Is It Worth Renovating for Wall Insulation?

If you’ve ever walked into your home in winter and felt like you’d stepped into a fridge, you’re not alone. Many Australian homes—particularly older ones—weren’t built with insulation in mind. Thin walls, single-pane windows, and gappy floorboards are all too common. And while many of us reach for the heater or aircon, the real issue may be in your walls.

Is it worth renovating just to add wall insulation? If you’re tired of freezing winters, scorching summers, and eye-watering power bills, the answer may be yes. But before you tear down any plasterboard, here’s what you need to know—and why hiring a professional wall insulation installer could be one of the smartest decisions for your home.

What Does Wall Insulation Actually Do?

Wall insulation helps regulate your indoor temperature by slowing down the transfer of heat. In winter, it keeps warm air in. In summer, it keeps the heat out. This not only creates a more comfortable home but also reduces your reliance on heating and cooling systems—meaning lower energy bills year-round.

But keep in mind: insulating your walls isn’t a small cosmetic job. It often involves removing internal plaster or external cladding, depending on your home’s construction. 

How Much of a Difference Does It Make?

In short: a lot.

Homeowners who’ve added insulation as part of larger renovations report:

• Better indoor temperatures: Rooms stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
• Quieter living spaces: Wall insulation also dampens outside noise.
• Lower energy bills: Heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard.
• Increased property value: Insulated homes are more appealing to buyers.

If you’ve already upgraded your windows, roof, or floors, but the house still feels uncomfortable, the walls might be the missing piece of the puzzle.

(Image source: Pexels)

When Is the Right Time to Add Wall Insulation?

Here’s the honest truth: adding wall insulation is easiest and most cost-effective when you’re already planning other renovations.

For example:

• Replacing plasterboard? Add insulation first.
• Re-cladding external walls? Perfect time to insulate.
• Removing asbestos sheeting? Get insulation in before rebuilding.

Trying to add insulation without any other changes can be messy and expensive. But if the walls are already coming down, you’d be wise not to miss the opportunity.

Can Every Home Be Insulated?

Most can—but the method and cost will vary depending on your home’s age and construction.

• Weatherboard homes (especially from the 1950s) are relatively straightforward to insulate once cladding is removed.
• Double brick homes can be tricky. Unless they’ve been built with a thermal break between layers, insulation options are limited.
• Homes on piers may benefit more from underfloor insulation, but walls still make a difference.
• Homes with asbestos or lead paint need specialist removal before any insulation work begins.

This is why a professional wall insulation installer is essential. They’ll assess your home’s structure and recommend the best approach—saving you both money and frustration.

What About the Cost?

Let’s be real: it’s not cheap.

You’ll pay for materials, labour, and potentially new plaster or cladding. Costs vary depending on the size of your home, the insulation type, and access to wall cavities.

But compare that to years of running split systems all winter and summer, or the price of replacing appliances worn out from overuse. In many cases, homeowners see a return on investment within a few years through energy savings.

If you're already renovating, the added cost of insulation is often worth the long-term gain.

Other Benefits You Might Not Have Considered

While thermal comfort is the main reason most homeowners consider insulation, there are some added bonuses:

• Noise reduction: Great if you live near a busy road or have noisy neighbours.
• Healthier indoor air: By sealing up gaps, insulation helps prevent mould, damp, and condensation.
• More efficient heating/cooling: Your systems won’t have to work overtime, which extends their lifespan.

What If You’re Not Ready for a Full Renovation?

If a full-scale renovation isn’t on the cards yet, consider starting with one room—often the bedroom or living area. Some homeowners insulate room by room over a few years, tackling walls when plaster needs replacing.

And if your house has accessible subfloors or ceiling space, it might be worth insulating those areas first to improve overall thermal performance.

Finding the Right Wall Installer Matters

Wall insulation is not a job for guesswork. You need someone who knows what materials suit your climate, your wall type, and your budget.

This is where ServiceSeeking.com.au comes in. You can compare quotes from qualified wall installers in your area, check reviews from real customers, and get the job done properly.

Don’t waste money on heating and cooling that’s escaping through your walls. Hire a reliable wall installer and turn your home into the comfortable, energy-efficient space it should be.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re already renovating, wall insulation is absolutely worth including. If you’re not yet renovating but are living with a home that’s too cold, too hot, or too noisy—then it’s still worth serious thought.

Comfort, energy savings, and resale value are all on the table. And with the right wall installer on board, the job can be more straightforward than you think.

Ready to upgrade your walls?
Get quotes from trusted local wall insulation installers on ServiceSeeking.com.au today and make your home feel like home—no matter the season.