Crawl space repairs can be expensive, but the cost of the repair usually increases the longer it takes to address the issue. The longer a problem goes untreated, the worse it tends to become over time. That’s why it’s important to deal with any crawl space problems as soon as you know they exist.
The average cost of repairs is around $6,000. The actual cost you pay will depend on several factors, though. The general range of repair costs is between $1,500 and $15,000. The type of service you need and the extent of the damage will play a significant role in determining the cost you can expect to pay for repairs. This post will take a look at some of the more common reasons you might need repairs and the possible costs associated with these issues.
Foundation Repairs
Foundation damage can be caused when a house is settling or sinking. This can often happen if the dirt the house is built on can no longer support the weight of the structure. Other causes of foundation damage include poor drainage that allows rain and moisture to seep into the soil at the base of your house, and possible pluming leaks that can also contribute to moisture problems.
When a house is settling or sinking, cracks can appear as the foundation shifts to different levels, requiring re-leveling of the house. Supports can also be damaged as the house sinks. If this happens, they will need to be shored up or replaced.
The average cost for foundation repairs is between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the issues you need fixed. Re-leveling a house will usually require mudjacking which can cost between $500 – $1,500. Fixing damaged beams or supports will usually cost around $1,000 – $3,000 per unit.
Weather-Related Crawl Space Repairs
Bad weather can also add up to some costly repairs. Excessive moisture from rain or flooding can cause mold to grow in the crawl space and up into the floors and walls of your home. Water can also damage walls or beams which might need to be replaced. Drought and extreme winter weather can also cause damage. Drought can drain the moisture from the soil which can contribute to settling issues, while extreme winter weather can damage pipes which will compound moisture problems.
On average, it can cost between $1,200 to $4,500 to clean and repair water damage, though extreme flooding can cost $9,000 or more to fix. If you need to have walls or beams repaired, it will usually cost you around $2,000 depending on the extent of the damage. Measures to prevent water and weather-related damage such as encapsulation or waterproofing can cost as much as $15,000 or more.
Crawl Space Cleaning
Cleaning can be a good preventative measure, but it can also be classified as a repair if you need to get rid of mold, fungi, or pests that may be causing damage. Mold can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Fungi like mushrooms, slime, and white mold are not as detrimental to your health, but can still cause damage over time. Pests like rats and termites are not only a nuisance when they get into the home, but they can also contribute to structural damage.
Mold and fungi removal usually costs between $1,000 – $3,500 depending on the extent of the problem and the size of the space. Pest removal generally costs around $200 – $500, but a full removal, cleaning, and sealing to prevent future pest problems can cost around $2,000 – $4,000.
Final Thoughts
Repairs and cleaning can seem costly, but most issues tend to get worse overtime if they aren’t dealt with right away. Foundation cracks widen, mold grows faster, and deteriorating beams will contribute to uneven floors and foundation issues as they fall apart. Dealing with any issues you know of now will actually save you a lot of money in the long run if you can fix the problem before it gets worse.
If you are worried that you might have some issues with the foundation of your home, contact Ground Up Foundation Repair for all of your cleaning and repair needs.