Given that the crawl space is an area that sees little traffic, it’s often neglected for years. It’s only when it gets musty, moldy, and dirty or pest-ridden that homeowners swing into action. Cleaning it up can be a real hassle as it’s a low-lying area. Besides, you have to wade through dirt, endure unpleasant smells, and work in a confined space with limited lighting.
Not cleaning the crawl space is not an option either, as air from this space accounts for almost 50% of indoor air. Also, when it’s dirty, it puts your family’s health at risk. And don’t forget the critters that can invade this space and make life unbearable for you all. So how much does it cost to clean a crawl space?
Crawl Space Cleaning Costs
Pull out your calculator and let’s crunch some numbers. On average, you may spend anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000 or more on cleaning up and repairing your dirty, moldy, and soggy crawl space in Baltimore. Let’s look at the specific services and what each may cost you:
- Basic cleaning
Crews will remove all kinds of debris that have accumulated inside the crawl space and dispose of them properly, plus anything that would reduce energy efficiency and air quality. A basic clean-out average tends to run costs $750 to $2,500.
- Insulation repair
Damaged or torn crawl space insulation makes the home less energy efficient. Removing and replacing the damaged insulation with an eco-friendly material could cost you $1,500 to $3,000.
- Pest eradication
Raccoons, rats, bats, and mice may turn your crawl space into their home. During clean-out, you will have to remove them and block off entry points to stop re-infestation. A company specifically offering pest control will likely use pesticides if you have a serious infestation. For this exercise, set aside an average of $1,000 to $2,000.
- Mold treatment
It’s likely that your crawl space will have some mold in it. The affected area has to be isolated and any airborne mildew or mold must be treated with anti-microbial products. Spraying to treat for mold can cost you $1,000 to $2,000.
- Fungus treatment
Removing slime fungi, white mold, and mushrooms may cost the same as mold treatment, as treatments are likely to be the same. While they don’t pose serious threats, they can trigger the occasional allergies.
- Beam removal
Sometimes, support beams rot and become weak. Replacing a support beam may cost you anywhere between $1,000 to $2,500 depending on whether you’ll use wood or steel. After replacing the beam, you’ll also have to resolve the underlying cause of damage.
- Deodorizing the crawl space
After years of collecting rodent droppings and mold, your crawl space that has soiled insulation may have acrid or awful smells. Cleaning will remove some of the stenches. To get rid of the strange smells emanating from the crawl space, you will have to use an odor neutralizer.
How much you’ll incur to clean the crawl space depends on the condition and the size of the crawl space. The larger and dirtier the crawl space, the more money you’re going to spend. The same goes for the duration of cleanups. A well-maintained crawl space with less dirt or issues may be cleaned in a couple of hours. However, a dirty one will require hours (if not days) of cleaning.
Other Crawl Space Services
After you clean a crawl space, you may have to seal holes or vents and encapsulate your crawl space to stop moisture and critters from entering. This may entail installing a crawl space vapor barrier and dehumidifier. If the floor is sinking or settling, you will need to install piers or support posts. Leaks on the foundation also need fixing, so budget for these as well. Lastly, you may need to set aside $2,000 to $4,000 for miscellaneous costs. Talk to your local basement and crawl space repair specialist to know what needs fixing.
Why Hire Crawl Space Cleaners
Since crawl spaces in Baltimore are often difficult to access, getting down there to perform inspections and cleaning can be a nightmare. Handling hazardous materials and exposure to mold, allergens, and dust means you can develop respiratory problems. You also risk bumping your head on beams, as it’s bogged by dirt and poorly lit. So it’s best that you leave the cleaning exercise to skilled and experienced pros because they have the appropriate gear.
Note: The above figures are conservative estimates. The cost estimate could be higher depending on the accessibility, size, and condition of your crawl space.
Looking to clean up your crawl space but don’t know where to start? Schedule a free crawl space inspection and get solid recommendations on how clean and fix crawl space issues.
