If your home doesn't have a basement and isn't built on a slab, chances are it has a crawl space.
If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about this crawl space, but you should. Just like every other part of the home, this space needs proper maintenance to stay in good condition.
But this maintenance isn't always cheap. We've put together this guide to show you how to create a realistic budget for your next crawl space cleaning job. Read on to learn more about how to clean your crawl space.
How Much Does Crawl Space Cleaning Cost?
The average cost of a crawl space cleaning can be anywhere between $1,500 and $15,000.
However, that's quite a wide range, which makes it difficult to create a budget for any type of crawl space cleaning job.
What makes this price range so big?
There are a number of factors that affect the price. For example, some crawl space jobs are much more expensive than others. The exact amount of money you'll end up spending will depend on your circumstances and what you plan to do to your crawl space.
How to Create a Crawl Space Cleaning Budget
You can't go into a crawl space cleaning job having no idea how much money it'll cost you. If you don't know what to expect, having to pay $15,000 at the end of it can come as quite the unwelcome surprise.
Set a Spending Limit
Start by figuring out how much money you can spend on this job (without going into debt). If you don't have enough money right away, it might be a good idea to push the job back so you have more time to save up for it.
But depending on the type of work you need, you may not be able to do this. Waiting might make the damages worse and the job more expensive.
If your crawl space cleaning can't wait, it might be a good idea to take out a loan that you can pay back slowly over time.
No matter what option you choose, come up with an amount you are comfortable spending on the job.
However, it's important to remember you might not have a lot of control over the price. If the crawl space cleaning is going to cost you $6,000, you may not have any other option but to pay that amount.
Find out What You Need
Next, you need to figure out what type of repairs or cleaning your crawl space needs. There are a few different types of services crawl space cleaning companies provide, including the following:
- Basic Cleaning
A basic crawl space cleaning removes anything that shouldn't be in your crawl space. This will improve the efficiency of your home and indoor air quality.
Some of the things a professional might remove are standing water, mold, old insulation, animal infestations, other debris, etc.
- Insulation Repair
- Pest Prevention
It's important to get any pests removed and any entrances repaired right away.
- Air Sealing
Talk about Prices
Once you know what type of crawl space work you need done, you should talk to a professional about their prices. They may even be able to give you a free estimate for the job.
Don't be afraid to ask if there is any way to lower the price. They might be able to offer some deals or discounts.
Go Shopping for Better Deals
Make sure you "shop around" for better deals before you hire anyone. It's a good idea to talk to at least three different crawl space cleaning companies to find the best price for your budget.
But it's important to remember the cheapest price isn't always the best option.
You get what you pay for. It a company's pricing seems suspiciously low, it's a good idea to invest a bit of extra money into a different company you know you can trust.
Spend some time reading reviews and talking to references to learn more about each company before you make a final decision.
Pick a Price That Fits Your Budget
Once you have done your research, pick the company that fits best with your budget. This should give you a pretty good idea about how much your crawl space cleaning will cost you.
Saving Money on Your Crawl Space Cleaning
If you follow this guide, you can save money on your crawl space cleaning job—sometimes a significant amount. Because the price for this type of job can vary greatly, it's important to think about your budget before you hire anyone.
Otherwise, you may end up paying a lot more than you expect to clean your crawlspace or cellar.
Do you want to learn some other helpful home maintenance and property management tips?
We've got you covered! Make sure you check out the rest of our blog today, especially the Real Estate section.
