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A walkout basement is considered to be partially below grade because at least one wall is entirely exposed. In some cases and in specific municipalities, inspectors and appraisers will still count walkout basements as below grade, which means the space can’t serve as living space or be rented out. If you intend on using the area as living space or a separate apartment, you should check with your local building department to make sure it’s legal to do so.

You don’t always need to install a dehumidifier in your encapsulated crawl space, but it might be a good idea in certain instances. If you notice obvious signs of condensation, mold, or musty smells permeating from your crawl space, a dehumidifier can help. It’s ideal for homes in humid areas.

In a worst case scenario, structural damage like rust on metal beams, rotting wood, and swelling on doors and windows can signal moisture problems that would benefit from a dehumidifier.

Underfloor insulation alone will not cause moisture and mold, but improper installation can. Although the purpose is to seal any drafts, your subfloor still needs ventilation. If you seal the area too tightly and prevent all airflow, this can cause moisture to get trapped. This moisture eventually leads to mold and—if your floors are wood—rotting.

Your homeowners insurance can cover slab leak repairs, but it really depends on your policy. Some homeowners insurance policies only cover slab leaks caused by natural disasters, while other plans are more comprehensive. You might also want to check your home warranty plan to see if they'll cover the cost of the repairs if one of your appliances caused the leak.