If you decide to fill the space around your home’s foundation with landscaping materials, it’s important to consider the aesthetic as well as technical factors like drainage and protection from pests and the elements. Materials such as gravel, rubber mulch, concrete, and brick masonry are all good options.

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.

You can DIY basement waterproofing in some ways to help save on the overall costs. If your basement isn’t experiencing a lot of water but is noticeably humid, you can try running a dehumidifier that will pull the excess water out of the air. If you notice water leaking due to outdoor drainage issues, you can add downspout extensions to keep rainwater away from your home. 

However, if the problem is more severe and requires a more extensive solution, it’s best to call a basement waterproofing professional to assess the treatment you need and install waterproofing safeguards properly. Since keeping water out of your basement is important, ensuring this job is done correctly the first time is best.

Plan on cleaning your crawl space at least once a year, though twice a year is ideal. During the cleaning, remove any debris or dust and check for potential issues like pest infestations or water damage. The sooner you catch these issues, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix them.