# That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy — Frequently Asked Questions **What does the crawl space inspection cost?** $100 within 30 miles of Fairfield Bay, and That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy takes all of it off your price if you hire us. A written price follows, with a reason for every line. **How soon do I get the written price?** Within 24 hours of the inspection. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy writes the price with a reason for every line, so you can see what each part of the job costs. **How much does crawl space encapsulation cost?** Encapsulation runs $5,000 to $10,000. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives the exact price after the inspection, because the size of the space, the water and the wood repairs change the total. **Do I need a dehumidifier, a drain and a sump pump?** Not always. It depends on how much water gets into your crawl space, and That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy decides at the inspection. A dehumidifier installed runs $1,500 to $2,500, and a sump pump runs $800 to $1,500. **What if you find rot or another surprise once you’re under the house?** Christian Olson of That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy stops the work and gives you a written price for the new problem before he does any more. **Do you take a deposit?** Yes. At That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy, a deposit buys the materials, and you pay the rest in stages as the work gets done. **Who answers the phone at night?** Christian Olson does. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy takes calls 24 hours a day, every day, at (501) 550-1115, and the line rings his own phone. **What if something you installed isn’t right?** Call Christian at (501) 550-1115. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy stands behind its work, and dehumidifiers and sump pumps carry their maker’s warranty too. Keeping that coverage doesn’t take a paid yearly visit. **Who pays if you damage a duct, drain line or sprinkler line?** We do. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy pays to fix anything it damages while working on your crawl space. **My home inspector flagged crawl space moisture during a sale. What now?** Call (501) 550-1115 to book an inspection. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives you a written price with a reason for every line, so you have a number to put in front of the other side of the sale. **Do you do pest control or radon mitigation?** No. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy repairs, dries and seals crawl spaces. Pest control and radon mitigation aren’t part of the work. **Which crawl space service do I need first?** Whichever one fixes the water, then the wood, then the air. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy works in that order, and Christian Olson decides it at the $100 inspection. **Do I have to buy more than one service?** Not always. A crawl space with one problem may need one fix, such as an $800 to $1,500 sump pump. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy puts each piece on the written price with its reason, so you see which ones your crawl space needs. **Can I see prices before I call?** Yes. Every service on this page lists its range, and the prices page explains what moves each one. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives your exact price in writing within 24 hours of the $100 inspection. **How far do you travel for crawl space work?** Within 30 miles of Fairfield Bay. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy works from 117 Meadowcliff Circle in Fairfield Bay, and the inspection is $100 anywhere inside that area. **How much does crawl space encapsulation cost near Fairfield Bay?** $5,000 to $10,000 for most crawl spaces. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy sets your exact price in writing after the $100 inspection, because the size of the space and any water or wood repairs come into it. **Why is there a range and not one price?** Every crawl space is different. The size of the floor, the water getting in and the wood that needs repair change the job, so That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives an exact price only after Christian Olson has been under your house. **What is the cheapest way to fix a damp crawl space?** It depends on where the damp comes from. A downspout extension runs $50 to $600, a vapor barrier $1,500 to $4,000, and encapsulation $5,000 to $10,000. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy tells you at the inspection which one your crawl space needs. **What if the price changes once the work starts?** Work stops until you have a written price for the new problem. If rot, water or mold turns up under the house, Christian Olson of That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives you that price before doing any more. **Do I need a French drain, or just my gutters fixed?** Sometimes just the gutters. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy checks your roof water and grading at the $100 inspection before pricing a drain. Downspout extensions run $50 to $600 each, so when they'll stop the water, that's what goes on your written price. **How long does it take to put in a crawl space drain?** Most crawl spaces take 1 to 2 days. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy works under the floor through the crawl space door, so you can stay home while the drain goes in. **What if you hit a pipe or line while digging?** Christian pays to fix it. If That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy damages a duct, drain line, or sprinkler line while working, the repair is on him, not you. **Will a drain actually fix my water problem?** It fixes water that's already getting in, once the outside is right. