The average cost of crawl space encapsulation is $5,500, but it can cost between $1,500 and $20,000, depending on the crawl space's size and condition.
Crawl space encapsulation costs $5,500 on average, with a typical range between $5,000 and $15,000. The cost to seal a crawl space depends on its size, materials, the condition of the space, and any special features. Crawl space encapsulation seals up the area between the floor and the ground so you can prevent problems like mold, pests, and moisture damage.
Cost factors for a crawl space encapsulation are its size, condition, foundation waterproofing, insulation installation, vapor barrier installation costs, and crawl space dehumidifier costs.
Basic crawl space encapsulations cost between $2 and $4 per square foot, while more extensive encapsulations are between $3 and $10 per square foot. The latter typically involves more substantial cleaning, repairs, and requested features.
| Crawl Space Size (sq. ft.) | Encapsulation Cost |
|---|---|
| Small (1,000) | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Medium (2,000) | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Large (4,000) | $15,000–$20,000 |
If your crawl space has pests, mold, or other problems that the contractor needs to address, you should expect to add costs for cleaning and inspection.
| Type of repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vent issues | $100-$500 |
| Sealing | $200-$1,000 |
| Pests | $500-$10,000 |
| Mold issues | $1,000-$3,500 |
| Water damage | $1,000-$10,000 |
| Sagging floor | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Waterproofing | $1,500-$7,000 |
| Reinforcing | $1,500-$16,000 |
A crawl space inspection typically costs between $100 and $250, but prices vary depending on the size and condition of the home.
Properly preparing for your crawl space encapsulation will help ensure that your project is a success. Before contractors begin work, you should first make sure that they will be able to access the entry point easily. This might mean moving furniture pieces around or emptying out a closet, depending on where the entryway is located.
Next, all repairs to the crawl space should be completed before encapsulation. If you have any issues like standing water, damage to electrical or plumbing systems, or rotting wood, you need to fix the source of the problem.
Lastly, clean up the floor as much as you can. Sweep up any debris like small rocks.
Crawl space cleaning is essential for eliminating pests, removing mold, and removing debris. In addition, you must repair any crawl space damage. Crawl space cleaning costs range from $500 to $4,000, while repairs typically cost between $1,500 and $15,000.
On average, homeowners pay $4,600 for foundation waterproofing, but the cost can range from $1,500 to $15,000, depending on the system's complexity and the home's size. You can figure out the best option for your home by contacting a local waterproofing contractor.
Sealing any vents and air leaks ensures the space is fully encapsulated. You can expect the cost to seal your crawl space to range from $15 to $22 per vent cover.
One of the main things that will impact the cost of crawl space encapsulation is the material you use.
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Spray foam insulation | $0.50-$1.50 per sq. ft. |
| 20-millimeter vapor barrier | $0.50-$0.70 per sq. ft. |
| Vent covers | $15-$22 each |
| Insulation board (2-inch thick) | $26 each |
| 4-inch vapor bond tape | $50 per roll |
| Pedestal sump pump | $60-$170 |
| Submerged sump pump | $100-$400 |
| Dehumidifier | $800-$1,200 |
| Ductwork | $450-$2,000 |
Hiring professional contractors will raise the total project cost, depending on the contractor’s level of experience and the project’s complexity. Labor typically makes up between 50% and 70% of the total encapsulation costs.
Depending on your municipality, you may need a permit for crawl space encapsulation. So, before you begin any work, it’s best to check with your local city or county offices. The permit can be required for different stages of work, even during the prep stage, like if you are doing mold remediation. Inspectors may check your crawl space for things like the condition of your vapor barrier, insulation, if access and venting requirements are met, and the radon levels.
Every crawl space encapsulation project comes with challenges unique to each home. The project bid you receive from your contractor should include price listings for everything necessary to seal your crawl space completely from the elements. It’s also important to remember there are costs to consider beyond those up-front costs that come along with the encapsulation. From maintenance to repairs, here are some ongoing costs to consider for a crawl space encapsulation.
Whether your crawl space encapsulation project is equipped with a sump pump, drainage pipes, or other methods of water removal, there will likely be ongoing costs for the system’s maintenance. Ensuring the drainage system is working properly is important to avoid any excess moisture from accumulating.
If there is a pest infestation in your crawl space prior to completing the encapsulation project, expect to spend an average of $384 to cover the cost of removing animals. Additionally, regular check-ins with pest control specialists are something you’ll likely want to spend some money on down the line to ensure everything is clear.
