Crawl Space Contractor Hiring Checklist
Twelve questions to ask before you sign, and the red flags that should end the conversation.
Before anyone comes out
Measure the crawl space footprint (it is roughly your first-floor square footage) and note any standing water, odors or pest signs. Take photos with a flashlight so you can compare what each inspector says.
Questions to ask every bidder
- What barrier thickness and brand, and does it run up the walls and piers?
- Will seams be overlapped and taped, and are walls mechanically fastened?
- How will you handle the vents, rim joist and access door?
- What size dehumidifier, where does it drain, and who services it?
- Is drainage included, and how did you decide it is needed?
- Is mold treatment included or a separate line?
- Will you remove the old insulation and debris, and where does it go?
- Do you need a permit here, and will you pull it?
- What exactly does the warranty cover, and is it transferable?
- Can you give me a written, itemized quote?
- Can I see photos of a finished job of similar size?
- Are you licensed and insured, and can I see the certificate?
Red flags
High-pressure same-day discounts, scare tactics about the house "collapsing", quotes with one lump sum and no line items, and refusal to provide proof of insurance.
Sources
Sources: this checklist is general guidance, not a price list. Cost figures used across the site are listed on the cost breakdown.
Prices are published US ranges from the sources listed on each page; anything we calculated ourselves is labeled as an estimate. Get at least three written, itemized local quotes. Run the estimator to build your own range.