How Much Does Crawl Space Cleaning Cost?
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A clean crawl space can result in lower heating and cooling bills, warmer floors, and cleaner indoor air. Crawl space cleaning cost ranges from $500 to $4,000.
Highlights
- Crawl space cleaning costs between $500 and $4,000 on average.
- The exact cost can vary depending on the size and condition of the crawl space, the accessibility of the area, and the type of cleaning required.
- Homeowners may need crawl space cleaning if they notice their energy bills increase, their home’s temperature fluctuate, or if they have recently had flooding in the area.
- While a homeowner may be able to perform a basic crawl space cleaning themselves, it’s advisable to hire a professional if there are serious issues such as mold, mildew, rodent droppings, or foundation instability.
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A home’s crawl space is typically out of sight, out of mind—until there’s a problem. A crawl space directly impacts the energy efficiency and indoor air quality of a home. Many homeowners may be surprised to learn that the crawl space underneath their home influences the quality of life for everyone in the house. Excess dirt, mold, mildew, rodent droppings, and insects can make their way through the vents or floorboards to potentially create a hazardous environment. The best cleaning services can eliminate these issues in a crawl space and keep the area clean and dry.
How much does it cost to clean a crawl space? According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, crawl space cleaning costs between $500 and $4,000, depending on the accessibility and size of the space and the amount and types of items that need to be removed from the area. Some of the most common reasons for a homeowner to hire crawl space cleaners are mold and fungus growth, flooding, rodent and insect damage, improper insulation, settling foundation, and the removal of dirt and debris. If repairs are needed, the cost can run from $1,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on the extent and type of repairs necessary. Crawl space cleanup can result in warmer floors, significant savings on heating and cooling costs, and cleaner indoor air.
Regular crawl space cleaning and inspections by a crawl space specialist can quickly identify any potential issues before they develop into serious problems. This guide will examine the factors that influence crawl space cleaning cost, the different types of crawl space cleaning, the signs that a crawl space needs attention, and the most important questions for homeowners to ask a crawl space contractor about the cost and process of cleaning the area.
Factors in Calculating Crawl Space Cleaning Cost
While many homeowners spend between $500 and $4,000 to clean a crawl space, the overall price can vary due to a few important factors. These can include crawl space size and condition, cleaning type, accessibility, and geographic location.
Crawl Space Size
The overall crawl space cleaning cost is heavily influenced by the size of the crawl space. A 900-square-foot space can cost between $500 and $2,500, or from $0.55 to $2.70 per square foot. Larger crawl spaces that measure between 1,500 and 3,000 square feet can cost in the range of $4,000. Many crawl space contractors will charge more for clearing and disposing of any debris. Difficult-to-access spaces or areas that are less than 3 feet high will cost more to clean; homeowners can expect an additional charge of between $100 and $500 for such crawl spaces. If there are hazardous materials in the crawl space, the final price will be much higher due to the higher labor cost and risk factors, as well as the increased difficulty of the job.
Crawl Space Condition
Standard cleaning of dirt and debris from a crawl space can cost from $500 to $1,500. Adding the removal of rodent droppings to the cleaning project can increase the price to between $800 and $3,000. If additional problems are discovered, such as needed foundation repairs, mold removal, insulation issues, or the need for sealing—or if a new drainage system is required— the project cost can skyrocket to between $3,000 and $15,000. A regular cleaning project can get sidelined by flooding issues, rotten floor beams and joists, and fungal growth. Water management solutions, structural repairs, moisture control, and crawl space mold removal can cost as much as $20,000. Wet crawl spaces can have a variety of causes, such as gutter direction issues, leaky pipes, cracks in the foundation, incorrect landscape grading, or the need for a French drain.
Cleaning Type
Crawl space cleaning cost is impacted by the type of cleaning that’s needed and the size of the space. Removing old construction debris or junk that’s been stored in the area can be done at a budget-friendly rate, but mold and fungal treatment or rodent removal can cause the project price to increase significantly. The most common types of cleaning for crawl spaces include basic cleaning, pest and rodent removal, junk removal, asbestos removal, mold remediation, fungal remediation, and sewer water cleanout. Each of these cleaning types is discussed in more detail below.
Accessibility
Since a home’s crawl space is located between the ground and the first floor, some areas may be more difficult to access than others. Many crawl spaces are between 1 and 3 feet high and provide access to HVAC ductwork, electrical wiring, and plumbing. If the crawl space is hard to access, many contractors will add $100 to $500 to the bill for the extra effort and time required.
