Insulation in an older house?

Hi Monica thats your call, some investors go in and strip down to the studs and others do what they feel they need to get it sold and dont over spend, let me repaet dont over spend!!!!!!!Older homes never at least for the most dont have enough insulation at todays standards, most back then didnt have 2x6 inch walls. I know of a guy who built a house with 24 inch walls and his utilities were only a couple hundred dollars a year and now he said he did over kill, hope this helps, Jim ( some older homes had saw dust for insulation( walls) if your in doubt check, tear off a section and check)

I would also say that would be your call. It would to me depend on how bad of shape the insulation is. I would do it if it is that old and looks bad. Yes it would help the resale in my opinoin.

Depending on the age of the house, you could have little to no insulation. Most older homes are constructed with 2x4 walls and the insulation back then was not very effective. You have to either have any energy audit done or open the walls to see what you have. If there is no insulation you can blow in insulation into the wall cavities from inside or out by drilling holes through the walls. If you have insulation and want to increase it's r-valve then you have to rip out to the existing frame work, an expensive and costly undertaking. Now the attic is another story. It is very easy and inexpensive to increase your attic insulation by blowing in addtional insulation and can save you money over time.

Hi, Monica~

I don't think insulating the wall per se is as important as insulating the attic and installing new energy efficient windows throughout a house. Used to see more of it many, many years ago though (and was a good selling point in the northern states, anyhow). Typically, the wall insulation is not a concern unless new sheet rock is necessary or say in the case of a fire rehab or a new addition. I replace (or improve) attic insulation as a lot of heat escapes through it. I have done so to my current homestead. Proper caulking and sealing around draft areas throughout is smart (and cheaper) too. Extra (or current) insulation is more of a concern for long term owner occupants, I believe, than to a flipper. Some rehabbers claim their ARV is top of the market, yet they are not even concerned with codes or even power washing a fence! ---which I find contradictory and ironic.
Go figure.

Good to see you back!