How Much Does Crawl Space Repair And Cleaning Cost?

Cost to Clean or Repair Crawl Space

Crawl space cleaning and repair costs $1,500 to $15,000 and is typically part of an encapsulation. Crawl space foundation repair costs $2,000 to $8,000. Mold in a crawl space removal costs $500 to $4,000. Wet crawl space repairs cost $1,500 to $5,000. Replacing a support beam runs $1,500 to $4,000.

Crawl space renovation prices depend on the size of the crawl space, severity and extent of the damage, accessibility, inspection fees, and if waterproofing or drainage systems are required.

A wet or damaged crawl space can cause mold growth, structural damage to the foundation, and pose a health hazard. Consult with foundation repair contractors near you to get an in-person inspection and accurate quote, or read detailed costs below.

Crawl Space Repair Cost

Crawl space repair costs $2,500 to $8,000 on average, depending on the extent of damage. Common repairs are fixing the foundation, replacing structural support beams, cleaning up water damage, replacing the insulation, or replacing the vapor barrier plastic.

Permanent solutions typically include cleaning, pest control, and installing a dehumidifier, drainage system, and encapsulation.

Crawl Space Foundation Repair Cost

Crawl space foundation repair costs $2,000 to $8,000 or more to fix sinking or settling. A damaged foundation may require replacing piers or underpinning to raise or increase strength, fixing cracks, releveling the house by mudjacking, or other repair methods.

Steel-based foundations are more challenging and cost more to repair than wooden-based. A permanent solution requires inspecting the stability of the soil underneath the home.

Wet Crawl Space Repair Cost

Water damage repair costs $1,500 to $5,000 on average to cleanup a wet crawl space. Severe flooding or water in a crawl space costs up to $10,000 for removal and repairs. Crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation costs $5,000 to $15,000 to prevent future issues.

Replacing wet insulation, walls, support beams, or remediating mold adds $500 to $5,000 or more. The volume of water and the length of time the crawl space is exposed impacts the level of damage and restoration costs as well as health risks.

• Hiring a plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour to fix leaky pipes and prevent recurrences.
• Installing a drainage system costs $800 to $3,000 to prevent seepage and excess water from pooling.
• A full crawl space encapsulation costs $1,500 to $15,000, while replacing a vapor barrier runs $1,200 to $4,000.

Cost To Replace Support Beam In Crawl Space

Replacing a support beam in a crawl space costs $1,500 to $4,000 for structural repairs. Costs depend on the beam's size, weight, and material (wood or steel), what it supports, and accessibility. A small section of beam damage from a leak may be repairable in place, which costs 50% less.

Whether the beam can be replaced through the outside wall or if excavating a trench is necessary also affects the total cost. In rare cases, a 30'+ long deep beam supporting a significant portion of the house costs $10,000 to $20,000 to replace.

A structural engineer's inspection and design plan costs $250 to $1,000 and is typically required to get a building permit and start construction. Builders then set up a temporary support system for the home and foundation while replacing the beam.

Cost To Remove Insulation In Crawl Space

Crawl space insulation replacement costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot or between $500 and $3,700. Prices depend on the insulation type (batts or spray foam) and thickness, if the pipes are being foam-wrapped, and the crawl space's height.

*Average total for a 1,000 SF crawl space with 3' high walls. Removing old insulation adds $1 to $2 per square foot.

*Prices include both removal and replacement.

Old, wet insulation can harbor mold, mildew, and rodent excrement. A properly insulated crawl space increases the home’s energy efficiency and durability, and reduces the entry of moisture, radon, and outside air.

Proper moisture control is critical before replacing the insulation to avoid trapping moisture and causing rot in the wood framing. Crawl space or basement waterproofing costs $2,000 to $6,000 on average.

Spray foam insulation costs $1,500 to $3,600, lasts the longest, and is more moisture-resistant. However, it can prevent future pipe or electrical repairs and may not be suitable for the crawl space, depending on the type of wiring and climate.

Cost To Replace Crawl Space Plastic

Replacing a crawl space vapor barrier or plastic costs $2 to $4 per square foot or between $1,200 and $4,000 on average. The vapor barrier plastic alone costs $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot without installation.

Any water damage, mold, excess moisture, or wet insulation needs fixing before replacing the plastic, which may increase the overall cost. A vapor barrier reduces humidity levels and should be replaced when the plastic has tears, the seals are failing, or when the insulation has gotten wet.

Crawl Space Vent Repair

The average cost to install crawl space vents is $15 to $150 per vent, depending on the type and number of vents. Sealing crawl space vents cost $150 to $450, which creates a conditioned crawl space required for full encapsulation.

Crawl space vents that are not installed or maintained correctly can lead to moisture damage, pests, mold, wood rot, mildew, and even structural issues. Plus, vents help properly insulate the home, which affects heating and cooling costs. Also, a sealed crawl space uses 15 to 18 percent less energy than a vented crawl space.

