[A930Rocket]

We insulate with a minimum of R30 in SC, NC and GA. I'd ask the price difference between R30 and R38. Wrap your pull down stair open with a 2x6 or 8 to keep the blown insulation from falling in. Insulate your pull down stairs with fg insulation or blueboard.

I always insulate the garage walls and ceiling/attic. Keeps the room above or next to it cooler. An insulated g door helps as well.

Solar powered roof vents are fugly. Use turtle backs and or ridge vent (if you have a gable roof), but make sure you have enough soffit vent to get good air circulation. If you have a hip roof, you may need a power vent, but use a 120v on a thermostat. a new one at HD or Lowes is $100, plus install, $50. if you have any power in your attic, you can jump off that. Don't use any type of power vent with a ridge vent. It will just pull air from the nearest place, the ridge vent.