What are the Costs of Home Insulation?

The total costs of home insulation vary per measure, house type, insulation surface and chosen material. In 2025, the average costs for insulation measures in the Netherlands are between € 1,000 and € 15,000 per home. The overviews below provide insight into the most common cost levels, including VAT and installation.

1. Average cost per measure (2025)

The exact costs depend on the type of house, accessibility, choice of materials and level of finish.

2. Total insulation costs per house type (when combining multiple measures)

Combinations can consist of roof, floor and cavity wall insulation plus glass insulation.

3. Subsidy deduction (ISDE 2025)

When two or more measures are implemented, a home is eligible for a higher subsidy per m². Examples:

• Cavity wall insulation + floor insulation: up to € 1,200 subsidy
• Roof insulation (60 m²) with biobased material: up to € 2,250 subsidy
• HR++ glass (30 m²): up to € 1,380 subsidy

The subsidy significantly reduces the net investment, depending on the measure and material choice.

4. Factors that influence the price

• Accessibility (crawl space, attic, roof slope)
• Current state of construction (e.g. repair work)
• Material type and insulation value
• Possible combination discount for multiple measures
• Subsidy and VAT advantage

5. Payback period and energy saving

Savings depend on gas price, usage and insulation level.

Conclusion

The general costs for home insulation are in 2025 well predictable and financially attractive, especially in combination with the available ISDE subsidy and the 9% VAT rate on labor. Those who combine multiple measures benefit from economies of scale, higher subsidy amounts and a significantly faster payback period. Professional advice and a customized quote are crucial for a profitable execution.

A terraced house with a living space of approximately 90 m² has on average the following usable surfaces per insulation type:

• Cavity wall: ± 50 m²
• Floor: ± 45 m²
• Roof: ± 60 m²
• Glass surface: ± 25 m² (HR++ replacement)

The table below shows the average costs, subsidy amounts (when combining ≥2 measures) and net investment per measure.

1. Overview of costs and subsidies per insulation type (2025)

2. Total investment with 3 combined measures

For example: floor insulation + cavity wall insulation + roof insulation

Including biobased surcharges (if applicable), excluding additional options such as flooring or roof foil.

3. Annual savings (indication)

The payback period averages 3 to 7 years, depending on the gas price, heating behavior, and any material choices.

Conclusion

For a standard terraced house of 90 m², the total investment in insulation averages between €5,000 and €7,000 gross, with a net investment of approximately €2,000 to €4,500 after deduction of subsidies. By combining multiple measures, the return increases and the subsidies become significantly higher. The annual savings can amount to more than €1,000, resulting in an attractive payback period and structural reduction of energy costs.

The price of an insulation measure is determined by several interrelated factors. Technical, structural and economic aspects all play a role. The following factors have a direct impact on the amount of the investment.

1. Type of house and insulation surface

The larger the house and the insulation surface, the higher the total costs. At the same time, the price per m² often decreases with larger surfaces due to economies of scale.

2. Choice of insulation measure

The costs per m² differ per type of measure. For example, roof insulation is more expensive than cavity wall insulation, but usually also provides higher energy savings.

3. Accessibility and structural situation

Access to the floor, roof or facade is determining for the execution time and labor costs. Examples of situations that lead to higher costs:

• Crawl spaces lower than 40 cm
• Roof constructions with obstacles or poor accessibility
• Facades with limited workspace or monumental status
• Rotten wooden floors or roof boarding (additional work)

4. Material selection and insulation value

The quality of the insulation material also determines the price. Materials with a higher insulation value (low λ-value) are generally more expensive, but also provide more savings and comfort.

5. Subsidy and tax benefits

The ISDE subsidy significantly reduces the net costs. When combining two or more measures, the subsidy amount per m² doubles. Also, the VAT rate on labor costs has been reduced from 21% to 9% for homes older than two years.

6. Contractor and execution period

The pricing of insulation companies varies by region, experience and period. Companies with quality marks and experience often charge a slightly higher price, but deliver better work and ensure correct subsidy application. Also applies: during the high season prices can rise due to capacity pressure.

7. Combination with other work

If insulation is combined with renovation or maintenance work (such as roof replacement, facade repair or floor repair), the additional costs can decrease because preparatory work is already being carried out. This significantly reduces the additional cost for insulation.

