The Real Cost of Hiring the Wrong Contractor for Your Crawl Space
Why Choosing a Specialist Matters More Than You Think
What happens when non-specialists handle encapsulation work
A couple years ago, I quoted a crawl space encapsulation job for a homeowner in Knoxville.
They needed the work done, but like most people, they were shopping around for the best deal.
When they finally got ready to move forward, they couldn't find my quote.
That's when their brother stepped in.
He worked for one of the biggest pest control companies in the nation, and he told them his company could handle it.
Fast forward to last week. The homeowner called me back.
Turns out the pest control company couldn't install a sump pump - which should tell you everything you need to know about their encapsulation expertise.
When I got out there to look at their work, I couldn't believe what I saw.
This wasn't just a few minor issues.
This was a complete failure that's going to cost them thousands to fix properly.
What We Found Under This House
The problems started the moment I crawled under the house. Fungal growth covered the wooden joists - meaning they never treated the existing issues before installing anything.
The tape seams had gaps everywhere. When you seal a crawl space, every seam matters. These gaps mean moisture is still getting in, defeating the entire purpose of encapsulation.
They'd taped the vapor barrier to the top of the foundation walls, but it was already peeling off. All that moisture from under the plastic is coming right up around those unsealed edges.
Then there was the discharge line - running downhill. Water was pooling in the middle of the pipe, and algae was already starting to build up. Eventually, that line will clog completely.
And they ran the condensate pump discharge right on top of the vapor barrier. Not through it, not properly sealed - just sitting there on top.
But the foundation damage might be the worst part. They used thousands of Hilti nails to attach the barrier. Those nails hit concrete block with the force of a 22 rifle. I've seen it crack blocks so many times, which is exactly why we don't use them.
The Difference Between Installation and Encapsulation
Here's what most people don't understand: laying down plastic isn't encapsulation. Real encapsulation requires specific knowledge about how moisture moves, how to seal a space properly, and how drainage systems work together.
A proper encapsulation means understanding vapor barriers, knowing how to seal every seam and penetration, installing drainage that actually works, and treating existing problems before covering them up.
When pest control companies or general contractors try to offer this service, they're often guessing. They might know how to staple plastic to a wall, but they don't understand why proper sealing matters or how water flows through a crawl space.
Your crawl space affects your home's air quality, energy bills, and structural integrity. It needs someone who specializes in getting these details right.
Red Flags Before You Hire
Before you hire anyone for crawl space work, ask these questions:
Do you specialize in crawl space encapsulation? If it's just one service among many, that's a warning sign.
Can you install and maintain sump pumps? If they can't handle this basic requirement, what else are they skipping?
How do you handle existing fungal growth? The answer should include treatment, not just covering it up.
What sealing methods do you use? They should explain their tape, seams, and how they prevent moisture intrusion.
Can I see photos of your completed work? Look for clean seams, proper drainage, and professional installations.
If they can't answer these questions clearly, keep looking.
The True Cost of Doing It Twice
When you hire the wrong contractor, you're not just wasting money on bad work. You're paying for materials that don't work, labor that has to be redone, and continued moisture problems damaging your home.
This homeowner paid once for encapsulation that failed. Now they're paying again to tear it all out and do it right. That's double the cost, double the disruption, and years of moisture damage that could have been prevented.
But the financial cost is only part of it. Untreated fungal growth affects your home's air quality. Poor moisture control threatens your floor joists and foundation. Every day that bad encapsulation sits there, more damage happens.
Choose a Crawl Space Specialist
Look, I get it. You want to save money where you can. But your crawl space isn't the place to cut corners or go with whoever offers the lowest price.
When you're looking for a contractor, find someone who specializes in crawl space work. Ask them about their process. Look at their previous jobs. Make sure they understand moisture control, proper sealing, and drainage systems.
A real specialist will explain what they're doing and why. They'll treat existing problems before covering them up. They'll install systems that actually work, not just check boxes on a quote.
Don't let what happened to this homeowner happen to you. The money you think you're saving by going with a cheaper, non-specialized contractor will cost you twice as much when you have to fix it properly.
