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The primary reason homes have crawl spaces is so the foundation can reach down below the frost line to avoid dangerous soil movement and structural damage when the ground freezes. They’re more popular in colder climates where the ground freezes down to a few feet, and slabs are most popular in warmer areas where there is no frost line. Crawl spaces also provide a space for utility lines to run where they’re at less of a risk of freezing.

Although waterproofing your basement may not directly increase the value of your home, it will protect the value you already have by preventing water damage. A basement without any signs of water will be more appealing to prospective home buyers. A leaky basement is a major red flag during a home inspection, and it will likely reduce the amount that buyers are willing to pay.

If you set up a dehumidifier, it will usually dry out your wet crawl space within 12 to 24 hours. Once the space is dry, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to keep it dry. These include installing a French drain or other exterior foundation drainage system, installing a sump pump in the crawl space, and installing a vapor barrier in addition to leaving the dehumidifier running.

Alternatives to gutter systems include rain chains and drip edges, which work to disperse rain coming off of your roof to a wider section of the ground to prevent erosion and pooling. These options aren’t standalone alternatives to gutters in all parts of the country because they don’t divert water. They’re often reserved for dry climates. On the ground, you can also opt for a drip path or French drain. These can serve as standalone alternatives, but they’re expensive and can detract from your curb appeal and usable yard.