Conclusion

The total price of an insulation project is influenced by a combination of architectural, technical and financial factors. By planning well, requesting multiple quotes, using subsidies and choosing the right materials and method per house section, the investment can be optimized. Professional advice in advance is indispensable for making the right choice.

In addition to the standard costs for insulation, there are regularly additional work or choices in practice that affect the total price. Some extra options are optional and focused on comfort or sustainability, others are technically necessary to ensure correct execution.

1. Additional construction costs (if necessary)

In older homes or specific constructions, repair work may be necessary before or during the application of insulation.

2. Insulation upgrades (optional or required by law)

Additional measures may be necessary for optimal performance or compliance with applicable building regulations.

3. Sustainable or aesthetic optional extras

These options are often chosen in the context of sustainability, visual quality or increased comfort.

4. Subsidy and VAT implication on extra options

• ISDE subsidy: applies to extra insulation thickness and biobased materials, provided the technical requirements are met.
• VAT 9% on labor: also applies to additional work that is part of the insulation job (ventilation, foil, piping), provided it is carried out on homes older than 2 years.
• Not eligible for subsidy: aesthetic finishing, painting, demolition of non-structural parts.

5. Advice: have all options broken down in the quotation

Ask insulation companies for a clear breakdown of:

• Basic work (including m² price)
• Possible additional costs for extra options
• Subsidy amounts and possible application support

This creates transparency about the additional cost of choices and about the payback period.

Conclusion

Extra options and costs for insulation are partly technically necessary, partly dependent on personal preference or housing goals. Good advice, a complete quote and attention to detail are essential to avoid surprises. Those who choose specifically increase the living comfort, increase the property value and maximize the subsidy benefit.

Investing in insulation is effective and profitable, but the costs can vary considerably depending on the situation. With the following measures and considerations, homeowners can optimize their investment and avoid unnecessary expenses.

1. Combine multiple insulation measures

The ISDE subsidy doubles the subsidy amount per m² as soon as two or more energy-saving measures are combined. This results in significant savings compared to separate execution.

2. Choose certified contractors

Only measures carried out by recognised insulation companies are eligible for subsidy. In addition, certified companies generally offer better guarantees, correct execution and often assistance with subsidy applications.

Quality marks to look out for:

• SKG-IKOB
• KOMO
• Insula Certificatie

3. Request multiple quotes

The prices between insulation companies vary significantly. Request at least three quotes and compare them on:

• Price per m² (including labor and material)
• Insulation value (Rd-value)
• Warranty conditions
• Processing method
• Including or excluding subsidy application service

4. Take advantage of the reduced VAT rate

For homes older than two years, a reduced VAT rate of 9% applies to labor costs. This benefit is immediately noticeable on the final invoice and is automatically applied if correctly specified on the quote.

5. Avoid oversizing

A higher insulation thickness or value does not always yield more return. Have a customized advice drawn up in advance to avoid unnecessarily expensive choices. Optimal insulation is custom work, not standard.

6. Plan outside the peak season

Insulation companies often offer competitive rates in the spring and autumn due to lower occupancy. Planning outside the traditional construction season can be financially advantageous and shorten waiting times.

7. Request subsidy support from the insulation company

Many companies offer free support with the application for ISDE subsidy. This saves time, prevents errors in the application and increases the chance of full allocation of the subsidy amount.

8. Choose biobased materials (if applicable)

When using biobased insulation materials – such as wood fiber or cellulose – an additional subsidy bonus of €2 to €5 per m² applies in 2025. This can partially or fully compensate for the price difference with traditional materials.

9. Combine with maintenance or renovation

Does the roof, floor or facade need to be renovated or repaired? Then combine this with insulation. This means that preparatory work and scaffolding material are often already available, which reduces the additional costs for insulation.

10. Pay attention to the payback period per measure

Focus on measures with a short payback period (such as cavity wall insulation or floor insulation) to quickly realize returns. Roof insulation and glass insulation require more investment, but offer more comfort and added value in the long term.

Conclusion

Insulating doesn't have to be expensive, provided you plan strategically and make smart choices. By combining measures, comparing quotes, making use of subsidies and taking into account architectural conditions, the investment can be significantly reduced. Qualitative insulation remains the most effective way to structurally save on energy costs.