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Yes, it is possible to over-dehumidify a house by removing too much moisture from the air. This can create an overly dry environment that negatively affects those with respiratory or skin issues, and may cause your skin, hair, and sinuses to feel dry. However, this is unlikely to happen with most modern dehumidifiers, as they are equipped with moisture sensors and adjustable settings. These features allow the unit to pause automatically when the desired humidity level is reached, preventing the air from becoming uncomfortably dry. In contrast, older or more basic dehumidifiers left running for too long could potentially over-dry the air. To avoid this, aim for a balance between removing excess moisture and maintaining a comfortable environment. You can often monitor your home's humidity levels using a modern thermostat for guidance.

A plastic vapor barrier should completely cover your basement to prevent water from penetrating through the walls. This typically goes before installing insulation to prevent moisture from building up and becoming trapped on the inside of your insulation, where it can collect and lead to mold damage. Installing insulation after the vapor barrier allows for any moisture to exit the walls for better ventilation.

You should plan on waiting at least a year and ideally two to three years after construction before finishing your basement. This will give the foundation time to settle in response to the weight of your home and the expansion of the surrounding soil. You can then repair your foundation and seal any cracks as needed before finishing it to reduce your risk of future leaks or other issues.

Yes, a crawl space can add value to your home. However, there is a higher chance of it adding value if it is an enclosed crawl space, as this reduces issues caused by excess moisture in the home. That being said, a basement does add more value than a crawl space.