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Homeowner checklist

Attic insulation checklist

General info only. Check with a licensed pro and your local building department.

Work top to bottom.

Before: planning

Look at your attic: measure how many inches of insulation you have now (ENERGY STAR shows how).
Find your climate zone on the ENERGY STAR map, then read the recommended R-value for your attic.
Seal air leaks (around lights, pipes, chimneys, attic hatch) before adding insulation — ENERGY STAR recommends sealing first.
Check for moisture, mold, or old vermiculite before anyone disturbs it — ask a pro if unsure.

Before: materials

Ask for the R-value (not just inches) in the written bid.
Ask how vents and soffits will be kept clear.
Write the product name and installed R-value into the contract.

After

Ask for the insulation certificate or card showing type, R-value and depth.
Check the attic hatch is insulated and weather-stripped.

Before: hiring

Get 2–3 written bids. For each one, check their license or registration, read the scam red flags.
Ask for proof of insurance (liability and workers' comp).
Get a written contract with scope, price, schedule and payment steps.
Plan to collect lien waivers as you pay.

Sources

Topic	What the source says	Source
Recommended attic R-values	ENERGY STAR table (existing wood-framed homes): zones 4C, 5 and 6 — R60 for an uninsulated attic floor, R49 if you already have 3–4 inches. Zones 7–8: R60 / R49.	Source page checked 2026-11-02
Seal first	ENERGY STAR recommends sealing air leaks along with adding insulation.	Source page checked 2026-11-02

Not confirmed yet

Unknown Which ENERGY STAR climate zone each Denver-metro address falls in — check the map on the ENERGY STAR page.
Unknown Xcel Energy insulation rebate amounts for 2026 — see our Xcel rebates guide and confirm with Xcel.
Unknown Installed price — get local quotes.

General guidance, not legal advice. Prices: get local quotes — we don't publish numbers without a source.