As a homeowner, looking to add value to a home is very important. You want to increase your home value in any way that you can. In some cases, the cost of the project does not equal the added value to the home. Always make sure that you are gaining a positive value over the actual cost of the project. Some common projects that homeowners consider are bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, gutter systems, and even garage door upgrades, to name a few. Also, some projects are unique to a specific home. Does crawl space encapsulation add value to a home? Yes, being able to show a nice clean crawl space is attractive to buyers.
Let’s take a look below at all of the ways an encapsulated crawl space improves a home.
What Does It Mean To Encapsulate A Crawl Space
Encapsulating a crawl space means that you have taken extra steps in ensuring the area is cleaned and protected against various elements. The entire crawl space is sealed off from the outside air. Also, a dehumidifier is installed to clean the air. Additionally, a sump pump is installed to ensure water does not build up from under the vapor barrier. You will want to hire a professional contractor to complete this project.
Why Should I Do This
Believe it or not, there are a variety of reasons for crawlspace encapsulation. Let’s take a look at the best reasons for completing this project:
- Pest control – closing off the crawl space takes away an additional access point for insects and rodents. No moisture or insulation eliminates the desire for these pests to stick around. Keeping water, food, and shelter options out of the crawl space will eliminate these pests.
- Energy efficient – installing a vapor barrier in your encapsulated crawl space reduces moisture and guards against temperature changes in the cold and hot months. This means you can run your HVAC system as you should and not worry about air escaping through the crawl space.
- Moisture reduction – encapsulating the crawl space removes the 18 gallons a day that could build up excess moisture around the crawl space. This project ensures that wood rot, mold growth, and condensation issues are kept at a minimum if any at all.
- Fresh air – as you know, air rises. So, about 50 percent of the air that circulates through your home can come from the crawl space. If you don’t encapsulate the crawl space, you are risking an air quality that is full of mold spores, and dust particles and has a musty smell. Installing the vapor barrier and vent covers will eliminate the air that carries toxic microorganisms.
- Indoor comfort – encapsulating the crawl space will eliminate the possibility of cold air working its way up through the walls and floors of your home. This allows you to prevent drastic temperature changes in the home. Your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Energy savings – you will notice a sharp reduction in your energy bill once you have encapsulated your crawl space. You will notice that your air conditioner is not working as hard and can keep the temperatures in your home consistent. Also, you could see a 15 percent decrease in your energy costs.
- Repair-free home – sealing up the crawl space will keep moisture down, pests out, and water damage from occurring. This keeps you from spending money on major repairs due to wood rot, wood destroying organisms, or even flooding in the crawl space.
- Resale value – crawl space encapsulation adds value to your home. This becomes very attractive to home buyers. No home buyer will want a home with a crawl space that is poorly maintained. Buyers will pay more for a home that has an encapsulated crawl space as it reduces the chances they have to spend more on repairs down the road. Selling your home becomes easier the more selling points that you have.
How Much Does It Cost
Encapsulating a crawl space can be rather pricey. The cost of completing this project will vary based on the size of the crawl space, the current drainage situation, and the groundwater levels in your area. Additionally, the national average cost for an encapsulated crawl space ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. Also, larger crawl spaces are likely to cost up to $15,000 for a completed project.
Other Recommended Maintenace
Understanding that crawl space encapsulation adds value to your home is great. What if you cannot afford that at this time? Also, you should consider the next best thing. Cleaning your crawl space is a great start towards keeping rodents, insects, and other pests out of your home.
Now that you have your crawl space cleaned out it is time to dry it out. Drying out your crawl space will require some added equipment and professionals to assist you. In some cases, it would require you to add more drainage to your crawl space.
Lastly, various pests or rodents would love to make your crawl space home. Read up on what their nests might look like. Keeping Raccoons away is always a tough task, but eliminating their opportunity to nest is a great start. Encapsulating your crawl space will eliminate the possibility of a raccoon nesting in your crawl space.
When Do I Call A Professional
When you decide that encapsulating your crawl space is a project that you would like completed, you will call on a professional. Attempting to tackle this project is not a good idea. There are so many parts to this project, that hiring a professional contractor with experience encapsulating a crawl space is key.
Also, consider hiring your local home inspection team. They can inspect the crawl space and make recommended repairs before you go and seal it off. Also, a home inspection team can recommend a reputable professional contractor.
Conclusion
Encapsulating your crawl space will add value to your home. Not only does it reduce the moisture levels in your home, but it also helps keep pests and insects out of your crawl space. Also, if you aren’t sure if this is the project for your crawl space, call on your local home inspection team. Reach out to All South Pest Control to get your crawl space encapsulated in McDonogh, GA, and the surrounding areas.
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