Does Crawlspace Encapsulation Add Value To A Home? (Find Out Now!)
I’ll be honest. I had no idea that crawlspace encapsulation was a thing until my early 30s. However, it’s a major procedure that helps reduce heating costs, reduces the chances of mold, and can even help ensure that you have a mosquito-free summer. But, does it actually add value to a home or is it more of a subtle perk?
Crawlspace encapsulation can absolutely add value to a home, particularly in areas that are known for standing water or high electricity bills. This home improvement project is a part of a larger trend towards energy efficiency and better insulation.
If you want to make the most of your home’s energy efficiency and price tag, this project is worth it. Your wallet will love what happens when you make this addition.
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Why Does Crawlspace Encapsulation Add Value To A Home?
If you want to know why this project is so popular, hang tight. Most people will find a lot of value from a crawlspace encapsulation. Here’s why this project is increasingly requested by homeowners:
- It helps reduce standing water. If you have a lot of standing water in your area, there’s a good chance that it attracts pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches. Encapsulating your crawlspace is a great way to prevent them from entering your home.
- Crawlspace encapsulation also offers a lot more insulation for your home. More insulation means you don’t have to work as hard to keep your home heated and cooled.
- Studies show it also improves indoor air quality. It can reduce pollutants by as much as 20 percent. So, your lungs will thank you.
- Encapsulation also prevents mold and flood damage. Since it gives you a way to seal moisture out of your home, it’s great for keeping things dry. This can help prevent your home’s interior as well as the more sensitive parts of your home’s siding.
- Did we mention that it’s also considered to be a “green” project? Lower heating bills means that you keep the environment more intact through it. With the increased push towards a greener world, people want to see homeowners who are more eco-friendly.
How Much Value Does Crawlspace Encapsulation Add To A Home?
Unlike something along the lines of adding a fresh coat of paint to your door, the value that crawlspace encapsulation adds can vary greatlu from place to place. Generally speaking, areas that have a harder time with energy consumption tend to be more interested in encapsulation.
With that said, the average return on investment is going to be around 10 percent on your home’s value. No kidding. So, if you encapsulate a crawlspace in a home that is worth $250,000, then you can get a very impressive $25,000 increase on your home’s value.
If you live in an area where cooling your home may take a lot more effort (like Scottsdale or Death Valley), then you can easily see a much higher ROI.
How Much Does Crawlspace Encapsulation Cost?
Crawlspace encapsulation is a major value adder, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be cheap. The range of pricing for a crawlspace encapsulation project can be as low as $3,000 to as high as $30,000. Most people will pay between $5,000 to $7,500 to have their crawlspaces encapsulated.
Is Crawlspace Encapsulation In High Demand Among Buyers?
One of the biggest reasons why people tend to do home improvement projects while they are trying to sell their homes is because it bolsters the demand for their homes. After all, if you live in a place that has a lower demand, you’re going to find yourself having to compete for buyers. Every project can act as the final tipping point to get your place sold.
Though it’s not as aesthetic as a coat of paint or even getting landscaping, crawlspace encapsulation is a hugely popular home upgrade. This is especially true among people who are eco-conscious as well as people who want to save money on their energy bills. Since younger groups are more likely to want to have an eco-friendly home, it’s safe to say you’re going to get a lot more interest from the newest set of homebuyers.
How Long Does Crawlspace Encapsulation Last?
This all depends on the material that’s being used to wrap up your crawlspace. However, you can generally expect crawlspace encapsulation to last at least 15 to 20 years. If you live in an area where no extreme weather occurs, then it’s even possible for it to last as long as 25 years. Not too shabby, eh!?
If you bought your home with encapsulation pre-installed, you can generally still advertise it as a major home perk provided that it’s still in good shape. If it’s seen some “war stories,” you may need to call an inspector to see if it’s still viable.
How Much Money Does Crawlspace Encapsulation Save?
This all depends on how much you’re paying for electricity, really. Since electricity prices are fluctuating crazily these days, we can’t actually give you a ballpark on how much the average family will save in terms of dollars. Though we can’t name a dollar amount, we can say the following factoids to give you a better idea of savings:
- The average family spends $2,200 on heating and cooling per year. Yours might be higher or lower, depending on your area. If you aren’t sure whether this is close to your budget, check your current energy bills.
- The average crawlspace encapsulation will make your home 18 percent more energy efficient. This can change depending on how much work you’ve put in to make your home more “green.”
- If you assume that you are going to spend the average amount on heating and cooling, you will see around $400 in savings annually. If your home becomes 18 percent more energy-efficient, then you will only pay around $1804 per year instead of the standard $2,200.
- People who live in energy-scarce areas will see better results. Obviously, there’s no such thing as a place where energy is going to be a finite thing. However, there are definitely areas where electricity is more likely to spike in price. Living in one of these areas means you could easily save more than $600 per year.
- The vast majority of homeowners with encapsulated crawlspaces agree it’s worth it. If you pay $5,000 for your encapsulation, you can expect this project to pay for itself in 10 years. Since most of these will last for 15 to 20 years, you’ll see a serious ROI.
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Related Questions
How long does it take to do a crawlspace encapsulation?
Crawlspace encapsulation is one of those projects that is often deceptively short in terms of time frame. It only takes a day for most crawlspaces to get encapsulated. If you have a particularly large crawlspace, then you should expect it to take a total of two days. This is true for both DIY and professional encapsulation installations.
Are crawlspace encapsulations mandatory?
Believe it or not, this can be a potential “thing” to look for in an area. As floods and extreme temperatures begin to become more commonplace, more towns and cities are beginning to ask that homeowners encapsulate their crawlspaces. It’s a smart move to help keep homes intact, not to mention a good way to avoid straining our power grid.Federally, cities have the right to mandate home improvements as part of their local building codes. If you are not sure whether or not your area has a mandate on encapsulations, call up your local board.
Can a flood destroy a crawlspace encapsulation?
If there is enough water present, then a flood can destroy a crawlspace encapsulation. However, it’s highly unlikely. Rather, flooding and other large quantities of water are more likely to contribute to wear and tear rather than a full-blown destruction.If your home was recently affected by a flood, it’s in your best interest to remove as much water from the area as possible.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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