Geographic Location
Geographic location also affects crawl space cleaning cost. Labor prices in densely populated urban areas with higher costs of living are typically more expensive than in more rural areas.
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Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for crawl space cleaning cost, homeowners will discover additional price factors and considerations that can change the project total. These can include crawl space inspection, crawl space repairs, vent repairs, insulation replacement, waterproofing, and encapsulation.
Crawl Space Inspection
A crawl space inspection can cost from $100 to $250, depending on the accessibility and size of the area, as well as the working conditions. Testing for asbestos, radon, or mold can increase the price by an additional $100 to $300. If the crawl space area is ruled unsafe, the inspector is not required to enter the area until all repairs and cleaning have been completed. The best mold removal companies can take care of mold and mildew issues before they get out of hand. Below are some of the common issues that a crawl space inspector will check for.
- Condition of electrical wiring
- Leaking water
- Broken sewage pipes
- Vapor barrier strength
- Evidence of mold or mildew growth
- Foundation weaknesses
- Pest infestations
- Insulation issues
- Water damage, excess humidity, and moisture buildup
- Ventilation problems
Adding a crawl space inspection to a whole-home inspection usually adds $50 to $100 to the total price. It’s recommended that homeowners inspect their crawl space area about every 6 months and especially after heavy rains or snowmelt.
Crawl Space Repairs
Depending on the type and scope of repair, it can cost between $1,500 and $15,000 or more for crawl space repairs. Many homeowners will find that they need a combination of cleaning, repairs, and preventive solutions. Below are some of the most common crawl space repairs and the average prices.
| Crawl Space Repair Type | Average Price Range |
| Encapsulation | $1,500 to $15,000 |
| Foundation settling issues | $2,000 to $7,000 |
| Insulation replacement | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Structural problems | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Water damage | $1,200 to $5,400 |
- Encapsulation. Crawl space encapsulation costs run from $1,500 to $15,000. This process reduces not only humidity and moisture, but also pests, rodents, mold, mildew, and radon gas. Encapsulation is discussed in a section below.
- Foundation issues. Crawl space foundation issues cost between $2,000 and $7,000 or more to repair. Some common foundation fixes include support replacement, releveling, and crack repair. A damaged foundation may need pier replacement (if the home has a pier and beam foundation), underpinning to increase strength, or mudjacking to relevel the house. Crack repair can cost between $250 and $800 per crack, piles (which underpin several foundation types where the home can’t be built directly on the soil) and piers run from $1,000 to $3,000 each, mudjacking ranges from $600 to $1,500, and foundation wall stabilization costs from $5,000 to $10,000. Because foundation problems can be the result of soil issues that cause settling, it’s recommended that homeowners consult with a professional to determine the cause.
- Insulation replacement. Crawl space insulation removal and replacement can range from $1,000 to $4,000. Insulation replacement is covered in a section below.
- Structural repair. Repairing structural issues, such as replacing support beams, can cost from $1,500 to $5,000 or more. The overall price depends on the beam material (steel or wood), the accessibility of the area, what part of the house the beam supports, and the beam’s size and weight. Any other structural damage will also need to be addressed, as will the cause of the problem, whether it’s from water damage or a settling foundation.
- Crawl space water damage repair cost. Crawl space water damage repairs can cost from $1,200 to $5,400, with damage from severe flooding ranging upwards of $10,000 for repairs. Future water damage can be prevented with waterproofing and encapsulation, but that can add $15,000 to the total bill.
Vent Repairs
Repairing crawl space vents cost from $15 to $150 per vent, depending on the number and type of vents. If the crawl space will be encapsulated, the cost of sealing all the vents ranges from $150 to $450. A sealed crawl space uses 15 percent to 18 percent less energy than a crawl space that’s vented. Vents that are not regularly maintained or are installed incorrectly can cause problems with mold, mildew, wood rot, moisture damage, pests, and the structural integrity of the home.
There are three main types of vents that are found in crawl spaces, each with various average installation costs:
- Basic vents are the cheapest to install at $6 to $15 per vent, and help keep air moving through the crawl space to reduce the risk of rot, mold, mildew, and pest infestations, while also insulating the home to lower energy costs.
- Automatic temperature-sensitive vents cost $14 to $70 each to install. They use a sensor to open automatically at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and close at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows for greater airflow and ventilation.
