"And honestly, embrace the imperfections...no one else will notice them as much as you do."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've flipped a few older homes myself, and imperfections are just part of their charm. The wonky walls can definitely make insulation tricky, but you're already ahead of the game by using a fresh blade—makes cutting insulation way smoother and less frustrating.
One thing I found helpful was to tackle it room by room rather than trying to do the whole house at once. It keeps the overwhelm down, and you get that little boost of motivation every time a room feels instantly warmer. Plus, it's surprising how quickly you forget about the hassle once you're relaxing in a cozy living room without drafts sneaking through.
Keep at it—sounds like you're already noticing the payoff!
Totally agree about tackling insulation room by room. I did something similar when I insulated my old place, and it really helped keep the stress manageable. One thing I'd add is to pay attention to sealing up those little gaps around windows and doors before you even start insulating. It seems minor, but those tiny cracks can let in a surprising amount of cold air, and sealing them first makes your insulation job way more effective.
Also, if you're dealing with wonky walls (been there...), consider using natural insulation materials like sheep's wool or cellulose. They're flexible enough to handle uneven spaces better than rigid foam boards, plus they're eco-friendly and breathable, which helps prevent moisture buildup down the line.
Sounds like you're already seeing the benefits though—nothing beats that feeling when you finally notice the drafts disappearing and your heating bills dropping.
"Also, if you're dealing with wonky walls (been there...), consider using natural insulation materials like sheep's wool or cellulose."
Good shout on the sheep's wool—I used it in an attic conversion last year and it was surprisingly easy to work with. Curious though, anyone tried hemp insulation? Heard good things but haven't tested it myself yet.
"Curious though, anyone tried hemp insulation? Heard good things but haven't tested it myself yet."
Yeah, hemp insulation's pretty decent from what I've seen—friend of mine used it in his cabin reno. He said it was straightforward to install, similar to sheep's wool, but mentioned it's pricier per square foot. If you're budget-conscious (like me), cellulose might still be your best bet. Good R-value, eco-friendly, and easier on the wallet. Just make sure you prep properly—wonky walls can be unforgiving if you rush the job...
I've looked into hemp insulation myself, but ultimately went with cellulose. Hemp seems great in theory, but as mentioned:
"it's pricier per square foot."
If cost isn't a big issue for you, it might be worth trying. But honestly, cellulose hits that sweet spot between affordability, R-value, and sustainability. Plus, it's pretty forgiving if your walls aren't perfectly straight (mine definitely weren't...). Have you considered how humid your climate is? Hemp supposedly handles moisture well, but I'd double-check that before committing.
