Second story addition insulation in Ann Arbor with batt insulation installed before drywall for long term comfort

We were out on a job in Ann Arbor recently that felt pretty familiar. Nothing was completely broken, but the space still needed to be set up the right way before drywall went in. With a full second story addition, comfort issues can show up fast if insulation isn’t done correctly. That’s usually when we get the call.

What We Found

This wasn’t a case of fixing bad insulation. It was about getting it right from the start. The framing was open, which is honestly the best time to make smart decisions.
• multiple insulation options available
• walls, ceilings, and transitions all needed planning
• coordination with other trades mattered
• timing had to line up before drywall

We see this a lot in Ann Arbor additions. Building new space doesn’t guarantee comfort. It still comes down to how everything is installed.

Why This Matters

A lot of homeowners think insulation is just picking a product and filling the space. But different areas of a home need different approaches. Walls behave differently than ceilings. And airflow still matters even in new construction. There’s a helpful breakdown from the U.S. Department of Energy on air sealing in homes that explains why material choice alone isn’t enough. It lines up with what we walk through with homeowners every day.

What We Did

For this project, we worked through a mix of options including batts, blown cellulose, and spray foam. The goal wasn’t to push one method. It was to build the right combination based on the space and the homeowner’s priorities. Once the plan was set, we handled the install in a way that kept everything moving forward without slowing down other trades. We also adjusted when needed after a drywall change, which happens more often than people think.

How It Went

From our side, it was a smooth job. We stayed in communication, coordinated timing, and kept the workspace clean so the next phase could start right away.

The homeowner said it best:
“I have nothing but positive things to say about the experience I had using Koala insulation to insulate the full second story addition (~900sqft) in my house. From the beginning, Greg was extremely responsive and helpful, providing multiple quotes with different options for batts, blown cellulose, and spray foam, to help determine the correct mix of price and products. He was transparent on the cost of different services provided and helped me figure out which option would work best. When we did settle on a plan, and a change was required later due to a change with drywall, Greg was able to adjust the plan accordingly, with no hiccups. The install team was also great to work with. Bob and Nolan were both effective communicators, letting me know a day or two ahead what their plan was, and working with me to coordinate with other trades in the house. The work they and their team did was quick, effective, and clean, making it easier for us to move onto drywall after.”

Results

The change here is more about what doesn’t happen later.
• rooms heat and cool evenly
• HVAC doesn’t have to overwork
• no delays moving into drywall

That’s usually how you know it was done right from the start.

Local Context

We see this setup all the time in Ann Arbor. New additions done quickly, but insulation decisions rushed. That can create long term comfort issues if it’s not handled correctly upfront.

Learn More About This Type of Work

If you want to see how this fits into the bigger picture, check out our insulation services in Ann Arbor.

Final Thoughts

At Koala Insulation of Greater Ann Arbor, we focus on getting it right the first time. Especially in new construction where timing matters. If your project is coming up or already underway, there’s usually a better way to approach insulation. Call us or visit our website for a free estimate.