Homes that do not have a basement have a crawl space. It is a small area, roughly 1-1/2 feet wide and two feet in height, between the ground and first level of your home. It provides access to the foundation, electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Since this is a common area for water leaks, pests, and foundation issues to occur, it is prudent to have a certified home inspector to inspect the crawl space. That’s why it is an important component of our comprehensive home inspection.
Some common crawl space issues we find:
The crawl space is an area of the home that most homeowners rarely see. Unless you accompanied a home inspector during a buyer’s or seller’s inspection, you might not know where to gain access. However, its location underneath the home makes the crawl space susceptible to a variety of issues, such as water leaks, pest infestations, mold, and structural problems. Also, the crawl space needs to be correctly ventilated to keep the area dry and free of pests.
In some cases, inadequate ventilation allows the pooling of water, creating humid conditions for mold to develop. It can also become an attractive breeding ground for pests, rodents, and snakes. A crawl space inspection can uncover these and other issues. It can also help you avoid major structural repairs.
We perform a multi-point, 360-degree inspection of the entire crawl space area:
Foundation
Electrical wiring
Plumbing lines/HVAC system
Insulation/Ventilation
Moisture/Vapor barriers
Subfloor
Pest/Rodent infestations
Stem walls/Supports
Termites
Water intrusion
Signs of Crawl Space Problems
You should have a crawl space inspection if you notice any of the following symptoms:
A crawl space inspection can identify hidden problems that are damaging your home and negatively affecting its indoor air quality. We will also recommend any necessary repairs that will also help keep the crawl space clean and dry, protecting your home from future problems.
