How much does crawl space repair and cleaning cost?
How much does crawl space repair and cleaning cost?
Crawl space repair costs $2,500 to $8,000 on average for restorations such as foundation repair, water removal, water damage repair, replacing a support beam, or replacing insulation. Crawl space cleaning costs $500 to $4,000 for debris and mold removal, fungus treatment, or pest control.
$500 – $4,000 Cleaning / Mold Removal Cost
$2,500 – $8,000 Repair / Restoration Cost
Crawl space repair costs $2,500 to $8,000 on average for restorations such as foundation repair, water removal, water damage repair, replacing a support beam, or replacing insulation. Crawl space cleaning costs $500 to $4,000 for debris and mold removal, fungus treatment, or pest control.
Cost to Clean or Repair Crawl Space
Crawl space cleaning and repair costs $1,500 to $15,000 and is typically part of an encapsulation. Crawl space foundation repair costs $2,500 to $8,000. Removal of mold from a crawl space costs $500 to $4,000. Wet crawl space repairs cost $1,500 to $5,000. Replacing a support beam runs $1,500 to $4,000.
| Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Cleaning | $500 – $2,000 |
| Mold Removal | $500 – $6,000 |
| Water Damage | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Pest & Rodent Control | $200 – $4,000 |
| Vent Repair or Sealing | $150 – $450 |
| Foundation Repair | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Replace Support Beam | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Replace Insulation | $500 – $3,700 |
| Replace Vapor Barrier | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Waterproofing | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Full Encapsulation | $1,500 – $15,000 |
Average cost to repair a crawl space
Crawl space renovation prices depend on the size of the crawl space, severity and extent of the damage, accessibility, inspection fees. Waterproofing or new drainage systems increase costs.
| National Average Cost | $5,500 |
| Minimum Cost | $500 |
| Maximum Cost | $15,000 |
| Average Range | $2,500 to $8,000 |
A wet or damaged crawl space can cause mold growth, structural damage to the foundation, and pose a health hazard.
Consult with foundation repair contractors near you to get an in-person inspection and accurate quote, or read detailed costs below.
Crawl space repair cost
Crawl space repair costs $2,500 to $8,000 on average, depending on the extent of damage. Common repairs are fixing the foundation, replacing structural support beams, cleaning up water damage, replacing the insulation, or replacing the vapor barrier plastic.
Permanent solutions typically include cleaning, pest control, and installing a dehumidifier, drainage system, and encapsulation.
| Restoration | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Foundation Repair | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Water Damage | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Structural Repair | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Replace Insulation | $500 – $3,700 |
| Encapsulation | $1,500 – $15,000 |
Crawl space foundation repair cost
Crawl space foundation repair costs $2,500 to $8,000 or more to fix sinking or settling. A damaged foundation may require replacing piers or underpinning to raise or increase strength, fixing cracks, releveling the house by mudjacking, or other repair methods.
| Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Replace Pier and Beams | $1,000 – $2,000 per pier |
| Repair Cracks | $250 – $800 per crack |
| Mudjacking Costs | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Stabilizing Foundation Walls | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Steel-based foundations are more challenging and cost more to repair than wooden-based. A permanent solution requires inspecting the stability of the soil underneath the home.
Find foundation repair companies near you to fix your crawl space.
Wet Crawl Space Repair Cost
Water damage repair costs $1,500 to $5,000 on average to cleanup a wet crawl space.
Severe flooding or water in a crawl space costs up to $10,000 for removal and repairs.
Crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation costs $5,000 to $15,000 to prevent future issues.
| Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wet Crawl Space Repair | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Severe Flooding Repair | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Damage Restoration | $500 – $5,000 |
| Drainage System | $800 – $3,000 |
| Waterproofing & Encapsulation | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Replacing wet insulation, walls, support beams, or remediating mold adds $500 to $5,000 or more. The volume of water and the length of time the crawl space is exposed impacts the level of damage and restoration costs as well as health risks.
Hiring a plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour to fix leaky pipes and prevent recurrences.
Installing a drainage system costs $800 to $3,000 to prevent seepage and excess water from pooling.
A full crawl space encapsulation costs $1,500 to $15,000, while replacing a vapor barrier runs $1,200 to $4,000.
Find water damage restoration companies near you and schedule an inspection today.
Cost To Replace Support Beam In Crawl Space
Replacing a support beam in a crawl space costs $1,500 to $4,000 for structural repairs. Costs depend on the beam's size, weight, and material (wood or steel), what it supports, and accessibility.
| Task | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Structural Engineer's Plan | $250 – $1,000 |
| Beam Replacement | $1,500 – $4,000 |
A small section of beam damage from a leak may be repairable in place, which costs 50% less.
Whether the beam can be replaced through the outside wall or if excavating a trench is necessary also affects the total cost.
