If you're buying a brand-new house, chances are it has been insulated to a fare-thee-well. Some of those new houses can practically be lighted with a match. Super-efficient furnaces, terrific insulation, new improved window construction -- heating and cooling bills can be a pleasant surprise.

But when you're buying a used house -- a resale house -- a previously-lived-in house -- the amount and kind of insulation should be a concern to you.

Years ago, when there was a cancer scare about vapors arising from poorly-installed urea-formaldehyde insulation (UFFI), a regulation required sellers to give you a statement about the insulation in their property. In many states, sellers are required to provide a written disclosure about insulation and other aspects of the building's condition. Often, though, the most honest answer about insulation is "I don't know what's there", if the sellers didn't buy the property new themselves.

In any event, the UFFI threat is long gone. That form of insulation is no longer used, and emanations from old installations have vanished long ago.

When the present owner didn't do the insulation and simply doesn't know about it, you can do some sleuthing yourself. The best payback in insulation comes under the attic floor. Look for holes drilled in the risers of the attic steps, where insulation may have been blown in. If in doubt, pry up a board of the attic floor.

Another insulation spot with fine payback for the effort and expense involved is "band" insulation, around the top of the foundation where it meets the floor joists.

And if you fall in love with a landmark house that promises lots of antique drafts -- just make sure insulation is the first thing you add. Inquire about special government programs (FHA offers one) that will let you add the cost of that improvement to your mortgage loan.

Published: February 11, 1999

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