How much should I expect to pay for crawl space encapsulation?

The dark crawl space under your house is one area that makes many homeowners cringe. However, if left unfinished, this cold, damp area can, according to Crawlspaces.org, reduce the indoor air quality of the living areas above, cause moisture-related problems to the structure of the home, and increase utility costs.

A qualified basement or crawl space contractor will be your best option for sealing the home's crawl space by installing a vapor barrier. When you are gathering quotes from potential contractors, be sure to inquire about the water vapor permeance rating (or how easily water vapor passes through the product). The lower the number, the better the product — for example, .01.

Typical Costs for Crawl Space Encapsulation

• Low-End Estimate: $2,000
  
  
• High-End Estimate: $14,000
  
  According to Aqua Guard Basement Systems, project costs for a complete crawl space encapsulation vary, depending on the size of the crawl space and the age of the home.
  
  A tiny crawl space encapsulation project may start out at $2,000, but if the home was built before many of the current building codes were in place, you could be looking at significant additional costs tacked on to the final tally.
  
  An average job will cost you around $6,000 and take about 2-3 days to complete.
  
  The thickness of the vapor barrier liner is something else to consider, as more expensive systems will have multi-layer liners.

Potential Extra Costs

• Dehumidifier
  
  Low-End Estimate: $600
  
  High-End Estimate: $1,900
  
  
• Drainage Systems
  
  Low-End Estimate: $2,000
  
  High-End Estimate: $4,000

What to Expect from Crawl Space Encapsulation Companies

• The crawl space floor is cleaned and graded of any debris or rocks that could potentially rip the vapor barrier liner.
  
  
• The vapor barrier is laid out on the crawl space floor and walls.
  
  
• All seams will be overlapped by at least a foot and sealed with special tape.
  
  
• Any vents are sealed and the crawl space door is replaced (if applicable).
  
  
• In more humid regions of the country, the company may recommend installing a dehumidifier and interior drainage to prevent the vapor barrier from sweating.