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Crawl Space Cost Calculator: Estimate Encapsulation Cost

The crawl space cost calculator is helpful for homeowners looking to determine the estimated cost of crawl space encapsulation to improve conditions inside their home’s crawl space.

You can estimate the cost of materials and labor and better understand how different upgrades and repairs may impact your crawl space encapsulation costs. Enter the crawl space size in square feet and your state to estimate the cost of crawl space cleaning, insulation, encapsulation, or vapor barrier installation.

Crawl Space Cost Calculator (#10)

Crawl Space Cost Calculator

Enter the square footage of your crawl space and the state you live in to get a cost estimate for:

  • Crawl space cleaning
  • Crawl space encapsulation
  • Crawl space insulation
  • Crawl space vapor barrier

Crawl Space Cleaning Cost Calculator

The cost of crawl space cleaning can vary depending on the size and the amount of debris that you need to remove from the crawl space. Cost can vary from as low as $0.55 to $2.70 per square foot.

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Crawl Space Insulation Cost Calculator

The cost to insulate a crawl space can vary from as low as $0.90 to $3.80 per square foot for material and labor. Fiberglass insulation is the most common material to insulate a crawl space. 

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Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost Calculator

The crawl space encapsulation cost can vary depending on the crawl space size. Crawl space encapsulation typically includes a reinforced vapor barrier, sealing the wall openings, and installing a crawl space dehumidifier. Some encapsulation installations require a sump pump. Cost can vary from $2.50 to $7.50 per square foot.

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Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Cost Calculator

The cost of installing a vapor barrier in a crawl space can vary from as low as $0.15 to $0.70 per square foot. Most plastic vapor barriers range from 6 mils to 20 mils in thickness, affecting the cost. 

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* Disclaimer: The crawl space cost calculations only estimate and do not consider all possible factors. Home Inspection Insider provides calculation estimates for informational purposes only based on National data. We recommend you obtain cost estimates and verify credentials from three qualified contractors before making a hiring decision.  

Crawl Space Cost Calculator

A dry crawl space protects your home from structural damage, manages mold growth, and improves the home’s energy efficiency, which can lower your energy bills. Getting a free estimate from at least three licensed contractors with experience managing excess moisture inside crawl spaces is a good idea.

How to Use a Crawl Space Cost Calculator

Our crawl space cost calculator is easy to use. You need to enter your crawl space square footage and the state where you live.

  1. Measure the length and width of the crawl space in feet.
  2. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the square footage of the crawl space. For example, if your crawl space is 25 feet long and 40 feet wide, you would multiply 25 x 40 = 1000 square feet.

The accuracy of a crawl space cost calculator can vary. Still, it provides a rough estimate of the cost of a crawl space project based on national cost averages adjusted for the cost of living in your state. Accurately measuring your crawl space is important to get an accurate cost estimate.

The cost calculator includes insulation, vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, and other crawl space-related materials. The cost calculator often includes labor costs, which may vary depending on the calculator used.

How Much Does it Cost to Clean a Crawl Space?

Crawl space clean-out is a first step before making any crawl space encapsulation project. Cleaning is required to remove moldy old insulation, old decaying wood, bricks, and other sharp foreign debris, which could cut the crawl space encapsulation liner or install a vapor barrier.

The calculator works by considering factors such as square footage and labor costs. However, the primary factor is the amount of cleaning necessary, which can’t easily be estimated. Since this is a labor-intensive job, it’s generally billed hourly for $30 to $100 per hour, depending on the manpower necessary.

The crawl space cleaning costs average $0.55 to $2.70 per square foot. Note, this is just for removal and does not include installing new fiberglass batt insulation or vapor barrier.

Considering all aspects of your crawlspace cleaning project before you begin work, these calculators can help ensure you stay within budget.

Additionally, they are beneficial if you plan on hiring a professional contractor; with the calculator’s estimates in hand, it’s easy to compare bids from different contractors and find the one whose price is most suited to your needs.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace Crawl Space Insulation?

Crawl spaces are used in many homes as a way to access wiring and plumbing, as well as provide easy access for maintenance tasks. The area must remain dry since moisture can create mold and mildew issues. When properly insulated, sealed crawl spaces can help reduce energy costs by keeping the home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Additionally, it helps reduce noise from outside sources. Numerous types of insulation are available for use in crawl spaces, including fiberglass batting or blankets, rigid foam board, or spray foam insulation.

All these materials have different R-values (a measure of thermal resistance) that determine their effectiveness at providing thermal protection from heat transfer when properly installed.