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy finds where the water enters before pricing anything, and every line of the written price says why it's there. If more water shows up mid-job, Christian stops and prices it in writing first. **Will my crawl space dry out on its own?** Not while water keeps coming in. Ground water that seeps through the walls after every rain keeps the dirt wet. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy finds where it comes in at the $100 inspection, which takes 45 to 90 minutes. **Do I need drainage before encapsulation?** Only if water gets in. A liner over a wet floor hides the water instead of stopping it, so That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy puts the drain in first. Encapsulation runs $5,000 to $10,000 and goes in after the water is handled. **Does every drain need a sump pump?** No. A drain can empty without a pump where its pipe can slope downhill to open ground outside. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy checks your lot at the $100 inspection, and the written price shows whether a pump is needed and why. **What should I do first about water under my house?** Call Christian at (501) 550-1115, and keep out of standing water near wiring. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy pumps the water out and finds where it's coming from. **Can I just lay plastic over the water?** No. A vapor barrier, the plastic sheet over the dirt floor, doesn't remove standing water. Laid over a wet floor, it hides the water while the wood above stays damp. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy pumps and dries the crawl space before any plastic goes down. **Will the crawl space dry out on its own?** Not while water keeps getting in, and wet wood can't wait long. The EPA advises drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours to keep mold from growing. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's drying equipment usually needs 2 to 7 days, depending on how wet the wood and soil are. **What happens to wet wood once the crawl space is dry?** It gets checked, and soft or rotted joists are repaired as their own line. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices wood repair from $500, with most jobs $1,000 to $3,000. The water comes first, then the wood. **Will the price go up once you're under the house?** Not without your say. If rot, more water, or mold turns up once the work has started, That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy stops and gives you a written price for the new problem before doing more. **What if you damage something under my house?** Christian pays to fix it. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy covers a duct, drain line, or sprinkler line damaged while working. **Do you come out to my area?** Yes, if you're within 30 miles of Fairfield Bay. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy is based in Fairfield Bay, and the $100 inspection price is the same across that area. **Does every crawl space need a sump pump?** No. A pump only earns its place where water collects under the house. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy decides at the $100 inspection, and your written price, which comes within 24 hours, says why a pump is or isn't on it. **How long does it take to put in a sump pump?** About a day, 4 to 8 hours, to dig a new pit and set the pump. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy swaps an old pump in 1 to 3 hours, and a battery backup goes in on the same visit. **What if something gets damaged while you dig?** Christian pays to fix it. If That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy damages a duct, drain line, or sprinkler line while digging the pit or running the discharge line, the repair is on him. **Is the pump covered if it fails after a year or two?** The pump carries its maker's warranty, and the maker sets how long it lasts. Christian's own work is covered too. If a pump That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy installed stops working right, call (501) 550-1115, answered 24/7. **Where does the pumped water go?** Outside, through the discharge line That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy runs from the pit. The National Association of Home Builders advises ending it at least 5 feet from the foundation so the water doesn't soak back in. **Should the sump pump go in before a liner or dehumidifier?** Yes. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy works in one order: water first, wood second, air last. A pump is water work, so it goes in before a liner or dehumidifier, and the crawl space they're meant to keep dry starts out dry. **Can you get rid of the water that's already down there?** Yes. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy removes standing water as its own job, at $1,200 to $3,000. A pump then handles the water that keeps coming after rain. **How far should downspouts go from the house?** At least 5 feet where the soil is expansive or collapsible, under section R801.3 of the International Residential Code. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy lists every downspout on your written price, with its length and whether it runs on the surface or underground. **Will downspout extensions fix my wet crawl space?** They can, when the water comes off the roof. If water keeps coming in after the roof water is carried away, it's coming from the ground. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices crawl space drainage at $1,200 to $3,500 for that. **What if you cut a sprinkler line while digging?** Christian pays to fix it. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy pays for anything damaged while working, whether it's a sprinkler line, a drain line, or a duct. **Should I bury my downspouts or keep them above ground?