Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost Factors
Cost factors for a crawl space encapsulation are its size, condition, foundation waterproofing, insulation installation, vapor barrier installation costs, and crawl space dehumidifier costs.
Crawl Space Size
Basic crawl space encapsulations cost between $2 and $4 per square foot, while more extensive encapsulations are between $3 and $10 per square foot. The latter typically involves more substantial cleaning, repairs, and requested features.
| Crawl Space Size | Encapsulation Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (1,000 square feet) | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Medium (2,000 square feet) | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Large (4,000 square feet) | $15,000–$20,000 |
Crawl Space Condition
If your crawl space has pests, mold, or other problems that the contractor needs to address, you should expect to add costs for cleaning and inspection.
Crawl Space Inspection
A crawl space inspection typically costs between $100 and $250, but prices vary depending on the size and condition of the home.
Prep
Properly preparing for your crawl space encapsulation will help ensure that your project is a success. Before contractors begin work, you should first make sure that they will be able to access the entry point easily. This might mean moving furniture pieces around or emptying out a closet, depending on where the entryway is located.
Next, all repairs to the crawl space should be completed before encapsulation. If you have any issues like standing water, damage to electrical or plumbing systems, or rotting wood, you need to fix the source of the problem.
Lastly, clean up the floor as much as you can. Sweep up any debris like small rocks.
Drainage and Cleaning
Crawl space cleaning is essential for eliminating pests, removing mold, and removing debris. In addition, you must repair any crawl space damage. Crawl space cleaning costs range from $500 to $4,000, while repairs typically cost between $1,500 and $15,000.
Foundation Waterproofing
On average, homeowners pay $4,600 for foundation waterproofing, but the cost can range from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on the system's complexity and the home's size. You can figure out the best option for your home by contacting a local waterproofing contractor.
Sealing Vents and Holes
Sealing any vents and air leaks ensures the space is fully encapsulated. You can expect the cost to seal your crawl space to range from $15 to $22 per vent cover.
Materials
Foundation Wall Insulation
Crawl space insulation is essential to preventing moisture damage. Many homeowners opt for spray foam insulation because it is typically the most durable. On average, spray foam insulation costs between $0.50 and $1.50 per board foot.
| Insulation Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Spray foam | $0.50–$1.50 per board foot |
| Rigid foam board | $0.60–$2.00 per square foot |
| Fiberglass batt | $0.30–$1.50 per square foot |
Vapor Barrier Installation
The vapor barrier lines the ground and walls within the crawl space and prevents moisture from entering. A standard 20-millimeter crawl space vapor barrier costs $0.50 to $0.70 per square foot. In addition, you’ll need to buy tape to secure the vapor barrier, which usually costs around $50 for a 4-inch-by-180-foot roll. Thin, inexpensive plastic will be more likely to rip and thus be less effective, while a thicker sheet will be less durable and more effective in keeping out moisture.
Drainage System
You should consider installing a sump pump for those areas with a high water table or in homes with crawl spaces below ground level. A sump pump removes accumulated water by pumping it into a bin.
Sump pumps range from $60 to $170 for pedestal units and $100 to $400 for submersible units. Whole sump pump installation costs roughly $1,300. Submersible sump pumps might involve additional costs for the labor it takes to dig the pit.
Dehumidifier
To keep the space dry, your contractor will recommend a dehumidifier, particularly if you live somewhere with high humidity. Simply closing the vents is not adequate insulation and can trap damp air that gives rise to mold. A dehumidifier costs roughly between $800 and $1,200 without installation costs.
Labor
Hiring professional contractors will raise the total project cost, depending on the contractor’s level of experience and the project’s complexity. Labor typically makes up between 50% and 70% of the total encapsulation costs.
Permits
Depending on your municipality, you may need a permit for crawl space encapsulation. So before you begin any work, it’s best to check with your local city or county offices. The permit can be required for different stages of work, even during the prep stage, like if you are doing mold remediation. Inspectors may check your crawl space for things like the condition of your vapor barrier, insulation, if access and venting requirements are met, and the radon levels.
Ongoing Crawl Space Encapsulation Costs
Every crawl space encapsulation project comes with challenges unique to each home. The project bid you receive from your contractor should include price listings of everything necessary to seal your crawl space from the elements completely. It’s also important to remember there are costs to consider beyond those upfront costs that come along with the encapsulation. From maintenance to repairs, here are some ongoing costs to consider for a crawl space encapsulation.
Drainage System Repair
Whether your crawl space encapsulation project is equipped with a sump pump, drainage pipes, or other methods of water removal, there will likely be ongoing costs for the system’s maintenance. Ensuring the drainage system is working properly is important to avoid any excess moisture from accumulating.
