Direct answer
New construction is faster and cheaper (no demolition). Retrofit costs more (drilling, patching, removal) but often delivers higher utility savings because most retrofitted homes were poorly insulated to begin with.
Authoritative sources
- US Department of Energy ↗
DOE Energy Saver guide to insulation types, R-values, and recommended applications.
- IRS Section 25C ↗
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit — up to $1,200/yr for qualifying insulation work.
- Energy Star ↗
Energy Star recommendations for attic and wall insulation R-values by climate zone.
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