On average, repairing your crawl space costs about $6,000. Depending on the exact problem, total expenses can range between $1,500 and $15,000. The price for a simple cleaning depends on its size, but ranges between $500 and $4,500.
You might need to repair or clean your crawl space because of moisture and the mold it causes, or pest and rodent damage. A settling foundation or improper insulation can have significant long-term implications for your home and requires quick action. Hiring a pro is crucial to remove the root of the problem.
On This Page:
- Crawl Space Repair Costs
- Wetness or Floor Water
- Settling/Sinking
- Pests & Rodents
- Mold
- Damaged Insulation
- Vapor Barrier & Encapsulation System Repairs
- Cleaning Costs
- FAQs
- DIY Cleaning vs. Hiring a Foundation Professional
Crawl Space Repair Costs
Repairs can range from $1,500 to $15,000. Minor issues, like pests or rodents, are less expensive to remove. Settling, sinking or mold are signs of serious issues and cost a lot more to correct. See the sections below for more detail on restoring and preventing these problems.
Settling/Sinking - $500 - $3,000
A settling or sinking foundation needs immediate attention from a professional contractor. Early signs of damage include cracks and leaks. Once assessed, a pro can repair your foundation for an average price of $4,000 and secure it with either piers/piles or mudjacking. Piers and piles cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per unit. Mudjacking ranges from $500 to $1,300. Your contractor will choose a solution based on your home's specific needs. Be sure to address moisture and soil-related problems prior to fixing the foundation to prevent future damage.
Water or Flood Damage - $1,500 - $7,000
The cost to repair water damage is between $1,500 and $7,000, but depends on the source and extent of the damage. You might have to restore or replace walls and/or individual wooden beams, which can range up to $2,000. Further actions like mold removal and fixing insulation damage increase that budget.
Pests/Rodents - $150 - $500
Using an exterminator to remove rodents and pests costs most homeowners between $150 and $500. Warm, wet areas attract insects and rodents. Pest control experts can remove unwanted guests and treat the crawl space to prevent their return.
Mold - $1,000 - $3,200
Mold removal typically costs between $1,000 and $3,200 depending on the extent of the mold and access to the area. Mold, mildew, and bacteria develop in crawl spaces and enter the home through the air. Exposure to mold and other microorganisms can cause or worsen respiratory illnesses like asthma and allergies.
Occupants may also suffer from infections, rashes or other serious medical conditions. Because the process is dangerous, you should look to hire a mold remediation professional. Only after your contractor removes it can he or she can seal the area and install the vapor barrier.
Damaged Insulation
Visit our Insulation Cost Guide for more on the price of repairs and installation, which average about $1,300. Damaged or inadequate insulation affects energy efficiency.
Ample insulation prevents hot or cold air in the crawl space from transferring through the floorboards. This keeps inside air at the temperature you want. Updating or sealing a vented or unsealed space can help by keeping the outside air from entering in the first place.
Vapor Barrier & Encapsulation System Repairs
Encapsulating your crawl space costs between $2,000 and $14,000. The process includes a vapor barrier that seals the surface from the outside. Where you fall on that range depends on the quality of materials, as well as the size and condition of the area. It seals all vents, holes, cracks, and seams from the interior to prevent air and moisture from entering.
You can also install a vapor barrier on its own, which ranges between $1,200 and $3,500 for materials and installation. The sealing sheet will be thinner, and the seal will not be as complete. But the process costs less, and this barrier still reduces the chance of moisture and ground water damaging in your crawl space.
Sealing and encapsulation can prevent related issues like:
- Structural damage from termites.
- HVAC ducts and electrical wiring damage caused by raccoons or opossums.
- Poor air quality due to animal droppings.
Let a Pro Clean Your Crawl Space
Crawl Space Cleaning Costs
Cleaning your crawl space professionally will range between $500 and $4,500. Most contractors charge based on two factors: the size of the space and its condition.
Most pros will charge by the project. They evaluate the area, then provide you with a quote of cleaning out the debris and preparing it for any potential repairs. That estimate typically includes disposal of anything found in the space.
Size of Space
A small area will require between $500 and $2,500 to clean out, while a larger area might range between $1,500 and $4,500. The amount of debris and potential damage determine where in that range your project falls. If your crawl space is difficult to access, expect to add between $100 and $300 to your budget.
Condition
Simply cleaning out dirt and other debris will not require a major budget, usually below $1,000. Removing rodent droppings may be more expensive. If your crawl space is in bad condition with multiple types of damage, you might have to pay close to the $4,500 upper range.
Remediation after Water Damage
In addition to the more comprehensive repair needs outlined above, remediation after water damage will cost between $200 and $4,000. This process includes making sure that the water and any debris resulting from the damage is removed, and the area is cleaned and dried before any mold begins to form. It's an essential step before you begin with any repairs.
Reasons to Clean
Cleaning should always be your first step before any comprehensive repairs. New insulation, encapsulation, and vapor barriers are only effective when installed on a clear surface. Otherwise, mold and other problems may begin to form under the surface, leading to further damage in the future.
Separate from installing or repairing a waterproofing system, cleaning your crawl space is always a task for a trained professional. A specialist will have the knowledge, equipment, and protective gear to handle potentially dangerous materials and situations like:
- pests
- rodents
- animal remains or waste
- fiberglass insulation
- asbestos
- small areas
- limited visibility
- mold
- sloped grade
Find Crawl Space Pros In Your Area
FAQs
How Do You Remove Mold in a Crawl Space?
Prepare for mold removal by venting your crawl space. Set up fans around the area and any vents to circulate air. Lay plastic sheeting on the ground to collect the mold as it falls from surfaces.
Apply mold removal chemicals to kill the mold before you remove it. Liquid or foam sprays are available. Follow all product safety and storage instructions exactly.
Use a surface blaster to remove mold from joists and beams. Local hardware stores offer units for rent or purchase. It is important to blast every nook and cranny to ensure mold is completely gone.
How Can I Prevent Future Crawl Space Issues?
Preventing future issues with your crawl space requires being proactive. The rate to waterproof your foundation ranges between $2,000 and $6,000. Encapsulation, which seals it from the inside, costs between $2,000 and $14,000.
Insulation is another possibility. The price to insulate your crawl space is relatively low, about $200 to $1,300 depending on the size. Each of these options helps to prevent future problems and repairs.
Can I Renovate My Crawl Space?
Once sealed, the area beneath your home can take on additional storage functions. You can also dig it out and turn it into a full basement. Digging out your crawl space will range between $10,000 and $22,000 in most cases. This includes any structural and waterproofing adjustments to your foundation.
Once dug out, you can turn the area into a fully functioning basement. A full basement remodel costs another $10,000 to $28,000 depending on the size of the project and your desired finishings. Dig out and renovate your crawl space after repairs and cleaning to ensure lasting quality and lower long-term expenses.
Find a Pro for Your Crawl Space Project
DIY Cleaning vs. Hiring a Foundation Professional
Any repair in this area should involve a professional. That's because it usually involves your home's foundation. Mistakes can threaten the structural integrity of your home.
You might improperly address a sinking foundation or fail to remove all present mold. In either case, the damage will compound over time, costing you more and jeopardizing your health. Hiring a foundation pro ensures that the repair is done right the first time.
In some cases, cleaning your crawl space can be a DIY job. In that case, you need to wear the proper equipment, including a dust mask or respirator. Clearing out debris is simple and can cost as little as $50 for a DIY job. More complex issues, such as water damage remediation and mold removal, should always be completed by a professional.
