Obtaining a permit ensures your attic renovation meets safety standards. Skipping permits can lead to serious legal and financial repercussions. Permitted work is generally necessary for future real estate transactions.
A Building Permit is not required for:
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
While it is possible to install attic insulation on your own, we always recommend hiring a professional. To ensure that services such as isolation are completed successfully, you will need the appropriate equipment.
The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Attic insulation can last 80 to 100 years, but it loses its energy efficiency benefits over time. You should upgrade it every 15 years to ensure that it is still performing the job. Here are a few signs that indicate your attic insulation needs to be replaced: Your energy bills are increasing.
Attic insulation costs anywhere from $1,680 to $3,125, depending on the size of your attic and the material used. On average, most homeowners shell out around $2,380. These costs include the insulation materials and installation by a professional.
This rule means, at least half of your attic space must be 7 feet high by 7 feet wide, with a total of 70 square feet. Keep in mind, codes vary from place to place, but for using the attic as an actual room, this rule typically applies.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers.
Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. Use the JM insulation calculator to determine the recommended R-value for your project, as well as how much insulation you'll need.
Also, when laying down additional insulation, work from the perimeter toward the attic opening. Never lay insulation over recessed light fixtures or soffit vents. Keep all insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed "can" lights, unless they are rated IC (Insulated Ceiling).
Yes, attic insulation effectively limits heat transfer, which helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures with less strain on the HVAC system. This efficiency can lead to lower energy bills, a key feature that can attract buyers looking for energy-efficient homes and potentially increase resale value.
Fiberglass Insulation--The actual lifespan of this commonly used attic insulation is from 80-100 years. However, due to its construction with natural materials, eventually the product will lose effectiveness.
Whenever a building is constructed, or when a building is altered in a way regulated by the building code, a building permit is required before construction starts. Besides new construction, some examples of work requiring review and/or a permit include, but are not limited to: Roofing and re-shingling.
If you don't have a Permit to Carry, you'll need a Permit to Purchase to obtain a pistol or a semi-automatic military-style assault weapon.
For example, if you build without a permit in California, homeowners and contractors are liable, and both need to pay fines. According to California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), contractors must pay up to $5,000 per violation and are subject to disciplinary action.
Conclusion. Attic insulation can last 80 to 100 years, though it loses its energy efficiency benefits with time. Certified attic specialists' professional advice is to upgrade it every 15 years to ensure that it is still performing the job.
A properly insulated attic can drastically save you money on your heating bill, as well as help to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home all year round. This means that upgrading your attic insulation will not only help in the winter, but it will reduce your home's heat gain in the summer.
If your attic has little or no existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-38 rated material. If your attic has 2-3″ of existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-30 to achieve a total of R-38. If your attic has 5-6″ of existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-19 to achieve a total of R-38.
R807. 1Attic access. Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches (762 mm) or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet (2.8 m2).
Do I Have To Remove Old Insulation? Unless your insulation is wet, moldy or infested with pests, you don't need to remove it before adding insulation on top of it. ENERGY STAR® recommends that you inspect your insulation for signs of mold, mildew, moisture and pest infiltration before making this determination.
Cost to remove and replace attic insulation
Batt and roll insulation costs $0.80 to $2.60 per square foot installed on average but may cost up to $4.70 per square foot to get to the recommended R-value when completely replacing the existing batt insulation.
SAVINGS AND COMFORT
EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.