Crawl space inspection quotes

How this works: Chattanooga Crawl Space Quotes is a free referral service, not a crawl space contractor. We pass your request to independent local crawl space pros, who may pay us for the referral. They quote, schedule and do the work; check their insurance before you hire. More about us.

What a crawl space inspection should cover

• Standing water, water stains and where water gets in; gutters and grading outside.
• Condition of the liner (vapor barrier), vents and any insulation.
• Moisture readings in the wood, mold, and wood rot.
• Sagging, cracked or notched joists and beams, and how the floor is supported.
• Signs of termites or other wood-destroying insects (a pest company report covers this formally).
• Plumbing leaks, duct condition and loose wiring.

Ask for photos of everything noted. Photos make it much easier to compare two companies' recommendations.

What does it cost?

HomeGuide puts a crawl space inspection at $100 to $250, and radon, mold or asbestos testing at $100 to $300 more. Angi lists ongoing crawl space inspections at $100 to $300. If a company charges for the inspection, ask whether the fee is credited toward the work.

Buying or selling: termites

A wood-destroying insect (WDI) report is separate from a crawl space contractor's inspection. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture says a WDI report for a home sale is warranted for 90 days, and termite control contracts are warranted for at least a year. It also suggests checking for a charter number on the company's vehicle and asking to be shown any termites or damage before signing. UT Extension notes that termites damage more houses each year than fire.

Test for radon while you're under there

Hamilton County is in EPA radon Zone 2, and TDEC says 1 in 4 homes that request its free test kit test above 4 pCi/L, the EPA's action level. Tennessee residents can get a free kit from TDEC; Georgia residents can buy one from UGA for $15. See radon and crawl spaces.