Crawl Space Contractor Screening Checklist
Use before you sign any encapsulation, vapor barrier, or drainage contract. Bring a copy to each on-site estimate.
Before the visit
- Note crawl square footage (L × W) and ceiling height
- List known issues: standing water, musty smell, cold floors, ducts in crawl
- Get at least 3 written quotes — same scope where possible
10 questions to ask (on-site)
- Standing water or humidity only? RH readings — where and when?
- Scope: floor liner only, walls, piers, seams, termite gaps?
- Liner brand, mil thickness, seam tape method?
- Dehumidifier make/model, pint/day, dedicated circuit, condensate drain?
- Vents: sealed, conditioned, fan — what does local code require?
- Drainage or sump needed before liner? Who handles that?
- Mold present? Separate remediation vendor or bundled?
- Line-item $/sq ft vs lump sum — what is optional?
- Warranty length, maintenance, what voids coverage?
- Any energy tax credit docs for qualifying insulation/air seal?
Red flags (walk away or get 2nd opinion)
- Full encapsulation without checking for water intrusion
- Same-day-only discount pressure
- No written scope; quote 2× local sq ft norms
- Mold treatment with no clearance protocol
Quote comparison (fill in)
| Contractor | Total $ | $/sq ft | Includes dehu? | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|