Avoid crawl space repairs in the long run by opting for encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation can make your home look more attractive to buyers.
You can instantly start saving money on crawl space repairs after encapsulation.
Encapsulation's effect on home value varies, so it's important to consider your home selling timeline first.
If you’re one of the millions of homeowners with a crawl space foundation, you know all too well that maintaining the crawl space takes some effort, so you might be wondering if crawl space encapsulation adds value to your home. The answer depends on how long you plan to live in your current home and the costs avoided by adding a vapor barrier between your crawl space and the surrounding soil. Let's dive in deeper.
The process of crawl space encapsulation involves adding a thin plastic vapor barrier to the walls of your crawl space. The plastic layer keeps out unwanted moisture, pests, and musty air. In turn, the barrier lowers the chances of water damage, mold, pest damage, and poor air quality in your home. Contractors may recommend pairing your vapor barrier with other methods to protect your crawl space, such as running a dehumidifier, enhanced drainage, or a sump pump.
Crawl space encapsulation can add value to a home directly and indirectly. Potential buyers may see encapsulation as a perk since it saves them money from repairing damage in the long run. Indirectly, you may also save money on common home repairs caused by the exposed walls of your crawl space.
According to EnergyStar.gov, correct crawl space encapsulation manages moisture levels, provides an extra barrier against termites, and—when insulation is part of the design—stabilizes home temperatures.
The exact value that crawl space encapsulation adds to your home will vary, however. If you're planning to sell your home in the next couple of years, you may not balance out the cost of encapsulation in time. New homeowners, however, may see encapsulation as a smart early investment both to avoid repair costs and to increase their home value when they resell it down the line. Your local basement waterproofing contractor or crawl space specialist can help you make the final call.
When considering whether crawl space encapsulation adds value to your home, it's important to know the up-front price tag. Encapsulation costs between $5,000 and $15,000 on average, depending on the size of your crawl space and the cost of additional crawl space repairs. For example, crawl space insulation can add between $1,000 and $4,000, while addressing cracks before adding the vapor barrier can add $250 each.
If you're preparing to sell your home in the next several months, consider whether your home value will increase enough to balance out these up-front costs.
Having a trusted crawl space contractor is the key to great encapsulation. If you're not sure how to hire a crawl space pro, begin by asking your neighbors for referrals. Homes in your neighborhood will often have a similar foundation to your house, and personal recommendations are one of the best ways to find a contractor. Additionally, double-check that the contractor has experience with encapsulation as well as proof of their license and insurance.
Encapsulation can take the place of crawl space vents since it protects the area from moisture and air all year round. Determining whether you should open or close crawl space vents can be complicated since it often depends on the weather and humidity. Skip this step by investing in crawl space encapsulation whenever possible.
Crawl space encapsulation can make repairs more complicated, particularly if you have plumbing or wiring surrounding your crawl space area. Additionally, some home designs benefit from the additional airflow that crawl spaces with vents provide. Vents are no longer an option after encapsulation. Always talk to your crawl space contractor to ensure the pros outweigh the cons before investing in the installation.
