel, I'm finding studs in half the house painted. I can see daylight in some spots in the attic, and the current baffles are hunks of dried up cardboard.
Quote Details
The contractor stated that existing insulation would not need to be removed to effectively air seal. The quote includes: - Installation of baffles - Air sealing - Re-blowing insulation to achieve an R49 rating
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More Details
Category
Insulation
Price
$3,800
Quote Date
October 14, 2025
Location
North Carolina
Home Size
1,000 sq ft
Year Built
1960
Insulation Type
Blown In
R Value
R49
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