Created as a transportation hub along the Ouachita River, Camden's historical significance affected the construction of many older homes in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These homes had crawl spaces to let the house "breathe" long before modern HVAC solutions became an idea. Today, many contemporary houses in the area are still built with crawl spaces without considering modern moisture control.
As a resident of this historic city, you may find yourself in the following scenario: No matter where you are in the house, this pesky moldy smell is everywhere. And entering the crawl space beneath your home's floor to check sounds like an undesirable adventure. If this is the case, your home may need crawl space encapsulation. While other companies may be afraid of discussing their prices, we are more than happy to give you an estimate.
As a company focused on educating our customers, giving you an idea of the costs will help you make the right choices. With hundreds of customers and over 50 years of combined experience, we are ready to tell you everything you need to know about the pricing of crawl space encapsulation.
Next, we'll discuss the cost estimate for a crawl space encapsulation project, detailing the processes and materials involved and the factors that might increase your final bill. This will give you a clearer idea of the potential total cost.
Crawl space encapsulation: How much it costs with Restore-It
The humid subtropical climate of Camden can be challenging for homeowners. Especially for the ones that have not treated their home's crawl spaces. Thankfully getting an estimate is a straightforward process: we base the initial cost on the size of the crawl space, unless unexpected issues arise, which we'll also discuss.
Once you contact us and schedule an appointment, our technicians will visit you for an inspection. This involves examining the crawl space's exterior and interior, taking measurements, and photographing the area to assess its condition. Our standard inspection fee is around $500, excluding taxes and extra travel time.
The cost of a crawl space encapsulation project is approximately $6 per square foot, excluding taxes. For a 2,000-square-foot crawl space, the total would be close to $12,000. Here's what a typical project includes:
- Install lighting fixtures to illuminate the crawl space permanently.
- Install a dehumidifier to regulate humidity levels.
- Connect the dehumidifier to a condensation pump and route it to the outside.
- Seal the entire crawl space with spray foam insulation. We will use mortar as needed for the exterior.
- Install a vapor barrier from wall to wall, covering the floor and piers.
- Secure the vapor barrier tightly to protect against moisture.
- Install a hygrometer and thermostat with an external reader to monitor the crawl space's condition without accessing it.
- Install a sealed door to prevent air intrusion.
Our service includes the installation of the dehumidifier. But, the cost of the equipment itself is an additional expense, which varies based on the size of your crawl space. In the majority of homes, a small dehumidifier will be sufficient.
4 factors that increase the price of crawl space encapsulation
Four main elements are crucial when calculating the overall expense of your home's crawl space encapsulation. We will thoroughly examine each one, so be attentive, and let's get started!
The crawl space's size
As we discussed before the base price will be based on the square footage of the area, and the type of dehumidifier we use depends on the specific situation. These are considerably smaller than industrial dehumidifiers, like the ones we use for water mitigation, and are made to be used in crawl spaces. As they are intended to be permanent fixtures, they also include measuring instruments like a hygrometer and thermostat, as well as a condensation pump that is routed to the outside.
A dehumidifier will cost approximately $2,000 for an average home. This equipment can extract up to 70 pints of water daily. But if we are talking about larger areas, we can use a larger dehumidifier, which costs about $3,000 and can remove up to 130 pints of water from the air. It's important to note that these dehumidifiers will remain in the crawl space permanently, which explains the cost.
The crawl space's current state
Before starting the crawl space encapsulation, issues like mold, rot, pest infestations, and leaks must be addressed. If your crawl space has been neglected for years, these types of problems may be present, increasing your final bill.
Access to the crawl space is another factor that can raise costs. If the area is too small, we might need to excavate it to ensure the dehumidifier is installed above floor level or to increase the overall height so our technicians can work effectively. The smaller the space, the more complex and time-consuming the job will be.
Extra needed fixtures for the crawl space
Before we get into this, you should know that these additional expenses are relatively uncommon, meaning chances are your home won't need them. That said, the final project cost can increase if we have to install equipment like a sump pump or french drains.
The cost of a sump pump is around $600, but installing it takes time, which adds to the final bill. This equipment is a small submersible device installed in the crawl space to prevent flooding. The process involves excavating a "sump pit," where the pump will be placed to function effectively.
The cost of french drains is priced by the linear foot. Installing this drainage system involves excavation, which also increases the working time. These drains can be installed across the entire crawl space or strategically positioned to direct water toward the sump pump.
The labor costs for crawl space encapsulation in Camden
A common factor in pricing is labor costs. Because our technicians will be working in a small, confined space, this can be very challenging, increasing the time required to complete the project. Travel time for our technicians to reach Camden also adds to this, though we're conveniently located in El Dorado, so the distance isn't too far.
More than one technician will always be on-site to complete the project and ensure safety and efficiency. If your home's crawl space is vast, up to four technicians may be needed to work simultaneously.
Of course, other factors like materials and equipment are crucial in determining costs, but the required labor hours will be the most significant contributor to your final price.
In conclusion, while materials used are an essential factor, the size of the crawl space is equally critical. This will influence the type of equipment needed and directly impact the estimated labor hours, ultimately the most significant cost factor.
Now that you’re familiar with general pricing and the factors that affect it, you should have a clearer understanding of what this project involves. Your next step is to contact us for an initial inspection to get started on your crawl space renovation, improving your air quality in the process. Your family's health will thank you.
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