A: Adding insulation should help make those rooms more comfortable and save on energy bills all year round. You have a few different options for insulating above your garage, depending on your local building codes, the size of the area, your budget, and whether you intend to hire a professional or do it yourself.

If the garage is not sheetrocked, install FS (flame-spread) rated batt insulation and cover with sheetrock. Be sure to check your local building codes; most states require 1/2" sheetrock while others require 5/8" inch next to garages adjacent to living quarters and attics. Garages are considered a higher hazard space due to the possible storage of flammable and combustible liquids and the fact that they typically do not have smoke detectors in unheated garages.

If your garage is already sheetrocked, the quickest way would be to have blown-in insulation installed behind the sheetrock. However, blown-in insulation may be prohibitively expensive if your garage is very small and the contractor charges for a minimum amount, whether you need it all or not.

If this is the case, and you decide to do it yourself to save money, remove the existing sheetrock, install the FS batt insulation and replace the sheetrock, according to local building codes. You might also be able to use rigid foam board with a radiant barrier instead of sheetrock, but be sure to check the local codes and regulations before doing so.

For a referral for reputable insulation contractors to discuss your options, or any other type of home improvement specialist, visit Home Advisor, and be matched with the ideal service professional in your area!

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com