Crawl space encapsulation typically costs $5,500
Crawl space encapsulation costs $5,500 on average, with a typical range between $1,500 and $15,000. The cost to seal a crawl space depends on its size, materials, the condition of the space, and any special features. Crawl space encapsulation seals up the area between the floor and the ground, so you can prevent problems like mold, pests, and moisture damage.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $5,500 | $15,000 |
Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost Breakdown
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 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.
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 and clean up.
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, rectifying mold damage, and removing debris. In addition, you must repair any crawl space damage. Crawl space cleaning costs 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.
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 type. On average, spray foam insulation costs between $0.50 and $1.50 per board 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.
Sealing Vents and Hole
Sealing any vents and air leaks ensures the space is fully encapsulated. You can expect the costs to seal your crawlspace to range from $15 to $22 each per vent cover.
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 installations cost 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 getting 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 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 crawlspace for things like the condition of your vapor barrier, insulation, if access and venting requirements are met, and the radon levels.
How Much Does It 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 professional crawl space encapsulation contractor near you, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing the job will be done right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crawl space encapsulation isn’t necessary, but it’s a wise choice. Sealing a crawl space not only reduces damage caused by moisture, mold, and pests, it also increases your home’s value. It can also save you money by reducing energy bills and avoiding costly repairs for structural or foundation damage.
The difference between a vapor barrier and insulation is that a vapor barrier keeps moisture out of the crawl space, while insulation reduces the amount of air and moisture that enters. Both vapor barriers and insulation help prevent humidity and moisture damage in a crawl space.
The cost to repair a crawl space runs between $1,500 and $15,000, depending on the extent of the damage. Major flooding or water repairs can cost up to $10,000 for removal and repairs. If you simply need to clean your crawl space, expect to pay around $500. Replacing a crawl space beam due to rot or damage can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, while removing and replacing damaged insulation costs between $1,000 and $4,000.
