Insulation Upgrade Cost in Vancouver: Attic, Wall & Basement Guide
Home Insulation Costs in Metro Vancouver
Vancouver’s energy code increasingly demands well-insulated homes, and improving insulation is one of the best investments for comfort, energy savings, and resale value. Many pre-1980 Vancouver homes have inadequate insulation by modern standards — especially in attics.
Insulation Types and Costs
| Type | R-Value/inch | Cost/sq ft (installed) | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blown-in fibreglass | R-2.2 | $1.50–$2.50 | Attic top-up |
| Blown-in cellulose | R-3.7 | $1.75–$3.00 | Attic, existing walls |
| Batt fibreglass | R-3.2 | $1.00–$2.00 | New wall framing |
| Spray foam (open-cell) | R-3.6 | $1.50–$2.50 | Crawl spaces, rim joists |
| Spray foam (closed-cell) | R-6.5 | $3.00–$5.50 | Below-grade, thermal bridge |
| Rigid foam (XPS/EPS) | R-5 (XPS) | $2.00–$4.00 | Exterior continuous insulation |
Typical Project Costs in Vancouver
- Attic blown-in top-up to R-50: $1,800–$4,500 for a typical 1,200–1,500 sq ft attic
- Crawl space spray foam encapsulation: $4,000–$9,000
- Exterior wall insulation (exterior rigid foam): $12,000–$25,000 for a typical home (usually combined with siding replacement)
- Interior wall insulation during renovation: $1–$2/sq ft (added to renovation cost when walls are open)
CleanBC Rebates for Insulation
CleanBC offers up to $2,000 in rebates for insulation upgrades. Attic insulation top-ups are the most cost-effective and fastest-ROI improvement. An R-10 → R-50 attic upgrade ($2,000–$3,500 after rebate) typically pays back in energy savings within 5–8 years.
→ See also: Vancouver Renovation Planning Guide
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