Crawlspace Inspection Costs

By Lisa A. Koosis

September 15, 2024

Not everyone's home has a crawlspace, but if yours is one of the 15% that does, there are some things you should know about this oft-forgotten place.

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What Is a Crawlspace?

A crawlspace, which is sometimes referred to as a crawlspace foundation, is a shallow room located beneath the first floor of a building. It's similar to a basement but much smaller. In fact, crawlspaces were named for their size. Because they're typically less than 5 feet high, most people won’t have room to stand in them.

Your crawlspace is often the utility hub for your house, providing direct access to HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems. It can also reduce your home’s flood risk, keep moisture out of your living spaces and provide insulation, improving energy efficiency.

Why Do I Need a Crawlspace Inspection?

Your crawlspace is integral to the structural integrity of your house, so problems in this area can affect the safety and comfort of your family. That's why it's important to catch any issues before they lead to major damage.

Common issues in crawlspaces include:

Pest Infestations

Rodents and ground-dwelling insects are attracted to these dark, quiet areas. If left untreated, these pests can infiltrate your living spaces or damage electrical wiring.

Excessive Moisture

Moisture can lead to mold or mildew. It can also cause wood rot, which can result in sagging floors and other structural problems.

How Often Should You Have Your Crawlspace Inspected?

How often you need a professional crawlspace inspection depends on several factors:

Your home’s age
Seasonal issues, such as excessive rain or heat
Evidence of pest infestation
Natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes
Previously identified issues
Climate conditions
Specific homeowner concerns

If your crawlspace is easily accessible, you can check it yourself twice a year for signs of leaks, mold and insect infestations. However, you should never enter your crawlspace without wearing protective gear, such as a mask and gloves.

What’s Involved in a Crawlspace Inspection?

Crawlspace inspections are primarily visual inspections. Your inspector will check the area for:

Foundation damage or weakness
Mold and mildew
Leaks and water damage
Humidity
Pests or pest damage
Tears or holes in the vapor barrier
Ventilation issues
Damage to electrical wiring
Proper insulation
Wood rot

If you or your inspector suspects a problem, techniques such as thermal imaging may also be used for an accurate diagnosis.

Who Can Inspect My Crawlspace?

Typically, crawlspaces are inspected by home inspectors, structural engineers or foundation repair specialists. If you require an inspection for insurance purposes or a real estate transaction, you'll need a professional who is licensed by either the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Some states may recognize other licensing agencies, so you should contact your local regulatory agency for more information on the laws governing your area.

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How Much Does a Crawlspace Inspection Cost?

A crawlspace inspection is often done during a full home inspection, which averages about $350 (CAD 473) nationwide, according to American Home Inspectors Training. However, costs vary depending on where you live and the size and age of your home. The assessment may also be done during a home foundation inspection, which averages about $600 (CAD 810), based on data from Forbes, but can vary depending on the job's complexity.

If you need additional services, the cost goes up. For example, if you suspect mold in your crawlspace, a mold inspection can run an additional $300 to $800 (CAD 405 to CAD 1,080). Termite testing can cost $50 to $200 (CAD 68 to CAD 270).

If your home inspection doesn’t include a crawlspace assessment, you can typically add it on for between $50 and $100 (CAD 68 and CAD 135) However, if you don’t need a full home inspection, some local inspectors will inspect just the crawlspace for between $100 and $250 (CAD 135 and CAD 338).

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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