Ventilation definitely matters, but I'm not totally sold on cellulose insulation being the best budget-friendly option. When I was planning my build, I ran some numbers comparing cellulose to fiberglass batts, and fiberglass actually came out cheaper per square foot in my area. Installation was straightforward too—no need for specialized equipment or contractors, which saved me a bit more cash. Plus, moisture management seemed simpler with fiberglass, especially since I didn't have to worry as much about settling or compaction over time.
Don't get me wrong, cellulose has its perks (like better sound dampening), but if cost is your main driver, it might be worth double-checking local prices and installation costs. Sometimes the "budget" option isn't always the obvious one...just something I learned the hard way during my first build.
"fiberglass actually came out cheaper per square foot in my area. Installation was straightforward too—no need for specialized equipment or contractors"
That's pretty much what I found as well. When I first started planning, cellulose insulation seemed like the obvious budget choice because of how it's marketed, but after actually pricing it out locally, fiberglass ended up being noticeably cheaper for me too. Plus, the DIY factor really sealed the deal. Renting a blower for cellulose isn't overly expensive, but it's still an extra hassle and cost compared to just rolling out fiberglass batts myself over a weekend.
One thing I will mention though—if you're in a colder climate, make sure you account for air sealing carefully before installing fiberglass. Fiberglass batts don't do a great job stopping airflow on their own, so you'll want to be thorough with caulking and sealing gaps beforehand. Learned that from experience after feeling drafts in my first place...not fun to fix after the fact.
I agree cellulose has its strengths (soundproofing is definitely noticeable), but if we're strictly talking budget and ease of installation, fiberglass is tough to beat. It also doesn't settle or compact over time like cellulose can, meaning less maintenance down the road. Just my two cents from going through this myself recently.
Great points all around. A couple quick things I'd add from my own experience:
- Definitely second the air sealing advice. Learned the hard way myself—spent a weekend laying fiberglass only to realize later that I'd missed some key spots around windows and outlets. Draft city. Ended up pulling some insulation back out to fix it, which was...not fun.
- Fiberglass really shines if you're working alone or just with a friend or two. No heavy machinery, no complicated setups—just roll it out and trim as needed. Cellulose is nice, but the blower rental and cleanup afterward can be a hassle, especially if your timeline is tight.
- One small disagreement though: cellulose settling isn't always a huge issue if installed properly. Had it in a previous house and never noticed significant compaction over several years. But still, fiberglass is hard to beat for simplicity and budget.
Sounds like you've really dialed in your process and figured out what works best for your situation. Nice work getting those costs down—always feels good when you find that sweet spot between price and performance.
Solid insights here, especially the air sealing part. Can't tell you how many times I've seen folks underestimate that step and regret it later. It feels tedious at first, but trust me—it's worth every minute spent double-checking those window frames, outlet boxes, and any penetrations through walls or ceilings. A quick tip I've found helpful: grab a can of spray foam and a caulk gun, and just systematically go room by room before you even touch the insulation. Saves you from having to backtrack later (which, as you mentioned, is a total pain).
I agree fiberglass is great for simplicity. If you're tackling this solo or with limited help, fiberglass batts are definitely your friend. One thing I'd add though—make sure you're not compressing them too much when installing. It's tempting to squeeze them tight into narrow spots, but that actually reduces their insulating effectiveness. Just gently tuck them in so they're snug but still fluffy. Think of it like making a comfy bed—not too tight, not too loose.
Cellulose can be fantastic too, but I've noticed the settling issue varies a lot based on installation technique and depth. If you're blowing it in, it's worth adding an extra inch or two beyond the recommended depth just to account for minor settling over time. That usually keeps things nice and cozy without noticeable compaction. But yeah, dealing with the blower rental and cleanup afterward can be a bit of a headache, especially if you're on a tight schedule. Been there myself—spent more time vacuuming stray cellulose fibers from my hair and clothes than I'd care to admit...
Sounds like you've really nailed down your approach though. Finding that balance between cost, ease of installation, and long-term performance is always tricky, but once you hit that sweet spot, there's no better feeling. Keep up the good work—sounds like you're well on your way to a comfortable, efficient home without breaking the bank.
Really good points, especially about not compressing the fiberglass batts—I can't count how many times I've seen insulation jammed in tight, thinking it'll boost performance, only to find out later it actually reduces effectiveness. Learned that one the hard way on a project years ago... had to revisit the whole attic after noticing cold spots in winter.
Cellulose is definitely effective if installed right, but yeah, the cleanup is no joke. Last time we rented a blower, I swear we spent more time chasing stray fibers around the house than actually insulating. Ever tried using a shop-vac attachment to catch some of the excess as you go? Not perfect, but it helped us keep things manageable.
Sounds like you've really thought this through and found a solid balance between cost and performance. It's always satisfying when that puzzle finally clicks into place, isn't it?
