Mistakes happen, but if you make one when buying your home insulation it could end up costing you big time.

Buying too much insulation and going with the cheapest option are just a few of the mistakes homeowners encounter.

We here at RetroFoam of Michigan pride ourselves in educating the homeowners we work with from the very beginning of their insulation buying journey.

In those continued efforts, we will highlight the top 11 insulation buying mistakes.

Insulation Buying Mistakes

Since our estimators are out every day, they see a lot of common mistakes homeowners make when they are deciding on insulation.

Here are some of those mistakes.

• Focusing too much on R-Value. Sure it’s great to know about R-Value when it comes to choosing insulation, but you also have to realize it doesn’t tell the whole story. A material like foam insulation may not have the R-Value of cellulose or fiberglass, but it does something those materials can’t – it creates a total air seal.
• Only thinking about the initial cost. No one wants to spend a ton of money on home improvement projects, but don’t let the lower price tag fool you. If you want your home to be a comfortable and energy efficient space for the long haul, then you’re going to have to pay for it. Traditional insulations will need to be replaced at some point or constantly maintained, while premium insulations, like foam, don’t need any upkeep.
  RELATED: The Total Lifetime Cost of Foam Insulation: It’s Less Than You Think
• Choosing the wrong insulation for your project. Not all insulations are the same, so don’t be fooled into getting a material that doesn’t meet your needs or isn’t the insulation for your specific application. Whether you choose fiberglass, cellulose, or foam insulation, check out the reviews for the manufacturers before you buy. Make sure the products you pay for will get you the results you’re looking for.
• Not researching the insulation contractor. Just like researching the manufacturers of your insulation choices, you should also research who will be installing it. Check for reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp. See what people are saying about them. Check out how long they’ve been installing insulation and do they specialize in one material, or do a little bit of everything.
• Going DIY when you should have hired a contractor. You thought you could handle your insulation project by yourself, but you were wrong. Trying to make your insulation needs a DIY project could end up costing you more money as you will likely need to hire a contractor to come out and fix the problem properly.
  RELATED: Do-It-Yourself Insulation Problems: 6 Things that Lead to DIY Nightmares
• Using insulation only to solve pest issues. Pests are gross and annoying, but thinking insulation alone will keep them out isn’t going to work. While it’s true insulation that creates an air barrier can make it harder for pests to find a way in, if they’re already inside this doesn’t help. If you have a pest issue, it’s best to handle that first and then add insulation.
• Using insulation only to soundproof a room. If you are looking to 100 percent soundproof your home, insulation alone isn’t going to do the trick. To soundproof your home you will also need to buy acoustic panels, acoustical caulk, and add extra drywall to your home just to name a few of the things required. There are insulation materials, like foam, that have sound deadening Make sure you do your soundproofing research before you buy so you aren’t disappointed.
• Buying too much insulation. More isn’t necessarily better, it’s actually a waste of money. You might be thinking that the more insulation you add, the better off you will be. Well, that’s not exactly right. Adding more insulation than you need doesn’t insulate your home better. You need the insulation to fill the cavity, not overlap it.
• Not buying enough insulation. Trying to save money by buying less insulation isn’t doing you any favors either. Not having enough insulation coverage will leave you with the same problems you're experiencing that lead to you buying the insulation in the first place.
• Using flash and batt to meet code. In theory, it sounds like a great idea -- just a quick flash of closed cell spray foam and added fiberglass batts for R-Value. Don’t waste your money on flash and batt in an attempt to meet code. One inch of closed cell isn’t going to get you an air seal and the added fiberglass is just a waste. Instead, getting two inches of closed cell by itself would meet code as it passes on the material’s performance.
• Delaying the project. Waiting too long to get the project started can cause even more problems than you’re already facing. If you know there is a moisture problem with your current insulation, that can turn to mold and cause health problems for you and your family. If your home is uncomfortable, you’ll keep paying those high monthly energy bills until you do something about it.

Choosing the Right Insulation

Now that you know what some of the common insulation buying mistakes are you can avoid making them in your own home.

Choosing the right insulation for your home can be complicated, but with a little research, you will make the decision that best fits your needs. Check out our article Foam vs Fiberglass vs Cellulose: Which Insulation is Best for My Existing House? to learn more about your options and what will solve the problems you’re experiencing in your home.