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Crawl Space Cleaning Cost

Crawl space cleaning costs $500 to $2,000 for a basic clean up of debris and from $500 to $4,000 for mold removal, fungus treatment, sewer water cleanout, or extensive pest control. The cost to clean a crawl space depends on the size, condition, type of cleaning, and accessibility.

Mold In Crawl Space Removal Cost

Mold removal costs $15 to $30 per square foot or from $500 to $4,000 for the average crawl space. More extensive jobs cost $2,000 to $6,000 to remove mold in a crawl space, air ducts, walls, and replace contaminated insulation. Costs depend on the mold size and type, cause, and accessibility.

*Additional fees may apply for mold testing and fixing plumbing leaks. Mold testing costs $200 to $400 for a visual inspection and taking samples.

Mold on concrete beams, wood joists, and insulation are signs of water issues or high humidity and should be treated immediately. Mold, mildew, and bacteria are rarely confined to the crawl space, and spores spread into the walls, ventilation system, and enter the home through the air.

Exposure to mold is dangerous and can cause or worsen respiratory problems like asthma and allergies. Mold treatment requires encapsulation, sealing, a dehumidifier, a vapor barrier, and possibly a drainage system.

Crawl Space Fungus Treatment Cost

Crawl space fungus treatment costs $500 to $4,000, with most people spending $2,000 on average, depending on the extent of growth and size of the spread. Fungal growth like white mold, mushrooms, slime fungi, and wood rot uses the same treatment and costs the same as mold removal.

While mold is a serious threat, a wood-destroying fungus like white, brown, or soft rot jeopardizes the home's structural integrity if left untreated. Fungus in a crawl space is often contained in a small area but indicates all of the following problems:

• Excessive moisture
• Decaying organic matter
• Airborne fungal and mold spores can potentially enter the living space and cause allergic reactions and be toxic.
• Warm breeding grounds for mold and bacteria to grow rapidly

Crawl Space Pest & Rodent Control

Crawl space rodent and pest control costs $200 to $700, including setting traps and bait, minor cleaning, and a follow-up visit. Resolving extensive pest infestations with a complete cleaning and sealing entry points costs $1,500 to $4,000.

Insect and animal infestations in a crawl space can cause structural damage to the foundation and pose a health hazard. Signs of pest infestation in a crawl space include:

• Animal droppings
• Chew marks on the wooden floor joists
• Foul odors
• Rotting food scraps dragged in from outside
• Small burrowing holes dug into dirt floors
• Shredded insulation
• Damaged plastic piping
• Loose and gnawed wires

Reasons To Clean Up Crawl Space

Hiring a professional to clean the crawl space before any extensive repairs. Cleaning comes with many benefits, such as:

• Keep mold spores and allergens out of interior air. Since 40% to 60% of the air in the home circulates up from the crawl space, cleaning and disinfecting improves indoor air quality and the whole family’s health.
• Prevent pest infestations. Regular cleaning stops insects and rodents from taking over and prevents animal remains or waste from occurring.
• Increase storage space. A dry, sanitary, sealed, and encapsulated crawl space enables extra storage space.
• Increase home resale value. A dry, dirt-free crawl space that's been well maintained is attractive to buyers. Plus, home inspections will be easier and cheaper.
• Lower maintenance costs. Keeping the crawl space clean and fixing issues immediately prevents greater damage to the home’s structure. Plus, catching damage early makes it easier and less expensive to repair.

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Crawl Space Restoration & Cleanout Cost Factors

The main cost factors to repair and clean out a crawl space are the size and condition of the crawl space and the type and extent of work required for restoration.

Size of Crawl Space

A small crawl space costs $500 to $2,000 to cleanout, while a large area runs $2,000 to $4,000. Short crawl spaces less than 3 feet high cost more to clean and restore due to limited accessibility.

Condition

A standard cleaning without any unexpected problems costs $500 to $1,500. With multiple issues such as cleaning, mold removal, foundation repairs, sealing, installing a drainage system, and new insulation costs $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the overall condition.

A large crawl space with completely rotten floor joists and beams, regular flooding, and extensive fungal growth costs upwards of $20,000 for the structural repairs, water management solution, mold treatment, and moisture control.

Wet crawl spaces may require multiple solutions such as leaky pipe repair, waterproofing and sealing cracks, redirecting gutters, landscape grading, or installing a french drain.

Crawl Space Inspection

A crawl space inspection costs $100 to $250 on average, depending on the size, level of access, and working conditions. Radon, mold, or asbestos testing costs $100 to $300 extra. Adding the crawl space to a full home inspection costs $50 to $100 more than usual.

If the crawl space deemed unsafe, the inspector is not required to enter until cleaning and repairs are made to fix the health hazards. Check the crawl space yourself every six months, especially before heavy rains or snow thaw begins.

