5 Questions to Ask About Foundation, Basement, or Crawlspace Encapsulation

Crawlspace encapsulation has many benefits, including reducing humidity and water issues, helping to control pests, lowering energy use, and eliminating odor. However, there are many factors to consider before tackling the job. Here are the crawlspace encapsulation questions you'll want your contractor to answer before moving forward. 

1. What problems are you having with the foundation?

Before hiring a crawlspace encapsulation pro near you, establish the state of your home's foundation. This starts with a basic DIY inspection to look for warning signs of foundation issues, which will allow you to develop a plan for your project. If foundation problems exist, you'll want to address those before starting foundation, basement, or crawlspace encapsulation. Encapsulation provides excellent benefits, but it can't fix a problem related to significant foundation damage.

2. Where are you trying to prevent water damage?

By reducing the humidity and eliminating standing water in your home's crawlspace, encapsulation is an effective water damage prevention method. However, it's important to understand that water damage can come from other sources, such as rainwater off the roof or plumbing leaks. Be sure to address these possibilities with your contractor during the project planning stages. Determine whether crawlspace encapsulation is enough to protect your home or if additional work is necessary, such as gutter installation, repair, or plumbing fixes.   

3. What type of project do you need done?

While crawlspace encapsulation is an all-around approach to protecting your home from the elements, the job's specifics vary depending on several factors, including the climate in your area, the structure of the house, and the current condition of the crawlspace. In addition to sealing the space, your project could include adding insulation, landscaping work, and mold remediation. Discuss all of the job-scope possibilities with your contractor during planning.  

4. When do you need this work done?

Depending on your home's structure and layout, a crawlspace encapsulation project can be very intrusive to daily life for a few days or not at all. Additionally, the climate in your area can shift the scheduling for the project, as doing the project during dryer months can be simpler if standing water in the space is a factor. Talk with your contractor about scheduling and timing when planning the work, especially if your basement or crawlspace connects directly to a living space in your home. 

5. Are there any additional tasks you wish to add to the project?

Taking on a crawlspace encapsulation project is an excellent way to protect your home from water damage, mold, critters, and more. It's also a great opportunity to also perform related projects. Many homeowners get a professional energy audit of their home around the same time as crawlspace encapsulation. Gutter installation or repair and adding insulation to other parts of the house are also common additional projects relating to encapsulation. Discuss these and other home-protection projects with your contractor when talking about crawlspace work.