How Much Does Crawl Space Repair And Cleaning Cost?

Average Cost to Repair a Crawl Space

The average cost to repair a crawl space is $6,000 if it's part of an encapsulation process and includes improving structural elements, like beams and joists. Minor repairs, such as fixing vents, can cost $150 to $400. Other repairs might include:

• Water damage

• Insect damage 

• Rotting structural elements

• Foundation issues

• Insulation replacement

Average Cost to Clean a Crawl Space

Cleaning your crawl space costs $500 to $2,000 on average. You may pay up to $4,000 if it includes any remediation for mold or large projects. Cleaning often happens after flooding, before encapsulating, or for major repairs. The process generally includes:

• Removing debris

• Checking for pests and insects

• Ensuring vents are unblocked

• Dehumidifying the space 

• Using disinfectants 

• Deodorizing the area 

Crawl Space Repair Cost

In many situations, you'll probably find you need a combination of repairs, cleaning, and preventive measures. For example, suppose you have moldy, rotted beams. In that case, you'll probably want to clean them or get mold remediation, replace any damaged beams, and install an encapsulation system to lower humidity levels and avoid future mold issues.

Crawl Space Foundation Settling Repair Cost

Foundation repairs cost $2,000 to $7,000 or more. You might need to replace or shore up supports, fix cracks, and relevel the house. A pro typically secures it with piers, piles, or mudjacking. 

• Piers and piles cost $1,000–$3,000 per unit.

• Mudjacking costs $600–$1,500 total.

You’ll also want to ask your pro about any related soil issues that might cause the foundation to settle further or cause other problems.

Water Damage in Crawl Space Cost

Water damage restoration costs around $1,200 to $5,400, with extreme flooding exceeding $10,000 to fix. You can prevent water damage through encapsulation and waterproofing, but that adds up to another $15,000. 

With flood damage, you'll want to consider hiring a local water restoration company, while a crawl space cleaner can usually handle other types of damage. You might also have to restore or replace walls or individual wooden beams, which can range up to $2,000. Further actions increase the budget, like mold removal and fixing insulation damage.

Support Beam Replacement

Replacing a support beam costs around $1,500 to $5,000. Some reports have gone as high as $16,000. Prices depend on how hard it is to get to, what material you use (wood or steel), and any other structural damage you might have. You’ll also need to fix the root cause of the problem, usually a settling foundation or water damage.

Cost to Remove Insulation From Crawl Space

Crawl space insulation removal and replacement costs about $1,000 to $4,000. Damaged or inadequate insulation affects the comfort of your home and raises heating and cooling fees. Prices depend on whether you use fiberglass insulation or spray foam insulation. 

• Installing batt and roll insulation costs $1,000–$2,400.

• Installing spray foam insulation prices range from $1,300–$3,800.

Crawl Space Cleaning Costs

Professional crawl space cleaning costs $500 to $2,000 on average. It might run as low as $200 oras high as $4,000. Or, you can save money and do the cleaning yourself. Prices depend heavily on the type of cleaning you need and the size of the space. For example, removing junk and construction debris won’t hurt your wallet much, but mold or pests can run into the thousands.

Pests or Rodents in Crawl Space

Warm, wet areas attract insects and rodents. Removing rodents costs around $180 to $550. Some homeowners report a complete pest removal, cleaning, and sealing run from around $2,000 to $4,000. Find a pest control service near you to remove unwanted guests and treat the crawl space to prevent their return.

Cost of Mold Remediation in a Crawl Space

It’s vital to keep your air as free as possible of mold, mildew, and bacteria to help with issues like asthma and allergies. Mold removal costs around $1,000 to $3,500. If you have mold, you probably have moisture or water issues too. Dealing with moisture in your crawl space with encapsulation, vapor barriers, sealing, and dehumidifiers can keep this problem from repeating. 

