Look into the crawlspace
One in four crawlspace homes we inspect shows moisture evidence, past or present. You don't have to crawl in to catch it early. Looking from the access twice a year does most of the work.
Video by This Old House. Ours is coming.
- Open the access after a dry week and after a wet one. Two looks tell you more than one. Note the date and take the same photos each time.
- Smell first. Musty or earthy means moisture. Sewage means a plumbing leak. Either one is worth a closer look.
- Light up the ground. Standing water, dark damp soil, or a vapor barrier with puddles on top all mean water is getting in. Compare to the last photo.
- Light up the wood. White fuzzy growth, dark staining, or sagging insulation on the floor joists are the signs the inspection report is talking about. Photograph them.
- Check the vents and the door. Vents should be clear, screened, and not buried by mulch or soil. The access door should close fully.
- Look at the plumbing you can see. Drips at joints, wet spots under bathrooms, or a hanging drain line are easy catches from the door.
When it's past the do-it-yourself line
Do not enter a crawlspace with standing water, exposed wiring, or a strong smell. Anything beyond damp soil after rain, meaning visible growth, sagging wood, or recurring water, is a moisture or foundation contractor conversation, and we're happy to look at the photos first.
We email a pro we'd send our own family to, copy you, and stay in the loop. Member pricing applies.
Questions about anything here? Text us a photo. We'll tell you whether it matters.