Are you thinking of encapsulating your crawl space but unsure about the cost incurred in this procedure? If yes, then this article is perfectly designed for your requirements. Here, we will provide a detailed breakdown of how the pricing of crawl space encapsulation is done and what specific factors impact its cost.
But before discussing these details, let’s first understand a little about crawl space encapsulation in the forthcoming section:
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation refers to a process in which the foundation waterproofing specialists line the floors and walls of the space beneath your home with a thin polyethylene sheet.
This heavy-duty antimicrobial barrier helps cover and seal the walls, floors, and in some cases, the ceiling of your crawl space. It works to catch the water seeping through the crawl space floor or walls, channeling it to a system that ejects it away from your foundation.
This process helps enhance the air quality underneath your house, lowering the crawl space temperature. As a result, you can save a lot on utility bills by encapsulating your house’s crawl space area.
Now, let’s move ahead with our discussion by looking at the key factors that decide the cost of this process.
What Are The Different Factors That Impact The Crawlspace Encapsulation Cost?
1. Permits
You may need to acquire permits for crawl space encapsulation based on your location. The cost of these permits will fluctuate as per the local permit costs. However, if you are opting for the assistance of a crawl space encapsulation company, you may not require pulling a permit for this process alone in most cases.
Permits are only needed when this specific work is paired with a sump pump, drain tile system or other foundation repair work.
2. Materials And Labor
The overall cost of the crawl space encapsulation depends on the type of materials employed for this procedure and the professionalism of the company you go for. The price will be less if the contractor you choose uses thinner and cheaper crawl space liners to get this job done.
But, there is no point in assigning this work to such companies as the purpose you are trying to solve will remain unsolved. So, settling for a lower price is not a good decision. Instead, your main goal should be to hire a company that only uses high-quality products to perform this job to ensure the best results.
3. Dehumidifier
If the place you live experiences humid weather, your crawl space encapsulation contractor may suggest you install a dehumidifier inside your encapsulated crawl space. This equipment helps circulate the clean air inside your crawl space, preventing humidity from rising. Before installing the dehumidifier, the experts will close the crawl space vents (if present). Otherwise, the dehumidifier will only filter the outside air.
4. Size and Condition Of The Crawl Space
Your crawl space size considerably impacts the total encapsulation cost. The larger your crawl space is, the more materials and time are required to get the encapsulation done. If the expert you hire finds that your crawl space is losing its structural support, they will suggest addressing that issue first.
There is a high chance that the same company also offers foundation repair services. In such a case, you must opt for both crawl space encapsulation and foundation repair solutions. Note that the price will vary as foundation repair is a different project.
5. Inspection
A professional crawl space inspection before encapsulation is often needed to evaluate the condition and ascertain the best course of action. If the encapsulation company does it, the inspection cost will be included in the total price.
6. Wall Inspection
If the walls of your crawl space are not insulated, you will have to invest extra money to get this job done for crawl space encapsulation. The climate in your area and the crawl space’s size decide the type and amount of insulation required.
7. Waterproofing
A crawl space susceptible to water infiltration must be waterproofed before starting the encapsulation process. It adds to the cost as you may require a separate contractor to waterproof the crawlspace.
8. Drainage
If there are any drainage issues in your crawl space, you should fix this as a part of the encapsulation procedure. The cost of drainage work will vary based on the problem’s extent and the solutions needed. The company you hired for performing waterproofing duties is also skilled in correcting the crawl space’s drainage concerns.
9. Mold Remediation
You must adopt the necessary steps to remediate any mold on the walls of the crawl space or the joists to prepare the site for the encapsulation procedure. The mold remediation cost relies on the mold’s severity and the methods employed for removing it.
10. Pest Control
Pest control treatment is necessary before you attempt to encapsulate your crawl space. If your area is infested with pests, you will have to bear the cost of hiring a pest control company. They will remediate termites, carpenter ants, rodents, and other pests that are hazardous to your house’s crawl space and foundation.
11. Vent Sealing
If your crawl space has open vents, then you would need to seal those. The vent sealing cost will depend on the location and number of vents. It is typically included as part of the encapsulation procedure.
Estimated Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost
Typically, the crawl space encapsulation cost ranges somewhere between $1,500 to $15,000. However, the overall price relies on different things, like the size of your crawl space, the quality of materials, and much more.
Want to get an accurate cost estimate? If yes, contact a reputed crawl space encapsulation company like Atlantic Foundation & Crawl Space Repair. They will let you know the pricing by inspecting your space and considering all the critical factors.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have finished reading this blog post, we are sure your related doubts are clear. Atlantic Foundation & Crawl Space Repair can be a trusted partner in your entire crawl space encapsulation journey. For more details, don’t hesitate to call them today.