Insulation Vs the Granite Countertop
by Jennifer McCleneghan

With the cost of gas on the rise, coupled with the pressure to “go green”, insulating your home has never looked better.

Forget granite countertops and hardwood floors as must-haves in your new home or renovation and consider putting your money where it really counts!  Because insulation is hidden between the walls and in the attic, it won’t get the rave reviews that decor can bring, this is true, but it also is much more difficult to add later and it won’t ever go out of style!  With the money you save in first five years you can then upgrade that countertop.   Proper insulation can reduce your home’s heating costs by as much as 50%.  So, when it comes to payoff, insulating your home can pay itself off in two years.  Can’t say that for the granite countertop!

Thinking of selling?  Buyers are increasingly attuned to the value of insulation and may want to ask “What’s in these walls?”  Remember, the cost of home ownership is not just the mortgage – it includes the necessities such as gas, electricity and taxes - which can really add up.

Finances aside, of even greater value, is the comfort experienced with proper insulation.  With improper insulation your furnace may be working too hard to keep the home warm.  The inhabitants suffer an endless cycle of “furnace kicks in, place gets too warm, furnace stops, place gets drafty”.  Insulation can provide that comfortable constant that removes drafts and “cold” rooms from your house.   Inadequate insulation often means rooms and/or additions that are unusable 3 months in the winter because they are too cold and 2 months in the summer because they are too warm.  Take back your space – have an insulation consultant look at your house and assess where you could benefit from increased insulation.