Renovating your home in Massachusetts? Don’t overlook insulation. Learn how the right materials and installation improve comfort, cut energy bills, and meet local code.

When homeowners think of remodeling, they picture finishes — tiles, paint, fixtures — not what’s behind the walls. But in Massachusetts, where winters are long and energy costs are high, **insulation is one of the most important aspects of any renovation.**
Whether you’re opening up a wall for a kitchen remodel or finishing an attic or basement, updating your insulation during a renovation is not just smart — it’s often required by code. In this article, we’ll cover what every homeowner in Massachusetts should know about insulation before starting a remodel: which materials are best, where insulation matters most, and how it affects comfort, energy savings, and compliance.

1. Why Insulation Is a Big Deal in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has one of the most variable climates in the country — icy winters, humid summers, and cold spring nights that require indoor heating well into April. Combine that with older housing stock built before modern energy codes, and you’ve got homes that are drafty, inefficient, and uncomfortable.

The risks of poor insulation:

Cold floors and temperature swings between rooms
Higher heating and cooling costs
Ice dams and condensation inside walls
Mold and moisture problems — especially in attics and basements

Upgrading insulation during a renovation is your best chance to fix these hidden issues before the walls go back up.

2. Where You Should Insulate During a Remodel

Every renovation creates a window of opportunity to access spaces that are normally sealed. Here’s where it makes the biggest impact:

🏠 Exterior Walls

If you’re opening any walls that face the outside, you should assess and upgrade the insulation. Many older homes in MA have only minimal (or no) wall insulation.

Use fiberglass batts in standard stud walls
Or spray foam for better air sealing and moisture resistance

🛁 Bathroom & Kitchen Walls

Use moisture-resistant insulation in exterior walls, especially where condensation risk is high.

Pair with vapor barriers where required by code
Add sound insulation between rooms for privacy

🧱 Basements

Concrete transmits cold fast. If finishing a basement, you must insulate walls — but choose the right material.

Use rigid foam board or closed-cell spray foam directly on concrete
Avoid fiberglass batts unless walls are fully waterproofed

🪟 Attics

Whether you’re finishing an attic or just replacing drywall below it, improve or top off existing insulation.

Massachusetts code typically requires R-49 in attics
Blown-in cellulose or fiberglass is common, but spray foam is best for vaulted ceilings

💡 Tip: If adding recessed lighting in the ceiling, use IC-rated airtight cans to prevent heat loss.

3. Types of Insulation You’ll Encounter

Not all insulation is created equal. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types used in MA renovations:

TypeBest ForR-Value/InchProsConsFiberglass BattsWalls, ceilings, floor joists~3.2–3.8Affordable, easy to installAir leakage if not sealed properlyBlown-in CelluloseAttics, closed wall cavities~3.5–4.0Good coverage, eco-friendlySettles over timeRigid Foam BoardBasements, exterior walls~5.0–6.5Moisture resistant, high R-valueHarder to install in tight spacesClosed-Cell Spray FoamVaulted ceilings, rim joists~6.0–7.0Air + vapor barrier, highest performanceExpensive, professional install

💡 Pro Tip: Combine types strategically. Use spray foam in tight areas, and batts or blown-in where access is easier.

4. What the Massachusetts Building Code Requires

When you renovate certain parts of your home, the state building code — based on the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — may require you to bring insulation levels up to current standards.

Key code requirements (as of 2025):

Attic/Ceiling: R-49
Walls (above grade): R-20 cavity or R-13 cavity + R-5 continuous
Basement walls (conditioned spaces): R-15 continuous or R-19 batts
Rim joists: R-10 continuous or R-13 cavity
Windows & doors: Must meet U-factor standards or be replaced

Not complying with these during a permitted remodel could lead to failed inspections, rework, or permit delays.

💡 Check with your city’s inspectional services department for local enforcement nuances — Cambridge and Brookline, for example, may have stricter interpretations.

5. Rebates and Incentives: Make It Affordable

Thanks to Massachusetts’ focus on energy efficiency, there are excellent incentives to improve insulation during a remodel.

Through Mass Save, homeowners may be eligible for:

No-cost home energy assessments
75%–100% off insulation upgrades
0% financing through HEAT loans
Additional rebates if combining insulation with HVAC upgrades

💡 Even if your renovation is already in progress, you can still qualify — but it’s best to apply before drywall goes up.

Insulation isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make during a home renovation in Massachusetts. It improves comfort, saves money, protects against moisture damage, and helps meet modern energy codes.

At Artisans Homes & Renovations, we treat insulation as a core part of the remodeling process — not an afterthought. Whether you're finishing a basement, redoing a bathroom, or gutting a kitchen, we’ll make sure your home performs as beautifully as it looks.

Planning a renovation? Don’t let poor insulation ruin your comfort or budget. Contact Artisans Homes & Renovations for a consultation — and let’s make your home warmer, smarter, and more efficient from the inside out.

Insulation Matters: What Homeowners in Massachusetts Should Know Before Remodeling