Depending on the severity of the issue, the cost to deal with mold will vary but it’s worth noting nonetheless. If the mold is more than minimal you’ll find yourself spending an average of $2,325 to remedy the issue. It’s important to have the crawl space encapsulation inspected by professionals for mold.
Your HVAC system may require modification to account for altering airflow in and around the home. While minor modification costs can be insignificant, replacing or moving ductwork, if necessary, can cost up to $2,500.
Routine inspections are an essential ongoing cost after a crawl space encapsulation. Hiring a professional inspector to check for things like damaged insulation, ductwork issues, and moisture content will cost around $100 to $300.
Encapsulating a crawl space is challenging to complete yourself, and you risk developing health issues from mold exposure. In addition, trying to do this task yourself may lead to foundation damage, resulting in costly damage repairs down the road.
There are certain scenarios in which skilled homeowners can install crawl space encapsulation without the help of a professional. For instance, if you’re experienced and bought your home recently, there’s less possibility for mold, pests, or extensive damage, making it possible you could DIY. However, ensure you’ve done your research on necessary tools, safety precautions, and instructions.
While you can save money on labor costs by opting to go the DIY route, make sure that you aren’t taking on more than you can handle. Crawl spaces can be damp and high in moisture, which can lead to issues like mold, mildew, and pests that require extensive skills and tools to handle. By hiring a crawl space encapsulation contractor, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing the job will be done right.
"Safety is key when working around foundations, crawlspaces, and basements. Always wear protective gear like gloves, masks, and goggles, and ensure proper ventilation. Minor tasks like filling small cracks and basic inspections can be DIY projects, but leave structural repairs, extensive waterproofing, and significant drainage work to the pros."
— Tim O'Shea, The Build Pros
While encapsulating your crawl space can require a substantial investment, the project has extensive benefits that will save you money now and in the future. The benefits of crawl space encapsulation include the following:
Protect your home's structure - Encapsulation reduces or eliminates rot damage from moisture to the foundation and underside of your home.
Lower your heating and cooling bills - Reducing heat transfer between your home's crawl space and the outdoors increases your heating and cooling efficiency, which can reduce your monthly energy bills.
Improve air quality in the home - Sealing out moisture from under your house can reduce the presence of molds and bacteria that can create airborne toxins. Or, the project can simply seal out musty crawl space smells that could otherwise reach the home's living space.
Minimize pest intrusion - The same barriers that block moisture and air also can discourage insects from finding favorable conditions if they get in.
Isolate vulnerable flooring materials - By protecting the structure and subfloor, vulnerable interior floors such as wood, carpet, and tile also experience protection from moisture damage and problems from rot in structural members.
Increase the resale value of your home - While crawl space encapsulation isn't as flashy as a home addition, the project can add value to your home and appeal to potential buyers not wanting to do the project after purchasing.
Contractor prices for crawl space encapsulation vary widely depending on the home's size, project complexity, foundation conditions, and the project's scope, meaning that specific steps are required to protect an individual home's crawl space.
While most costs are beyond the control of the customer, and DIY encapsulations can encounter more problems than they're worth, there are still a couple of things you can do to help manage the price.
Most contractors won't allow you to purchase your own materials to avoid their material markups. However, most will allow you to choose from less expensive options, such as opting for foam board over spray foam insulation.
You can perform some of the preparation work yourself. You're limited in this option to decluttering and cleaning out the crawl space before obtaining bids for your encapsulation project. While the savings may not be huge, your contractor won't have to tack on unnecessary clean-out charges to your proposal.
Bundling your crawl space encapsulation with other home renovation projects, especially those having to do with foundation repairs or additions, can save significant money over splitting up the work.
A crawl space encapsulation isn’t necessary, but it’s a wise choice. Sealing a crawl space not only reduces damage caused by moisture, mold, and pests, but it also increases your home’s value. It can also save you money by reducing energy bills and avoiding costly repairs for structural or foundation damage.
A vapor barrier keeps moisture out of the crawl space, while insulation reduces the amount of air and moisture that enters. Both a vapor barrier and insulation help prevent humidity and moisture damage in a crawl space.
The cost to repair a crawl space runs between $1,500 and $15,000, depending on the extent of the damage. Major flooding or water repairs can cost up to $10,000 for removal and repairs. If you simply need to clean your crawl space, expect to pay around $500. Replacing a crawl space beam due to rot or damage can cost between $1,500 and $5,000 while removing and replacing damaged insulation costs between $1,000 and $4,000.