When estimating the cost of insulating your crawl space, you must first understand the size of the insulated area. Some areas in the south don’t require insulation in crawl spaces in older homes.

When installing new insulation in a crawl space, you can expect to pay an average of $0.90 to $3.80 per square foot for material and labor. Fiberglass insulation is the most common material to insulate floor space and rigid foam along the crawl space walls. 

How Much Does it Cost for Crawl Space Encapsulation?

A crawl space encapsulation cost calculator helps estimate the approximate costs of sealing a crawl space. The calculator considers factors such as the size and condition of your crawl space, whether or not insulation needs to be installed, and more.

It then gives you an estimated cost for the project, so you have an idea of what it will likely cost before you make any major decisions or financial commitments.

Crawl space encapsulation should include installing vent covers and sealing off all places of potential air leaks with spray foam. The reinforced vapor barrier covers the crawl space floor and foundation walls. So, if you need any foundation repairs, you should do them first.

Sealing up your wall openings with a reinforced vapor barrier removes excess moisture that can lead to mold problems. Adding in an expert-installed crawl space dehumidifier helps maintain consistent humidity levels. If you live in an area prone to flooding or high groundwater, a sump pump with a drainage system may also be necessary for some installations!

It pays to keep a dry home; crawl space encapsulation is the key. It’ll set you back between $2.50 and $7.50 per square foot – but it’s worth every penny!

The crawl space cost calculator is designed to give homeowners an estimate of how much they may need to budget for a crawl space encapsulation project; however, it’s important to remember that this is only an estimate.

The only way to accurately assess how much it will cost is by getting a professional evaluation from a certified contractor specializing in this work. A professional will be able to evaluate your situation in person and provide you with a more accurate picture of what actual costs could look like.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Moisture Barrier in a Crawl Space?

Don’t need a full crawl space encapsulation? Use our crawl space cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier can help block moisture from groundwater but won’t reduce humidity in the air.

Ideally, you want wood moisture content to be 18% or less. Anything above 18% can cause structural issues, like dry rot, causing damage to the home’s structural integrity.

For homeowners with crawl spaces, it’s essential to install a vapor barrier because the moist air can cause damage to floors, walls, insulation, and even wiring if left unchecked for too long.

A vapor barrier is the first defense against excessive moisture by blocking out any groundwater entering the space.

The cost of installing a vapor barrier depends on several factors, such as the size of the crawl space, the height of the walls, and the material thickness used for the vapor barrier. On average, homeowners should expect to spend between $0.15 to $0.70 per square foot.

Most plastic vapor barriers range from 6 to 20 mils in thickness, affecting the cost. 

Crawl Space Cost Calculator FAQs

After using our crawl space cost calculator to estimate costs relating to crawl space improvements.

Is crawl space encapsulation worth the cost?

Yes, crawl space encapsulation is worth the cost. It protects against water damage and mold growth to the floor joists due to excess moisture. It also helps to insulate the space, which can result in lower energy bills and keeps out pests and other critters that may be attracted to a damp crawl space. Crawl space encapsulation is an effective way to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

What is the average cost per square foot to encapsulate a crawl space?

The average cost to encapsulate a crawl space is typically between $1.85 and $5.70 per square foot, with a national average cost of $3.35 per square foot. Costs will vary by state and local contractor labor costs.

How much does it cost to encapsulate a 2000 square foot crawl space?

The national average cost of encapsulating a 2000-square-foot crawl space is about $6,700 but will vary depending on the scope of the job, the type of materials used, and the contractor you hire. Generally, costs can range anywhere from $3,700 to $11,400.

How much does it cost to encapsulate a 1200 sq ft crawl space?

The national average cost of encapsulating a 2000-square-foot crawl space is about $4,020 but will vary depending on the scope of the job, the type of materials used, and the contractor you hire. Generally, costs can range anywhere from $2,220 to $6,840.

Conclusion

A crawl space cost calculator is an invaluable tool that allows you to plan out your home construction projects with precision while keeping costs under control—but always remember to cross-check any calculations it produces before starting work based on its estimates!

With just a few taps on its screen, you’ll have access to accurate estimates from many suppliers, which makes finding great deals more accessible than ever!

Author

Hubert Miles | Licensed Home Inspector, CMI, CPI

Hubert Miles is a licensed home inspector (RBI# 2556) with more than two decades of experience in inspection and construction. Since 2008, he has been serving South Carolina through his company, Patriot Home Inspections LLC. As a Certified Master Inspector, Hubert is dedicated to providing his expertise in home inspections, repairs, maintenance, and DIY projects.