In rare cases, a 30'+ long deep beam supporting a significant portion of the house costs $10,000 to $20,000 to replace.
A structural engineer's inspection and design plan costs $250 to $1,000 and is typically required to get a building permit and start construction. Builders then set up a temporary support system for the home and foundation while replacing the beam.
Find general contractors near you to replace a support beam in a crawl space.
Cost To Remove Insulation In Crawl Space
Crawl space insulation replacement costs $500 to $3,700 on average or $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot. The total cost depends on the insulation type, thickness, if the pipes are being foam-wrapped, and the crawl space's height.
| Insulation type | Crawl space location | Cost per square foot | Total cost installed* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed-cell spray foam insulation | Walls | $2.00 – $5.00 | $850 – $2,100 |
| Rigid foam board | Walls | $1.20 – $3.70 | $500 – $1,600 |
| Rigid foam board | Subfloor | $1.20 – $3.70 | $1,200 – $3,700 |
| Blown-in | Subfloor | $1.00 – $2.80 | $1,000 – $2,800 |
| Roll and batt (fiberglass, rockwool) | Subfloor | $0.90 – $1.40 | $900 – $1,400 |
*Average total for a 1,000 SF crawl space with 3' high walls. Removing old insulation adds $1 to $2 per square foot. **Prices include both removal and replacement.
Old, wet insulation can harbor mold, mildew, and rodent excrement. A properly insulated crawl space increases the home’s energy efficiency and durability, and reduces the entry of moisture, radon, and outside air.
Proper moisture control is critical before replacing the insulation to avoid trapping moisture and causing rot in the wood framing.
Crawl space or basement waterproofing costs $4,500 to $15,000 on average.
Spray foam insulation costs $1,500 to $3,600, lasts the longest, and is more moisture-resistant. However, it can prevent future pipe or electrical repairs and may not be suitable for the crawl space, depending on the type of wiring and climate.
Find insulation contractors near you to remove and replace your insulation.
Cost To Replace Crawl Space Plastic
Replacing a crawl space vapor barrier or plastic costs $2 to $4 per square foot or between $1,200 and $4,000 on average. The vapor barrier plastic alone costs $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot without installation.
Any water damage, mold, excess moisture, or wet insulation needs fixing before replacing the plastic, which may increase the overall cost.
A vapor barrier reduces humidity levels and should be replaced when the plastic has tears, the seals are failing, or when the insulation has gotten wet.
Crawl Space Vent Repair
The average cost to install crawl space vents is $15 to $150 per vent, depending on the type and number of vents. Sealing crawl space vents cost $150 to $450, which creates a conditioned crawl space required for full encapsulation.
| Type | Cost Per Vent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Vents | $6 – $15 | Standard with or without fixed covers |
| Automatic Temperature-Sensitive Vents | $14 – $70 | Automatically opens at 70°F and closes at 40°F |
| Powered Vents | $130 – $160 | Built-in exhaust fans |
Crawl space vents that are not installed or maintained correctly can lead to moisture damage, pests, mold, wood rot, mildew, and even structural issues. Plus, vents help properly insulate the home, which affects heating and cooling costs.
A sealed crawl space uses 15 to 18 percent less energy than a vented crawl space.
Crawl Space Cleaning Cost
Crawl space cleaning costs $500 to $2,000 for a basic clean up of debris and from $500 to $4,000 for mold removal, fungus treatment, sewer water cleanout, or extensive pest control.
| Clean Up | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Cleaning | $500 – $2,000 |
| Mold Removal | $500 – $6,000 |
| Fungus Treatment | $500 – $4,000 |
| Asbestos Removal | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Sewer Water Cleanout | $1,000 – $5,500 |
| Minor Pest & Rodent Removal | $200 – $700 |
| Extensive Pest & Rodent Control & Cleaning | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Mold In Crawl Space Removal Cost
Mold removal costs $15 to $30 per square foot or from $1,500 to $4,000 for the average crawl space. More extensive jobs cost $2,000 to $6,000 to remove mold in a crawl space, air ducts, walls, and replace contaminated insulation.
| Removal | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crawl Space Only | $500 – $4,000 |
| Crawl Space, Air Ducts, Walls, Insulation | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Widespread Structural Damage | $10,000 – $30,000 |
*Additional fees may apply for mold testing and fixing plumbing leaks. Mold testing costs $200 to $400 for a visual inspection and taking samples.
Mold on concrete beams, wood joists, and insulation are signs of water issues or high humidity and should be treated immediately.
Mold, mildew, and bacteria are rarely confined to the crawl space, and spores spread into the walls, ventilation system, and enter the home through the air.
Exposure to mold is dangerous and can cause or worsen respiratory problems like asthma and allergies.
Mold treatment requires encapsulation, sealing, a dehumidifier, a vapor barrier, and possibly a drainage system.
