If you’re in the market to buy a new home, you have a lot of decisions to make. One of the biggest things to consider is the choice between basement and crawl space. If you’re someone who has a hobby that takes up a lot of space or you need a space for storage, you’ll probably be leaning toward a basement. For everyone else, a crawl space is a cheaper alternative to the traditional basement but not one without its issues. Here are some things to consider when looking into getting a crawl space.
Crawl Spaces Are Much More Common Than You May Think
If you’re unfamiliar with what a crawl space is, they’re an area of limited space under a roof or floor, allowing access to plumbing or wiring. They’ve become much more common in recent years, with 27 million homes in the U.S. having one. Crawl spaces continue to be involved in the building of new homes, with 15 to 20% of new houses having one.
How To Keep Your Crawl Space Moisture Free
Now it’s time to discuss some issue that may arise when having a crawl space in your home. These areas very commonly become damp or moist as time goes on. That, of course, could lead to a mold problem. According to the EPA, 100% of all types of mold have the potential to cause some health issues. They can range from minor to severe and even cause death in some rare cases. Crawl space encapsulation is the best way to combat mold in your crawl space. It’s a process that installs a crawl space vapor barrier that allows it to become more or less waterproof. Keeping your crawl space dry is tough because of how inaccessible the area is, so consider using crawl space encapsulation before you move into your home.
Buying a new home is difficult so it’s important to eliminate stress where you can. When making your final decision, you should consider all this information. Do you have any experience with crawl spaces versus basements? Let us know in the comments!