Is your home one of the 15% of homes in America that has a crawl space? While this space usually gives easy access to your wiring, plumbing and gas systems of your home, it can be less than easy to maintain. There are five potential problems that are common to crawl spaces that you should be aware of if you’re trying to sell your house.
Crawl Spaces are a Home for Many Problems
Uneven or Sagging Floors
If you’ve noticed uneven floors in your home then your crawl space could be to blame. Because your crawl space supports the main floor of your house, uneven floors could indicate that the structural integrity of your foundation is at risk.
Don’t ignore these issues or assume that your floors have always been that way. Contact a foundation repair service to inspect your crawl space and foundation. If problems come up with the foundation during a home inspection you can bet that your house will not be selling anytime soon. Save yourself the stress and look into getting your crawl space inspected before listing your home.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are one of the biggest issues you can face with a crawl space and if you live in a flood area then these types of problems are more likely. If your crawl space is rarely accessed then you may not even be aware that there is standing water and flooding going on until you have a big expensive problem on your hands.
If your crawl space was created with a vapor barrier, which is a heavy plastic barrier laid under the home to seal the area, then the water will just get trapped inside your crawl space and need to be pumped out.
Water leaking into your crawl space can lead to mold and damaged wood supports which can lead to expensive repairs, foundation issues, health problems and more. If you suspect water may be getting into your crawl space then take action to have it inspected right away.
Lack of Insulation and High Energy Costs
While this one may not be a deal breaker for a home sale, as a homeowner you may notice high energy bills becoming an issue. If your heat or AC is running all day but not making a dent then a poorly ventilated crawl space could be the culprit.
One way to tell if your crawl space is causing insulation issues is to notice if your floors are cold. Cold floors indicate that your crawl space is not properly insulated and your HVAC system will be working overtime to try to compensate for the problem.
Having a professional add insulation to your crawl space will save you money in the long run.
Mold and Mildew
Having water issues in the past, even if it’s a small leak, can lead to big problems like mold. While Utah isn’t known for it’s humidity, a build-up of moisture in your crawl space can create a humid environment that’s ripe for creating dangerous mold under your floors.
If you notice a mildewy smell from time to time and you can’t identify the source then it is time to check out the crawl space. Look for signs of mold and smell for signs that water has been a problem and hire a professional to give you a quote if mold is spotted. Mold isn’t something to take lightly, breathing in mold spores through your ventilation system is harmful to your health
Pests
Pests can be a common problem in crawl spaces, especially if your crawl space isn’t often frequented. Pests in the crawlspace easily turn into pests into the main floors of your home so if you’ve seen small holes in the walls or noticed droppings, you may have rodents in your crawl space.
Insects can take over your crawl space too, leading to ongoing issues with bugs in the house. Check your crawl space for signs of invasive insects or rodents to determine the best steps for clearing the unwanted intruders from your home.
Is It Harder to Sell a House with a Crawlspace?
Having a crawlspace will not make or break a deal, but having a cobweb-filled, musty, prone-to-leaking crawlspace will make it harder to sell your home. If you have a crawlspace with water issues or foundation problems then that can mean expensive repairs and waiting before putting your home on the market.
If you can’t wait and can’t afford to make the repairs to your crawlspace then reach out to Gary with Gary Buys Houses. Gary is a real estate investor in Utah who buys houses as-is and in any condition. Let him worry about the water leak while you get a cash offer on your home. Contact Gary today.