No need to squeeze into small spaces when the pros will do it for you
A thorough cleaning and inspection should make the top of your annual crawl space maintenance checklist. You’ll want to hire a certified crawl space professional or a local basement waterproof pro who cleans crawl spaces. They will have the knowledge to clean this complicated space the way it deserves.
Cleaning a crawl space goes far beyond pulling out the old decoration boxes and vacuuming up some dust bunnies. An experienced contractor will typically inspect a crawl space as they perfect a thorough clean. They may also make minor changes to the space to ensure proper ventilation, moisture control, and pest prevention. Here's a full list of why hiring a crawl space contractor is a great move for your annual cleanout.
A professional will:
Remove dust with specialized equipment and tools
Ensure the vents are properly functioning for airflow
Identify and remove mold and mildew
Recognize signs of pests and recommend pest control
Inspect the foundation walls, support beams, and subflooring for damage
Install additional moisture control methods
Recommend encapsulating your crawl space—which can even add value to your home
Level the flooring of your crawl space for better ventilation and storage space
You can perform a basic crawl space inspection and cleaning yourself, but it's important to take the proper precautions. Not only is the space often quite small, but it also can contain a range of allergens. Wiring, plumbing, and often small home systems—such as HVAC vents and hot water heaters—may be in this space.
Always wear proper goggles, a mask, coveralls, gloves, and work boots before trying to access a crawl space. Also, keep in mind that you will not have the expertise to make repairs or make suggestions with the same information as the pros.
Tackling the job yourself can save you between $500 and $2,500 off the cost of crawl space cleaning, but you won't get the same range of services.
"Regular inspections are key to keeping your foundation in good shape and avoiding costly repairs. Look for cracks and address them promptly. Make sure you have proper drainage around your home by maintaining clean gutters and downspouts, grading the landscape to slope away from the foundation, and avoiding excessive watering near the foundation."
— Tim O'Shea, The Build Pros
Traditional house cleaners will not usually clean crawl spaces due to the specialized equipment needed for safe access. If you're simply looking to remove piles of old items from your crawl space, a junk removal company may offer the service separately. Cleaning crawl spaces properly, however, requires a professional trained eye that specializes in this type of foundation.
You should hire a crawl space contractor with good reviews and experience with homes in your area. Local pros will understand the unique needs of the foundations in your region, such as flooding, pest problems, and home design. Once you find the best contractor and set up your appointment, expect the process to take anywhere from one to three hours.
More extensive cleanouts—often those that include leveling the ground or encapsulation—may require multiple visits. Crawl space contractors will inspect the space, remove debris, and report on the state of your foundation. From here, they may recommend additional services or steps to control moisture, air quality, and unwanted visitors from your crawl space in the future.