A crawl space inspector checks for:

• Weaknesses in the foundation
• Presence of mold or mildew
• Leaking water and sewage pipes
• Humid air, moisture buildup, and water damage
• Ventilation status
• Vapor barrier strength
• Insulation problems
• Termites and other pest infestations
• Condition of the electrical wiring

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Crawl Space Maintenance

A well-maintained crawl space protects the foundation, prevents moisture problems, and prevents harmful gasses from entering the home. Solving crawl space problems includes the following:

• Checking for high moisture levels, signs of mold, plumbing pipe leaks and rusting, rotting beams or floor joists, or wet insulation.
• Cleaning and disinfecting the crawl space
• Looking for rodents and other pest infestations
• Inspecting for signs of leaks or ventilation issues
• Venting out trapped air to prevent radon buildup
• Encapsulation, and making sure the vapor barrier is free of tears
• Checking and cleaning the dehumidifier unit
• Looking for loose or exposed wiring

Crawl Space Issues & Solutions

Encapsulation, sealing, and other restorative work is necessary to prevent future damages and flooding. The following list of crawl space solutions helps prevent any future water and health issues:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is My Crawl Space?

A crawl space is a hollow area located between the ground and the first floor. Most are 1 to 3 feet high and allow crawling access to ductwork, plumbing, and wiring. Crawl space entrances look like cellar doors outside the home or inside an attached garage. Homes with a basement or a concrete slab foundation don’t have a crawl space.

What Is The Purpose of a Crawl Space Foundation?

The primary purpose of a crawl space is to promote air circulation through the home and allow convenient access to repair and install electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating systems. A crawl space elevates a house to deter termites and provides additional storage space.

Is Crawl Space Encapsulation A Good Idea?

Crawl space encapsulation reduces moisture, humidity, mold, mildew, radon, and pests. Encapsulation keeps the crawl space clean, improves indoor air quality, stops allergens and pollutants, and protects the foundation, posts, and joists. Plus, it provides a clean storage area and reduces energy bills.

Will Water In A Crawl Space Go Away?

Standing water in a crawl space requires repairing any water damage, removing any mold, waterproofing, and installing a dehumidifier, drainage system, and encapsulation. Water in a crawl space leads to wood rot, pests, mold, structural damage, and poses health risks. It’s critical to remove water from a crawl space as soon as possible.

How Much Mold In A Crawl Space Is Acceptable?

No amount of mold in a crawl space is acceptable. Mold affects indoor air quality, causes allergic reactions, can be toxic to your health, and can feed on wooden structures causing decay. Mold is largely preventable through cleaning, sealing, and dehumidifying, but quickly spreads if left untreated.

How Do You Disinfect A Crawl Space?

To disinfect a crawl space, remove any contaminated debris and sources of mold and moisture. Then after the area is dry, apply diluted bleach, hydrogen peroxide, a borate spray, or other anti-fungal cleaning agents to the surface for at least 5 minutes.

Always take safety precautions and wear protective gear. Call a mold removal specialist for moldy areas larger than 10 square feet, signs of mold in HVAC air ducts, asbestos, or sewage leaks to avoid health risks. Hiring a professional is safer, effective, and more efficient.

How Much Does Crawl Space Renovation Cost?

Converting a crawl space into a basement costs $50 to $150 per square foot or between $50,000 and $150,000 for a 1,000 square foot renovation. Conversion costs depend on the depth of excavation and the amount of finishing work. Digging out a crawl spaces take 3 to 6 months.

How Much Does It Cost To Pump Sand Under My House?

The average cost to pump sand under a house is $1,000 to $3,000, for the sand, delivery, and pumping labor. Pumping sand under a home makes the ground higher than the water table and levels out the eroded areas. The sand protects the pilings, foundation, and eliminates places that hold water.

However, water may still collect under the house until a proper drainage system, dehumidifiers, and a vapor barrier is installed. Sand will not act as a barrier to stop water from coming into a crawl space. Schedule an inspection if sinkholes are forming near the sides of the slab.

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DIY Crawl Space Cleaning & Repair

DIY crawl space cleaning is possible if there's no presence of heavy mold, pests, or other hazardous problems. However, calling a pro is safer and more efficient for most projects and ensures the job is done right.

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Hiring A Crawl Space Repair & Cleaning Company

Hiring a pro is necessary to remove mold, pests, or standing water, and for insulation, encapsulation, or foundation repair. Before hiring a contractor and signing a contract, be sure to:

• Get at least three in-person estimates and compare prices.
• Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Make sure they are licensed, insured, and bonded.
• Choose a company that's been in business for at least 5 years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
• Make sure they experienced and certified to determine the best system for your home.
• Are they willing to answer any questions you have?
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Never pay in full or in cash, and come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

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