Category: crawl space clean up

You Failed a Crawl Space Home Inspection. Now what?

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Failed crawl space inspection - Home Inspector

So you are trying to buy a home or sell your home and your crawl space has failed your home inspection. It is a home inspectors responsibility to ensure your crawl space is free from issues. The crawl space is the foundation of your home. It needs to be secure, dry and healthy, free from structural issues.

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Failed crawl space inspection - What to do next?

Most of us do not go down to our crawl space often. With all of the different types of terrain and rainy weather here in the Seattle area, some crawl spaces fall apart over a few year of neglect.

When was the last time you were in your crawl space? It might need to be checked out. We can help with that.

What Do Home Inspectors Look at in a Crawl Space?

Home inspectors might take a while in your Northwest crawl space. So, what are they doing? They are making sure the foundation of your home is safe and sound. Here are some of the things they are looking at while they are down there. Make sure they get pictures of any issues they find.
 
Structural Integrity
  • Foundation: Check for cracks, bowing, or shifting in the foundation walls or piers.
  • Joists and Beams: Look for signs of rot, damage, or sagging in the floor joists and support beams.
  • Insulation: Ensure insulation is present, properly installed, and not damaged or wet.
Moisture and Drainage
  • Moisture: Check for signs of water intrusion, dampness, or standing water which can lead to mold, mildew, or structural damage.
  • Drainage: Examine the grading around the home to ensure water is directed away from the crawl space. Inspect for proper sump pumps if present.
  • Vapor Barrier: Verify there’s an intact vapor barrier covering the ground to prevent moisture from rising into the home.
Ventilation
  • Ventilation: Ensure there are adequate vents for air circulation to prevent moisture buildup. Check if vents are open, clear, and functioning.
Pests
  • Pest Signs: Look for evidence of termites, rodents, or other pests that might have entered the crawl space.
Electrical and Plumbing
  • Electrical: Inspect any wiring for safety issues like exposed wires, improper splices, or outdated systems.
  • Plumbing: Check pipes for leaks, corrosion, or signs of previous water damage. Ensure pipes are adequately supported.
HVAC Systems
  • Ductwork: Examine ducts for damage, disconnections, or improper installation that could lead to inefficiency or air quality issues.
General Condition
  • Debris: Note any clutter or debris that could harbor pests, obstruct inspections, or indicate neglect.
  • Access: Verify that the crawl space is accessible and that the access door or hatch functions correctly.
Environmental Concerns
  • Mold: Look for mold growth which can indicate moisture issues or poor ventilation.
  • Asbestos or Lead: In older homes, check for materials that might contain asbestos or lead paint, which can be hazardous if disturbed.
Safety Hazards
  • Gas Lines: If present, ensure they are secure and not leaking.
  • Fire Safety: Check for any materials or conditions that could pose a fire risk.
Home inspectors job is focused on making sure the home you buy or are selling is safe. 

What’s Going on in My Crawl Space?

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Crawl space services - We fix wet crawl spaces in the Northwest

What’s going on on my crawl space? If I had a dollar for every time a home owner asked me that after an inspection, I would be a rich man.

The fact is that most home owners don’t have any clue what is going on in their crawl. Why? Because most of the time, going down into your crawlspace means getting dirty, cold, exposed to spiders  and perhaps a rodent or two. Crawling through wet mud and leaky pipes… it’s not fun.

When we do our Northwest crawl space inspections we are not just looking for drainage issues. We peak around and try to identify anything that seems out of place or perhaps might need to be looked at. For instance, last week we noticed 3 of the posts under the crawl space, the posts holding up the house were loose. We showed the video of us actually wiggle them around. They should be tight. Not good. We alerted the home owner and they decided to get them taken care of.

My point is knowing what is going on in your crawl space gives you a peace of mind knowing that the foundation of your home is safe, secure and healthy.

Why Should You Care About Your Crawlspace

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dirty and wet crawl space - know the condition of your crawl space

Our crawl spaces here in the Pacific Northwest tend not to get much attention. Keeping your crawl space clean and dry is important for maintaining the health and safety of your home and your family. Here are some of the top reasons why you need a dry crawl space.

TOP 10 REASONS TO CARE ABOUT YOUR SEATTLE AREA CRAWLSPACE

 

  1. Having a dry crawlspace prevents mold and mildew growth, which can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma.
  2. A dry crawlspace protects your home’s structural integrity, as moisture can cause wood rot, rust, and corrosion.
  3. A dry crawlspace improves your home’s energy efficiency, as dampness can reduce the effectiveness of insulation and increase heating and cooling costs.
  4. A dry crawlspace reduces the risk of pest infestations, as moisture attracts termites, rodents, insects, and other unwanted guests.
  5. A dry crawlspace improves your home’s air quality, as moisture can carry odors, dust, and pollutants from the soil into your living space.
  6. Maintaining a dry crawlspace enhances your home’s comfort, as moisture can create cold and clammy conditions in your floors and walls.
  7. A dry crawlspace preserves your home’s value, as moisture can cause damage and deterioration that can lower your home’s appeal and marketability.
  8. Having a dry crawlspace prevents water damage, as moisture can seep into your home and cause flooding, leaks, and stains.
  9. If you store anything of value in your crawlspace, a dry crawlspace safeguards your belongings, as moisture can ruin your stored items and personal possessions.
  10. A dry crawlspace supports your health and well-being, as moisture can create a stressful and unpleasant environment that can affect your mood and mental health.
  11. Having a dry, well maintained crawl space can help prevent rodents, thus protecting your insulation from damage. Rodents LOOOOOVE insulation. 

HOW TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR CRAWL SPACE

In the Greater Seattle area? Olympia, Bellingham? Would you like to know the condition of your crawlspace without having to go down under your home and battle spiders and potential wet, dirty conditions? Feel free to fill out the form on this website and our tech will come out to your home or business and get you a free drainage inspection and quote.

Wet crawl space, now what?

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Northwest drainage - Standing water in crawlspace repair and fix

It rains a lot in the Pacific Northwest. Often times home and business owners find water in their crawl space. 

There are many ways we can dry out a crawl space, but first we must understand how water got into the crawl space in the first place.

Our Wet Crawl Space Suggestion

We highly suggest inviting a drainage expert into your home to inspect your home or business. Their expertise is invaluable when determining root cause of your water issues.

Wet Crawl Space: Do It Yourself

Getting a pro out to your home or business is a smart move. However, if you want to move forward yourself, here are some things to think about and look for when addressing your wet crawl space:

  1. Water can only come in via three different avenues: From Above, from below and through the sides. That’s it.
  2. If there is currently water in your crawl space check to see if there are any signs of water rings (light colored lines on the footings, posts or liners. This might show how large of an issue you might have.
  3. Check your gutters and downspouts. Here in the Seattle area, we have lots of trees. Lots of trees means lots of leaves and pine needles. This debris can clog your gutters and allow water to discharge right next to the house, which will bring water into the crawl space.

Give us a call or shoot us a note via the website and we can get one of our techs out to your Northwest home and provide you an estimate. 

If there is water in your crawlspace, you might need a sump pump or a gravity drainage system. 

We service from Marysville to Olympia in the greater Seattle area including: Queen Anne Hill, Magnolia, Seattle, Redmond, Issaquah, Renton, Tacoma and everywhere here locally in the Pacific Northwest.