How Much Does Crawl Space Cleaning Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,000 - $6,000
Crawl space cleaning costs $4,000, on average, and most cleanup jobs total between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the work involved.
Crawl space cleaning costs an average of $4,000, but prices can sit as low as $250 and reach up to about $12,000, depending on the type of cleaning you need, the size of your crawl space, accessibility, and more.
Crawl space cleaning could just include tidying up the area, but more extensive work can improve your indoor air quality and even help avoid property damage. In this guide, we’ll discuss average crawl space cleaning costs and how to get an accurate estimate for your specific job.
- Average
- $4,000
- Low end
- $250
- high end
- $12,000
Crawl Space Cleaning Cost Factors
The cost to get a sparkling crawl space varies based on what your cleaning pro finds once they get in there, as well as some other key cost factors, like the size of your space, accessibility, and more.
Size
As you might guess, the larger your crawl space is, the more your cleaning services will cost. Some professionals who clean crawl spaces will even charge based on square footage in combination with the type of cleaning service you need.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $0.50 and $4.00 per square foot for your crawl space cleaning services, with an average of around $2.00. Simpler jobs like removing dirt and debris will cost toward the lower end, and more intensive services like removing mold and rodent droppings will push toward the higher end.
The table below includes some standard pricing based on the size of your crawl space.
| Square Footage | Average Price | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | $1,000 | $250–$2,000 |
| 1,000 | $2,000 | $500–$4,000 |
| 1,500 | $3,000 | $750–$6,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000 | $1,000–$8,000 |
| 2,500 | $5,000 | $1,250–$10,000 |
| 3,000 | $6,000 | $1,500–$12,000 |
Type of Cleaning
The specific services you need in your crawl space will play a major role in your cleaning costs. Routine crawl space cleaning for a crawl space that’s not sealed—which could involve removing dirt, debris, and leaves—costs an average of around $300. You should schedule these services twice annually to ensure there’s no place for moisture and pests to accumulate.
More intensive services like mold and fungal removal will likely cost an average of around $1,500, but you can schedule these types of services as needed.
The table below includes a breakdown of costs associated with different types of cleaning jobs you might need.
| Cleaning Service | Average Cost | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt/debris removal | $250–$500 | Limits the risk of pest infestation and moisture accumulation |
| Fungal removal | $1,000–$3,500 | Can improve indoor air quality. Should be coupled with moisture reduction. |
| Mold removal/remediation | $1,000–$3,500 | Can improve indoor air quality. Should be coupled with moisture reduction. |
| Pest removal | $250–$800 | Can improve indoor air quality and prevent damage to structure. |
| Removal of rodent droppings | $250–$800 | Can improve indoor air quality. Likely requires pest removal services, as well. |
| Water cleanout | $400–$5,000 | Reduces the risk of mold growth and pest infestation. May require preventative measures, as well. |
Materials
Labor will make up the majority of your cleaning costs, but materials can account for between 5% and 10% of the total. Most cleaning professionals will include routine cleaning supplies in their initial estimate, but if you need special materials, like pesticides, rodenticides, or mold-resistant sprays for your crawl space, these can add between $20 and $400 to your total.
Your professional may also need safety equipment when dealing with mold, fungus, or asbestos. These materials will also typically be in your initial estimate.
Labor
Labor accounts for between 80% and 95% of the cost of crawl space cleaning, so anything that makes the job more labor-intensive will drive up costs significantly. Some examples include the following:
Limited accessibility that makes getting materials and tools into the space and debris out from under your home more challenging
Larger crawl spaces that take longer to treat
Mold, fungus, rodent droppings, or other hazardous materials that require safety gear and proper disposal
Crawl space cleaning that involves multiple steps, like pumping out water, followed by debris removal, and then applying pesticides or mold-resistant paints or sprays
How Often Should You Clean Your Crawl Space?
If your crawl space is not enclosed by a concrete wall around the perimeter and you instead have lattice or a similar enclosure, you should have a professional clean out your crawl space twice a year. Any debris that accumulates under your home can hold onto moisture and attract pests, so you can avoid humidity problems, water damage, and pest infestation by being diligent about the cleanouts.
If your crawl space is enclosed and includes a concrete block wall and a concrete slab acting as the floor, you should inspect the area at least once annually to look for problems like moisture accumulation, pest infestation, and mold growth. If you don’t find any issues, you can forego the cleaning and just do another inspection in a year. In enclosed crawl spaces, you can schedule cleanings as needed.
