How a $Billion saved could be spent.

[Woodznutz]

My house is 130 years old and there are NO drafts ... I went through the entire heated portion with smoke and sealed every air leak ... except at the doors and windows ... which was my original point ... it's called "household repairs" ... you should try some ...

You give false information ... in post #37 you stated "Other parts of the house didn't need an insulation upgrade." ... now you're saying it was blown in ... by a crew that only put 3 inches in your attic ... from experience, I can assure you the top half of your walls are NOT insulated ... R-0.00000001 ... and that's only because we can't divide by zero ... you home is long overdue for upgrades, and not just insulation ... and can you PLEASE be truthful with me from now on? ... I'm sorry your siding was ruined, now it needs replaced ... [sigh] ... no wonder your house leaks like a sieve ...

... and you think air leaks to the outside is normal ... [shakes head] ... let me guess, by the same guys who put 3 inches of attic insulation in and said it was 8 inches ... like you were a girl or something ...

You got cheated, and that's why you claimed it will only cost $1500 average to insulation homes in the United States to Federal Standards ... that's how much it costs to get cheated ...

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If you're not an experienced builder ... then get an inspection done, it cost a few hundred dollars but it will save you thousands of dollars of grief later ... makes sure the inspector is licensed, insured and bonded ... demand proof ... even if your State doesn't require these, YOU SHOULD ... insurance and a performance bond ... or you will get cheated ...

The attic had 6 inches but settled over the years and predates the wall insulation.
Aluminum siding was successfully replaced after insulation was blown in.
The "other parts of the house" include a recent addition that is adequately insulated; six inches in walls, 12" in ceiling (which can't be accessed, vaulted ceiling w/scissor trusses).

My house is pretty tight (all new windows and most doors) but there's always some infiltration/fresh air.

Also have new high-efficiency furnace and water heater. Low heat bills so it's working.

 

[Woodznutz]

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If you're not an experienced builder ... then get an inspection done, it cost a few hundred dollars but it will save you thousands of dollars of grief later ... makes sure the inspector is licensed, insured and bonded ... demand proof ... even if your State doesn't require these, YOU SHOULD ... insurance and a performance bond ... or you will get cheated ...

You'll get cheated anyway. Licensed, insured, and bonded tradespersons are in the best position to cheat you.

 

[ReinyDays]

My house is pretty tight (all new windows and most doors) but there's always some infiltration/fresh air.

This is where we disagree ... but you're the one with walls only insulated half-way up ...

Blown-in insulation doesn't settle ... or it wouldn't be used as insulation ... only cheaters say it settles like you describe ... I've done this kind of work regularly, and endured Federal inspections on occasion ... now go back to the OP ...

Fantasyland ... insurance alone would cost $1500 per building ...