Find mold remediation companies near you for mold, mildew, fungus, or dry rot issues.
Crawl Space Fungus Treatment Cost
Crawl space fungus treatment costs $500 to $4,000 on average, depending on the extent of growth and size of the spread. Removing fungal growth like white mold, mushrooms, slime fungi, and wood rot costs the same as mold removal.
While mold is a serious threat, a wood-destroying fungus like white, brown, or soft rot jeopardizes the home's structural integrity if left untreated. Fungus in a crawl space is often contained in a small area but indicates all of the following problems:
Excessive moisture
Decaying organic matter
Airborne fungal and mold spores can potentially enter the living space and cause allergic reactions and be toxic.
Warm breeding grounds for mold and bacteria to grow rapidly
Crawl Space Pest & Rodent Control
Crawl space rodent and pest control costs $200 to $700, including setting traps and bait, minor cleaning, and a follow-up visit. Resolving extensive pest infestations with a complete cleaning and sealing entry points costs $1,500 to $4,000.
Insect and animal infestations in a crawl space can cause structural damage to the foundation and pose a health hazard. Signs of pest infestation in a crawl space include:
Animal droppings
Chew marks on the wooden floor joists
Foul odors
Rotting food scraps dragged in from outside
Small burrowing holes dug into dirt floors
Shredded insulation
Damaged plastic piping
Loose and gnawed wires
Find pest control companies near you for professional pest and rodent extermination.
Reasons To Clean Up Crawl Space
Hiring a professional to clean the crawl space before any extensive repairs. Cleaning comes with many benefits, such as:
Keep mold spores and allergens out of interior air. Since 40% to 60% of the air in the home circulates up from the crawl space, cleaning and disinfecting improves indoor air quality and the whole family’s health.
Prevent pest infestations. Regular cleaning stops insects and rodents from taking over and prevents animal remains or waste from occurring.
Increase storage space. A dry, sanitary, sealed, and encapsulated crawl space enables extra storage space.
Increase home resale value. A dry, dirt-free crawl space that's been well maintained is attractive to buyers. Plus, home inspections will be easier and cheaper.
Lower maintenance costs. Keeping the crawl space clean and fixing issues immediately prevents greater damage to the home’s structure. Plus, catching damage early makes it easier and less expensive to repair.
Crawl Space Restoration & Cleanout Cost Factors
The main cost factors to repair and clean out a crawl space are the size and condition of the crawl space and the type and extent of work required for restoration.
| Project Size | Average Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Small | $500 – $3,000 |
|
| Average | $3,000 – $8,000 |
|
| Extensive | $8,000 – $15,000 |
|
Size of Crawl Space
A small crawl space costs $500 to $2,000 to clean out, while a large area runs $2,000 to $4,000. Short crawl spaces less than 3 feet high cost more to clean and restore due to limited accessibility.
Condition
A standard cleaning without any unexpected problems costs $500 to $1,500. With multiple issues such as cleaning, mold removal, foundation repairs, sealing, installing a drainage system, and new insulation costs $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the overall condition.
A large crawl space with completely rotten floor joists and beams, regular flooding, and extensive fungal growth costs upwards of $20,000 for the structural repairs, water management solution, mold treatment, and moisture control.
Wet crawl spaces may require multiple solutions such as leaky pipe repair, waterproofing and sealing cracks, redirecting gutters, landscape grading, or installing a French drain.
Crawl Space Inspection
A crawl space inspection costs $100 to $250 on average, depending on the size, level of access, and working conditions.
Radon, mold, or asbestos testing costs $100 to $300 extra.
Adding the crawl space to a full home inspection costs $50 to $100 more than usual.
If the crawl space deemed unsafe, the inspector is not required to enter until cleaning and repairs are made to fix the health hazards. Check the crawl space yourself every six months, especially before heavy rains or snow thaw begins.
A crawl space inspector checks for:
Weaknesses in the foundation
Presence of mold or mildew
Leaking water and sewage pipes
Humid air, moisture buildup, and water damage
Ventilation status
Vapor barrier strength
Insulation problems
Termites and other pest infestations
Condition of the electrical wiring
Find home inspectors near you to evaluate your crawl space.
Crawl Space Maintenance
A well-maintained crawl space protects the foundation, prevents moisture problems, and prevents harmful gasses from entering the home. Solving crawl space problems includes the following:
Checking for high moisture levels, signs of mold, plumbing pipe leaks and rusting, rotting beams or floor joists, or wet insulation.