Pest Control and Mold Remediation
If there is a pest infestation in your crawl space prior to completing the encapsulation project, expect to spend an average of $384 to cover the cost of removing animals. Additionally, regular check-ins with pest control specialists is something you’ll likely want to spend some money on down the line to ensure everything is clear.
Depending on the severity of the issue, the cost to deal with mold will vary but it’s worth noting nonetheless. If the mold is more than minimal you’ll find yourself spending an average of $2,325 to remedy the issue. Going forward, it’s important to have the crawl space encapsulation inspected by professionals for mold.
HVAC System Modification
Your HVAC system may require modification to account for altering airflow in and around the home. While minor modification costs can be insignificant, replacing or moving ductwork, if necessary, can cost up to $2,500.
Ongoing Inspections
Routine inspections are an essential ongoing cost after a crawl space encapsulation. Hiring a professional inspector to check for things like damaged insulation, ductwork issues, and moisture content will cost around $100 to $300.
Cost to Encapsulate a Crawl Space Yourself
Encapsulating a crawl space is challenging to complete yourself, and you risk developing health issues from mold exposure. In addition, trying to do this task yourself may lead to foundation damage, resulting in costly damage repairs down the road.
There are certain scenarios in which skilled homeowners can install crawl space encapsulation without the help of a professional. For instance, if you’re experienced and bought your home recently, there’s less possibility for mold, pests, or extensive damage, making it possible you could DIY. However, ensure you’ve done your research on necessary tools, safety precautions, and instructions.
If you discover issues like pests or mold, address these before installing crawl space encapsulation. As a DIY job, crawl space encapsulation costs will only comprise the materials:
| Supplies | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dehumidifier | $800 – $1,200 |
| Insulation board (2-inch thick) | $26 |
| 20-millimeter Vapor barrier | $.50 – $.70 per sq. ft. |
| 4-inch vapor bond tape | Roughly $50 for a 180-foot roll |
| Sump pump (pedestal unit) | $60 – $170 |
| Sump pump (submersible unit) | $100 – 400 |
Failing to properly apply and set up these materials can cause long-term damage to your house, which is why hiring a pro is usually best.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While you can save money on labor costs by opting to go the DIY route, make sure that you aren’t taking on more than you can handle. Crawl spaces can be damp and high in moisture, which can lead to issues like mold, mildew, and pests that require extensive skills and tools to handle. By hiring a crawl space encapsulation contractor, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing the job will be done right.
Advantages of Encapsulating Your Crawl Space
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While encapsulating your crawl space can require a substantial investment, the project has extensive benefits that will save you money now and in the future. The benefits for crawl space encapsulation include:
Protect your home's structure - Encapsulation reduces or eliminates rot damage from moisture to the foundation and underside of your home.
Lower your heating and cooling bills - Reducing heat transfer between your home's crawl space and the outdoors increases your heating and cooling efficiency, which can reduce your monthly energy bills.
Improve air quality in the home - Sealing out moisture from under your house can reduce the presence of molds and bacteria that can create airborne toxins. Or, the project can simply seal out musty crawl space smells that could otherwise reach the home's living space.
Minimize pest intrusion - The same barriers that block moisture and air also can discourage insects from finding favorable conditions if they get in.
Isolate vulnerable flooring materials - By protecting the structure and subfloor, vulnerable interior floors such as wood, carpet, and tile also experience protection from moisture damage and problems from rot in structural members.
Increase the resale value of your home - While crawl space encapsulation isn't as flashy as a home addition, the project can add value to your home and appeal to potential buyers not wanting to do the project after purchasing.
Ways to Save Money on Crawl Space Encapsulation Costs
Contractor prices for crawl space encapsulation vary widely depending on the home's size, project complexity, foundation conditions, and the project's scope, meaning that specific steps are required to protect an individual home's crawl space.
While most costs are beyond the control of the customer, and DIY encapsulations can encounter more problems than they're worth, there are still a couple of things you can do to help manage the price.
Most contractors won't allow you to purchase your own materials to avoid their material markups. However, most will allow you to choose from less expensive options, such as opting for foam board over spray foam insulation.
You can perform some of the preparation work yourself. You're limited in this option to decluttering and cleaning out the crawl space before obtaining bids for your encapsulation project. While the savings may not be huge, your contractor won't have to tack on unnecessary clean-out charges to your proposal.
Bundling your crawl space encapsulation with other home renovation projects, especially those having to do with foundation repairs or additions, can save significant money over splitting up the work.
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