I went with wool insulation for a small cabin project about five years ago, and yeah, upfront it definitely stung the wallet more than cellulose or spray foam would have. At the time, I remember thinking, "Am I really paying this much for sheep fluff?" But honestly, it's been worth it. The cabin stays cozy in winter and cool in summer without crazy energy bills. Plus, wool handles moisture really well—no mold or dampness issues so far, even though the place sits empty for weeks at a time.
I haven't done a detailed spreadsheet or anything, but my gut feeling is that wool insulation probably pays off if you're planning to keep the place long-term. If you're flipping or just doing a quick remodel, cellulose might be the smarter choice financially. But if you're sticking around and care about indoor air quality and sustainability, wool's pretty hard to beat.
I had a similar experience building a little studio in my backyard a couple years back. Initially, I balked at the price tag of wool insulation, especially after seeing how much cheaper cellulose was. But after chatting with a buddy who'd had mold issues in his guest house (yikes), I bit the bullet and went wool. Zero regrets—no weird smells or moisture buildup, and guests always comment on how comfy it feels inside. Definitely pricier upfront, but hard to argue with these results.
Wool insulation definitely has its perks, especially moisture control, but cellulose isn't necessarily a mold magnet if installed correctly. I've done plenty of guest houses and studios with cellulose insulation, and as long as you have proper vapor barriers and ventilation, mold shouldn't be an issue. Wool's great, don't get me wrong, but for those on tighter budgets, cellulose can still be a reliable choice—just make sure your contractor knows what they're doing.
Glad someone mentioned cellulose! I've used it in my backyard office for years now—zero mold issues so far, and believe me, my DIY skills aren't exactly pro-level, haha. You're spot on though, good ventilation and barriers are key. Wool sounds fancy, but my wallet usually votes cellulose...and pizza money.
"Wool sounds fancy, but my wallet usually votes cellulose...and pizza money."
Haha, relatable! Cellulose is honestly underrated—I've done a few remodels with it and never had a complaint. Like you said, getting ventilation right makes all the difference. And hey, DIY doesn't need to be pro-level to get great results; half the fun is learning as you go...and having extra cash for pizza afterward never hurts either.