Cost of Removing Fungus From a Crawl Space

Removing fungi like mushrooms, white mold, and slime costs the same as any mold, or around $1,000 to $3,500. You’ll use the same treatments with the same pros. Most of these other mold types don't directly threaten your home, but they can trigger allergic reactions and indicate a high moisture level. 

Pre-Repair Cleaning

Cleaning should always be your first step before any comprehensive repairs. Hire a trained pro to clean the space, or wear proper safety gear and follow all the necessary precautions to avoid getting sick if you’re taking the DIY route.

A specialist will have the knowledge, equipment, and protective gear to handle potentially dangerous materials and situations like:

• Pests

• Rodents

• Animal remains or waste

• Fiberglass insulation

• Asbestos

• Small areas

• Limited visibility

• Mold

• Sloped grade

Cost Factors for Crawl Space Cleaning and Repair

Some crawl space cost factors to consider include:

• Size of the space: More area means more time and cleaning.

• Problem type: Junk removal costs thousands less than water damage or rot repairs.

• Location: You’ll find small variations in pricing regionally.

• Accessibility: Add $100–$500 for hard-to-access crawl spaces. 

Size of Crawl Space

Areas under 900 square feet might run $500 to $2,500 to clean out, while larger spaces go up to $4,500 or more. The amount of debris and potential damage determine where in that range your project falls. If your crawl space is difficult to access, expect to add between $100 and $500 to your budget.

Overall Condition

Simply cleaning out dirt and other debris can run under $1,000, while removing rodent droppings ranges from $800 to $3,000. With multiple issues, you’ll hit $4,500 or more.

Crawl Space Repair Costs by Type

Read the table below for various costs to repair the most common crawl space issues.

Crawl Space Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs for crawl spaces range from $100 to $500, mostly for yearly inspections and pest control measures. Installing other preventive measures can run into the thousands but can save you just as much in future repairs. 

Preventive Crawl Space Fixes

Consider these preventive measures to avoid future crawl space issues:

• Sump pump installation costs $650–$2,000. You’ll usually want this included with a tile drainage system under the slab.

• A drainage system costs $2,000–$6,200.

• Plumbers charge $45–$200 per hour and can address leaky pipes to avoid recurrences.

• Crawl space encapsulation costs $1,500–$15,000 and helps avoid humid environments. 

• Landscape grading costs $1,000–$3,200 and helps drain water away from your crawl space.

Crawl Space Inspection Costs

Crawl space inspections cost around $100 to $300. During the inspection, your pro will look for:

• Insect infestations

• Standing water or other water damage

• Insulation damage

• Moisture content 

• Ductwork issues

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Crawl Spaces

With the right knowledge and experience, you may be able to handle simple cleaning tasks. For example, clearing out debris can be easy and cost as little as $50 for a DIY job. But for water, pests, mold, and any repairs or preventive measures, call a pro.

The type of issue you have tells you who to call:

• Mold, mildew, fungus, or dry rot issue: Find a mold remediation company near you.

• Sealing up ductwork to help prevent mold issues: Call a local HVAC pro.

• Installing sump pumps, drainage, and encapsulation: Call a local foundation repair pro.

• Removing junk: Find a handyperson near you.

FAQs

Will water in a crawl space go away on its own?

Water in a crawl space will only go away if you have proper drainage, venting, or a dehumidifier.

How do you disinfect a crawl space?

You can disinfect a crawl space with bleach or a borate spray for mold and mildew.

What is the purpose of a crawl space?

A crawl space under a home provides access to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC ducts.

Is encapsulating a crawl space worth it?

Crawl space encapsulation is good for regulating humidity to avoid mold and keep radon from entering your home.

Should a crawl space be vented?

Most crawl spaces should be vented per building code requirements. This allows fresh air to circulate and keeps moisture levels low.

How do I keep water out of my crawl space?

You can keep water out of your crawl space using one or more of the following:

• Dehumidifier

• Grading the landscape

• Installing a sump pump

• Sealing foundation cracks

• Installing natural drainage like a French drain