If you’re a Virginia homeowner with an untreated crawl space, the main thing likely holding you back from addressing issues is the cost of crawl space encapsulation. Crawl space encapsulation offers a host of benefits, from improved health to boosted home value. But as they’re hidden away under your home, crawl spaces often fall to the very bottom of the to-do list.
Added to that is the fact that crawl space encapsulation costs vary widely from job to job. It can be difficult to give a specific estimate without first evaluating the space’s size, features, and needs.
If you’re exploring crawl space encapsulation services for your home, here’s how your estimate could be calculated.
What is Crawl Space Encapsulation and Its Benefits?
A crawl space encapsulation is the process of sealing a crawl space to prevent excess moisture from wreaking havoc on your home. When done correctly, crawl space encapsulation benefits your home for years and even decades to come. It creates a clean, balanced environment that inhibits mold growth, prevents pests, and protects your home’s foundation.
When you encapsulate your crawl space, you might enjoy:
- Better air quality
- Improved health for yourself, your loved ones, and your pets
- Fewer bugs and rodents in your home
- A lower energy bill every month
You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your foundation is protected against mold, moisture, and termites.
Typical Cost of Crawl Space Encapsulation in Virginia
When researching crawl space encapsulation costs, you may find it hard to pinpoint a specific number. You’ve probably seen prices anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. What accounts for the wide range? Crawl space encapsulation costs are highly individual and heavily dependent on the size, features, and issues of your specific crawl space.
You can still get some clarity on the factors that affect the price of an encapsulation before you commit. These factors include:
Complexity
Excess moisture can damage crawl spaces and invite pests like termites that undermine the integrity of your foundation. The longer you wait to address these issues, the worse the damage and the more complex the remediation. A crawl space with light damage will cost less than a crawl space with severe mold and pest problems.
Square footage
Smaller crawl spaces will likely cost less than ones with more square footage, but the height also needs to be taken into consideration. A crawl space with 7 feet of clearance is easier to navigate than one with 3 feet of clearance, but it also requires more materials.
Materials
Another factor that determines your final bill are the crawl space encapsulation materials needed to do the job right. Encapsulation is a carefully calibrated job that involves foam sealant, pest resistant insulation, and in some cases, industrial dehumidifiers.
Features
In some cases, crawl spaces need sump pumps or French drains to remove groundwater and keep conditions dry. If your crawl space requires these interventions, your crawl space encapsulation will cost more than one without.
Condition
Like complexity, the level of damage your crawl space has sustained will impact your bottom line. If you need mold remediation, pest control, floor joist replacement, or foundation repair, these services will add to your final bill.
When Should I Hire Crawl Space Experts?
It can be tempting to consider a DIY approach to crawl space encapsulation, but DIY has hidden costs that are important to consider.
Your time and energy are valuable.
While you might not be paying for labor, it’s still time away from friends, family, and other pursuits. And you’re likely to spend twice to three times as long working on your crawl space as a professional might.
Safety considerations are also key.
Working in a crawl space almost inevitably means exposure to mold, mildew, and structural hazards. Before tackling your crawl space, you’ll need to brush up on critical safety precautions and buy the appropriate gear. Otherwise, you run the risk of incurring avoidable medical expenses that wipe out the savings you were after with a DIY approach.
An improper installation can also lead to more problems down the line.
You may end up needing to call a professional in the long run anyway, negating all the time, energy, and equipment you invested. Additionally, a professional approach comes frequently comes with a warranty and other money-saving incentives that will give you peace of mind for the long term.
Contact Our Crawl Space Service Professionals
You can count on the trusted professionals at Crawl Space Care to give you a clear, transparent, and competitive estimate for your crawl space encapsulation. Best of all, an inspection is free and the estimate is no-obligation.
We bring over 25 years of experience and have helped over 1,000 homeowners have better air quality, lower energy bills, healthier foundations, and peace of mind with crawl space encapsulation.