Cost of Common Crawl Space Cleaning Add-Ons
Crawl space cleaning can get expensive, especially if yours isn’t enclosed and is open to the outside world. There are some common add-on services you can opt for that can help reduce the risk of ongoing problems. These can get expensive, but they might be worth considering if they reduce how often you need to pay for ongoing maintenance.
Crawl space encapsulation: Encapsulating your crawl space can be a great way to seal it off from the outside world, virtually ridding of the need for ongoing cleaning services. This is an expensive option, though, costing around $5,500, on average.
Installing ventilation: If you have an enclosed crawl space but are dealing with ongoing cleaning costs for mold, moisture, and pests, installing ventilation could solve your issue. Expect to pay around $150 per vent or a total of between $500 and $1,000.
Dehumidifier installation: If your crawl space is enclosed and you’d rather actively control humidity than install vents, a crawl space dehumidification system will likely cost you between $1,000 and $4,000.
Preventative pest control: Perimeter pest control services cost between $100 and $300 per quarter and can help keep destructive pests like termites and carpenter ants away from your crawl space.
Installing foundation drainage: Proper foundation drainage can eliminate moisture and water problems, which can also mean reducing the risk of pest infestation and mold growth, as well as improving indoor air quality and comfort in your living space. Drainage solutions from a basement waterproofing company near you can range from $1,200 to install a sump pump to control large volumes of water to $20,000 or more for a French drain to avoid water buildup and moisture accumulation.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Clean Your Crawl Space
Tackling a crawl space cleaning on your own can cost as little as $50 if you simply need some garbage bags for debris, heavy-duty cleaner, plastic gloves, and protective glasses. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have a crawl space that's in good enough shape to warrant a DIY cleaning.
"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
Cleaning your own crawl space is great if your only problem is general debris. If you have issues like mold, fungus, pest droppings, excessive moisture, or dry rot, it's imperative that you call in a remediation expert to assess the situation, implement a fix, and treat the underlying issue to protect your crawl space in the future.
Even if you’re confident in your ability to solve your crawl space issue, trying to clear out or repair a damaged crawl space can expose you to everything from mold to asbestos, which can be dangerous to breathe in. Relying on a professional for all but the simplest of jobs is wise to keep yourself safe and ensure you get a thorough cleaning done. Feel free to tackle your annual crawl space inspection and routine cleanings yourself, but defer to a pro for any serious issues.
Ways to Save Money on Crawl Space Cleaning Costs
While there are only a few crawl space cleaning and repair jobs you can do as a DIY project to save money, there are some things you can do to control costs and prevent future repair bills.
Personally inspect your crawl space for signs of trouble at least once a year, preferably twice yearly. Foundation issues tend to worsen over time, so report issues like moisture, pooling water, signs of pest infestation, rotting wood, and concrete cracks to a pro immediately.
Call for a professional inspection when you realize something is amiss in your crawl space. Most crawl space cleaning problems cost less if you catch and remedy them early.
If your crawl space seems damp after heavy rainfall, make it a habit to run a dehumidifier or check the sump pump operation after rain. Consider installing additional moisture mitigation systems, as monitoring and keeping moisture to a minimum can help avoid mold growth, pest infestation, poor indoor air quality, and other issues that may end up being more expensive to treat.
In general, keep your crawl space access closed as much as possible and avoid using the space for storage if you can. Debris and stored belongings can harbor moisture and pests, making your crawl space cleaning costs rise over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure you're calling in the right expert to help repair and/or clean your crawl space. A serious issue may require multiple experts that include a local mold remediation pro, an HVAC pro, a foundation pro, and a plumber. You should also consider using a nearby junk removal service to avoid handling debris that could be covered in mold, fungi, rot, or asbestos.
Proper drainage is the only way to ensure that your crawl space stays dry. Depending on your property and the extent of your issue, you might need to consider a gutter system, a French drain, or sump pumps to avoid and handle water and moisture under your home. Dehumidifiers can also help to prevent moisture from accumulating if you have a high-humidity environment.
Yes, it is worth it to clean a crawl space. The costs to hire a crawl space contractor on an ongoing basis can add up over time, but keeping debris out of your under-home area can help reduce the risk of pest infestation, which can avoid structural damage in the case of termites or carpenter ants, and limit the amount of moisture that gets trapped there, which can prevent mold and fungal growth. As a result of routine cleaning, you might also find more comfortable temperatures in your living area and improved indoor air quality.