Professional inspectors can get down in the dirt, so you don't have to
Hiring a local home inspector to inspect your crawl space will provide the most thorough analysis of the safety, efficiency, and cleanliness of this tricky space in your home. That being said, there are multiple professionals who can inspect your crawl space for small repairs, including yourself in some situations.
Whether you're buying a new home or seeking an estimate for crawl space encapsulation, here's who to hire for a crawl space inspection that checks every box.
Home inspectors have both the knowledge of local crawl space building codes and a big-picture perspective on how a crawl space can affect the rest of your home. They will be able to identify a range of potential issues, both on the nature of your crawl space's design and its maintenance. Many inspectors will be able to recommend professionals who can make crawl space repairs if necessary as well.
Here are some of the potential issues a home inspector can identify in your crawl space:
Signs of water damage, mildew, or mold in your crawl space
Pest problems or entryways for insects and rodents
Ventilation problems or incorrectly designed vents
Foundational cracks or signs of decay
Damage to your support beams
Subflooring damage or signs of termites
Incorrect building code requirements
In between visits from a professional, you can inspect crawl spaces yourself with the proper safety equipment. Get to know a DIY crawl space inspection checklist before heading underground. Spotting issues before they get worse can spark you to call a professional local basement waterproofer or crawl space repair pro before the costs rack up.
Be sure to always wear work boots, coveralls, a mask or ventilator, goggles, and thick work gloves. Crawl spaces can contain sharp objects and contain several of your home's plumbing and electrical systems.
As you inspect your own crawl space, keep an eye out for all of the things the professional would look for above. Keep in mind that you will not have the expertise to rule out potential issues, so if something looks suspicious, it's always best to call a pro. Catching problems early can keep crawl space repair costs low in the long run.
"Look for signs like cracks in the walls, floors, or foundation itself, doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly, and uneven floors. If you see any of these, it’s time for a professional inspection. While you can do a basic visual inspection yourself, significant findings should always be checked by a professional to assess the extent of any issues."
— Tim O'Shea - The Build Pros
Crawl space specialists are your next best bet for scheduling an inspection. Some crawl space pros will even offer initial inspections as part of their package before beginning work. Keep in mind that you may be required to hire a professional home inspector in certain cases, such as when buying or selling your home.
Crawl space contractors often have specialized knowledge of the health of your foundation as well. In some cases, they can perform a thorough foundation inspection at the same time and recommend structural engineers or foundation pros for further repairs.
A crawl space inspection will only take between one and two hours. The inspector will often request that you remove all stored items from your crawl space before they arrive so that they can have easy access to the space. After they have completed a thorough investigation, you will receive a home inspection report about any potential problems. From here, you can set up an appointment with the appropriate contractors for cleanings and repairs.