Cleaning and disinfecting the crawl space
Looking for rodents and other pest infestations
Inspecting for signs of leaks or ventilation issues
Venting out trapped air to prevent radon buildup
Encapsulation, and making sure the vapor barrier is free of tears
Checking and cleaning the dehumidifier unit
Looking for loose or exposed wiring
Crawl Space Issues & Solutions
Encapsulation, sealing, and other restorative work is necessary to prevent future damages and flooding. The following list of crawl space solutions helps prevent any future water and health issues:
| Solution | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crawl Space Inspection | $100 – $250 |
| Sump Pump Installation Costs | $500 – $1,200 |
| Drainage System | $800 – $4,000 |
| Crawl Space Encapsulation | $1,500 – $15,000 |
| Foundation Leak Repair | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Landscape Grading | $500 – $5,000 |
| Gutter Installation Cost | $750 – $2,300 |
| Junk Removal Costs | $150 – $350 |
| Plumber Hourly Rates | $45 – $150 |
Crawl space cleaning & repair FAQs
Where Is My Crawl Space?
A crawl space is a hollow area located between the ground and the first floor. Most are 1 to 3 feet high and allow crawling access to ductwork, plumbing, and wiring.
Crawl space entrances look like cellar doors outside the home or inside an attached garage.
Homes with a basement or a concrete slab foundation don’t have a crawl space.
What Is The Purpose of a Crawl Space Foundation?
The primary purpose of a crawl space is to promote air circulation through the home and allow convenient access to repair and install electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating systems. A crawl space elevates a house to deter termites and provides additional storage space.
Is Crawl Space Encapsulation A Good Idea?
Crawl space encapsulation reduces moisture, humidity, mold, mildew, radon, and pests. Encapsulation keeps the crawl space clean, improves indoor air quality, stops allergens and pollutants, and protects the foundation, posts, and joists. Plus, it provides a clean storage area and reduces energy bills.
Will Water In A Crawl Space Go Away?
Standing water in a crawl space requires repairing any water damage, removing any mold, waterproofing, and installing a dehumidifier, drainage system, and encapsulation.
Water in a crawl space leads to wood rot, pests, mold, structural damage, and poses health risks. It’s critical to remove water from a crawl space as soon as possible.
How Much Mold In A Crawl Space Is Acceptable?
No amount of mold in a crawl space is acceptable. Mold affects indoor air quality, causes allergic reactions, can be toxic to your health, and can feed on wooden structures causing decay.
Mold is largely preventable through cleaning, sealing, and dehumidifying, but quickly spreads if left untreated.
How Do You Disinfect A Crawl Space?
To disinfect a crawl space, remove any contaminated debris and sources of mold and moisture. Then after the area is dry, apply diluted bleach, hydrogen peroxide, a borate spray, or other anti-fungal cleaning agents to the surface for at least 5 minutes.
Always take safety precautions and wear protective gear.
Call a mold removal specialist for moldy areas larger than 10 square feet, signs of mold in HVAC air ducts, asbestos, or sewage leaks to avoid health risks.
Hiring a professional is safer, effective, and more efficient.
How Much Does Crawl Space Renovation Cost?
Converting a crawl space into a basement costs $50 to $150 per square foot or between $50,000 and $150,000 for a 1,000 square foot renovation. Conversion costs depend on the depth of excavation and the amount of finishing work. Digging out a crawl spaces take 3 to 6 months.
How Much Does It Cost To Pump Sand Under My House?
The average cost to pump sand under a house is $1,000 to $3,000, for the sand, delivery, and pumping labor. Pumping sand under a home makes the ground higher than the water table and levels out the eroded areas.
However, water may still collect under the house until a proper drainage system, dehumidifiers, and a vapor barrier is installed.
DIY Crawl Space Cleaning & Repair
DIY crawl space cleaning is possible if there's no presence of heavy mold, pests, or other hazardous problems. However, calling a pro is safer and more efficient for most projects and ensures the job is done right.
| Problem | DIY | Hire A Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | ✓ Minor cleaning issues | ✓ Hire a professional to remove mold, asbestos, fungus, animal remains or waste |
| Removing Water | × | ✓ Hire a professional to fix permanently |
| Pests & Rodents | ✓ Minor pest issues | ✓ Rodents, termites, insects, or major pest issues |
| Replacing Insulation | × | ✓ Hire a professional, especially when mold is present |
| Sealing Air Leaks | ✓ Seal minor leaks with spray foam or caulk | ✓ Large foundation cracks or major leaks |
| Install Vapor Barrier | × | ✓ Hire a professional for proper encapsulation. If rocks, debris, or moisture is trapped, the encapsulation is less effective |
| Install French Drain | × | ✓ Hire a professional for this complex process |
Hiring A Crawl Space Repair & Cleaning Company
Hiring a pro is necessary to remove mold, pests, or standing water, and for insulation, encapsulation, or foundation repair.
Before hiring a contractor and signing a contract, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates and compare prices.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Make sure they are licensed, insured, and bonded.
Choose a company that's been in business for at least 5 years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Ask for a full itemized contract in writing in case of a dispute.
Make sure they experienced and certified to determine the best system for your home.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.