- Powered vents come with a built-in exhaust fan, though they are also the priciest option at $130 to $160 per vent.
Insulation Replacement
Insulation removal and replacement can cost from $1,000 to $4,000. The overall cost depends on the thickness and type of insulation, the height of the crawl space, and whether the exposed pipes are wrapped in foam. Below are the common types of insulation used in crawl spaces and the cost range for each type.
| Insulation Type | Cost (Per Square Foot) |
| Blown-in | $1 to $2.80 |
| Rigid foam board | $1.20 to $3.70 |
| Roll and batt | $0.90 to $1.40 |
| Spray foam | $2 to $5 |
Ensuring proper moisture control is vital before installing new insulation in a crawl space. Wet insulation can cause issues with mold, mildew, and rodent droppings. When a crawl space is properly insulated, it can reduce the risk of moisture and radon gas entering the home.
Waterproofing
Crawl space or basement waterproofing can cost from $1,500 to $7,000 on average. Waterproofing can help prevent mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and structural damage. Wet crawl spaces may require a few different types of repairs, such as sealing cracks, repairing pipes, landscape grading, or the installation of a French drain. The best basement waterproofing companies can make sure the basement area stays dry.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation, which involves creating a buffer between the dirt floor and walls and the first floor of the home, prevents moisture from entering the home. The crawl space is lined with a heavy-duty reinforced polyethylene vapor barrier to block any moisture from escaping. Encapsulation costs up to $15,000 to prevent humidity in the crawl space and water damage to the home.
Types of Crawl Space Cleaning
Crawl space cleaning cost can range from $500 to $4,000, depending on the type of cleaning service or crawl space remediation that’s needed. Fungal treatment, mold remediation, pest and rodent removal, and sewer water cleanout would put the project total toward the higher end of the price range. Below are the common types of crawl space cleaning that homeowners may need.
Basic Cleaning
Basic cleanup of a crawl space that involves the removal of excess dirt and debris can cost less than $1,000.
Pest and Rodent Removal
The cost of pest and rodent removal can range from $800 to $3,000, depending on the extent of the problem and the size of the crawl space. Removing rodent droppings can help improve the air quality in the home. Pest removal, the cleaning of the area, and the sealing of any openings that rodents can access are typically included in a pest and rodent removal service. Insect and rodent infestations can be a health hazard and cause structural damage to the home. It’s recommended that homeowners inspect their crawl space for signs of a rodent problem, such as shredded insulation, chewed and frayed electrical wiring, bad odors, animal droppings, rodent burrows and holes in the dirt crawl space, chew marks on wooden support beams, food scraps brought in from the outside, or damaged plastic piping.
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Junk Removal
Removing old junk or construction material can cost from $200 to $500. If there is no danger of being exposed to mold, mildew, fungus growth, asbestos, or rodent droppings, many homeowners prefer to remove any junk from their crawl space on their own.
Asbestos Removal
Crawl space asbestos removal needs to be done by a trained professional. Asbestos removal runs from $1,200 to $2,800, and testing for asbestos can cost from $100 to $300. Hiring a specialist for asbestos removal is safer and more efficient than trying to remove the hazardous material on your own.
Mold Remediation
Mold remediation cost ranges from $1,000 to $3,500 for the average crawl space. For more extensive mold problems, it can cost between $2,000 and $6,000 for mold removal. If a crawl space is wet or experiences high levels of humidity, chances are there is mold growth in the area. Since it’s important to keep a crawl space dry and free of mold and mildew growth, a mold remediation specialist can advise how to protect the area by using the best crawl space dehumidifiers, seals, vapor barriers, or encapsulation. Overall mold remediation pricing depends on the extent of the mold growth, mold type, and accessibility of the crawl space.
Fungal Remediation
Crawl space fungus treatment cost runs from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on the size of the spread and the extent of the fungal growth. Excessive moisture can cause slime fungi, mushrooms, wood rot, and white mold to grow in a crawl space and trigger respiratory issues and asthma symptoms. Brown, white, and soft wood rot can damage the structure of a home if left untreated.
Sewer Water Cleanout
Sewer water cleanout can cost from $1,000 to $5,500, depending on the type of cleaning that’s needed, the size of the crawl space, and how difficult it is to access the space.
Do I Need Crawl Space Cleaning?
While it’s recommended that homeowners take a look at their crawl space area twice a year, many homeowners don’t prioritize crawl spac