Who Cleans Crawl Spaces? The Best Pros to Hire

Your dirty, neglected crawl space can lead to serious problems, including mold growth, pests, foul odors, structural damage, and even higher energy bills. But cleaning it is hardly as simple as grabbing a broom and a trash bag. Crawl spaces are tight, dark, and often damp, making them tricky to address. All of this leaves homeowners asking, "who cleans crawl spaces?" Here are the best pros for the job based on your specific needs. 

Benefits of Hiring a Basement Waterproofing Pro to Clean a Crawl Space

A local basement waterproofing specialist isn't just someone who patches leaks. Experts like these have the training to spot, fix, and prevent leaks and other moisture issues that cause 90% of crawl space messes in the first place.

After inspecting your crawl space, these pros may recommend remedies like French drains, sump pumps, vapor barriers, or foundation repairs before clearing out the junk. They can also assist homeowners with ongoing crawl space maintenance to catch problems early.

Put simply, they don't just clean, they also future-proof your crawl space for good. If it smells like a swamp or looks like a horror movie set, a basement waterproofing specialist can fix it and help homeowners keep it that way.

Can I Hire a Crawl Space Encapsulation Specialist?

These pros can also clean up your dirty crawl space. They are a solid choice for homeowners primarily concerned about humidity, mold growth, and reducing energy costs.

After cleanup, a crawl space encapsulation pro will create an airtight seal by installing vapor barriers and sealing vents, like snapping on a Tupperware lid. They will also add a dehumidifier to keep humidity in check and eliminate the moist conditions that mold loves. The result is a cleaner, healthier crawl space that improves air quality, boosts energy efficiency, and keeps pests, mold, and moisture from returning.

How Do Pros Clean Crawl Spaces?

Pros use specialized gear, including industrial shop vacuums, mold remediation sprayers, and head-to-toe protective clothing. Their step-by-step process includes inspecting, cleaning, and reinforcing to protect your crawl space for the long haul. Here is how it usually all goes down.

• Inspection: The pros will inspect every inch of your crawl space, looking for mold, moisture, critters, and structural sagging so they can devise remedies.

• Structural issues: If beams, joists, or subfloors are sagging or cracking, pros suggest repairs to keep everything solid and safe.

• Clearing: Afterward, they typically clean out junk, including old insulation, rotted wood, debris, and anything else that doesn't belong.

• Mold: Professional-grade treatments may be needed to kill spores and prevent mold growth.

• Pests: If pests like mice and termites live in your crawl space, the crawl space pros may handle it or recommend a pest control service to clear the area.

• Installation: Pros might install sump pumps and vapor barriers or set up dehumidifiers to keep dampness under control.

How Much Does Cleaning a Crawl Space Cost?

Getting the job done can cost as little as $250. However, crawl space cleaning costs typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on labor costs in your area and the amount of work involved. For instance, structural repairs and serious mold issues can add thousands to your total. Additionally, crawl space encapsulation costs have an extensive price range from $1,500 to $20,000, based on your space's size and current condition.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

While it might be tempting to tackle a crawl space cleanup yourself, hiring a pro is far better. Crawl spaces often hide mold, pests, sharp debris, and contaminated air, all serious health hazards without the proper protection. 

Remember, professionals have the training, equipment, and safety gear to clean thoroughly and spot bigger issues you might miss. Hiring a pro doesn't just save you time and trouble, it also protects your health and your home.