** Either can work, and the yard decides. A surface extension goes on in 1 to 2 hours, while a buried line takes longer and sits under the lawn. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices both within $50 to $600 per downspout. **Is a $100 inspection worth it for something this small?** Yes, when water is getting under the house, because it shows whether roof water is the cause before you pay for a drain. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy takes the whole $100 off your price if you hire us. **Will an extension help if my crawl space already has standing water?** Not on its own. Water already sitting under the house has to be removed and the crawl space dried. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices standing water removal at $1,200 to $3,000, and extensions keep new roof water from adding to it. **When should I check that the ground still slopes away from the house?** After spring storms. The University of Missouri Extension advises regrading soil away from the foundation after them. If you see water standing at a corner, call That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy at (501) 550-1115. **How much does it cost to fix rotted floor joists?** Most jobs run $1,000 to $3,000, and the smallest start at $500. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy sends the exact price in writing within 24 hours of the $100 inspection. **How long does joist repair take?** Most jobs take 1 to 2 days, at about 1 to 3 hours a joist, so the number of soft joists sets the time. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy works within 30 miles of Fairfield Bay. **Is the wood really rotten, or am I being sold a repair I don't need?** Your written price shows you. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives a reason for every line, so you can read why each joist or section of sill plate is on it before you agree to any work. **How can I tell if it's my floor or my joists?** A soft spot in one place, often near a tub or toilet, can be the subfloor alone. A floor that bounces or dips across a room points to the joists or sill plate under it. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's $100 inspection checks both from under the house. **Can dry rot go away on its own?** No. "Dry rot" is a misleading name: the USDA Forest Products Laboratory notes decay fungi need water. Drying the wood stops the rot from growing, but soft wood stays soft. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy fixes the water first, then repairs the weak wood. **Does rotted wood mean I have termites?** Not always. Rot is a fungus and termites are insects, but the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension says damp, poorly ventilated crawl spaces let joists absorb moisture, which helps termites. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy doesn't do pest control, so termites need a pest control company. **What if you damage a pipe or duct while you're under there?** Christian pays to fix it. If That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy damages a duct, drain line, or sprinkler line while working, the repair is on him, not you. **Does a sagging floor mean my foundation is failing?** Not always. Floors often sag because the supports under the girder are too far apart, the soil under a pier has settled, or the wood is wet or rotted. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy finds which one it is at the $100 inspection, before anything is priced. **What will the new jacks sit on?** Each steel support jack from That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy sits on a footing, a pad of concrete that spreads its load into the ground. A poured footing gets a day or two to cure before the floor is lifted onto it. **How long does sagging floor repair take?** Most homes take 1 to 2 days, depending on how many jacks the floor needs. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy lets a poured footing cure a day or two before lifting, so the work can span a few days on the calendar. **How many jacks will my floor need?** It depends on how far the sag runs and how far apart the old supports are. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy counts that at the inspection, and the number and the reason are on your written price. **Will my floor be perfectly level afterward?** Not always. Contractor and structural guides generally advise against forcing much more than an inch back into an old floor. A big or fast lift can crack drywall and pop tile. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's written price says what the work is meant to do. **Can I use a screw jack from the hardware store?** Only as a stopgap. Hardware-store screw jacks are labeled for temporary use. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy sets steel support jacks on footings, priced at $1,000 to $3,500 for most jobs. **What if you damage a duct or a pipe while you're under there?** Christian pays to fix it. Ducts, drain lines, and sprinkler lines can run close to the beams, and That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy covers the repair of anything damaged during the work. **Do you treat termites?** No. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy doesn't do pest control. If termites have damaged the wood, call a pest control company for the termites, and Christian can price the wood repair and the support for the floor. **How do I know if it's mold in my crawl space?** Look for white fuzz or dark spots on the joists, and notice a musty smell indoors. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy goes under the house at the $100 inspection. The visit takes 45 to 90 minutes for most crawl spaces, and Christian shows you what's growing and what's keeping it wet. **How long does crawl space mold removal take?** 1 to 3 days for most crawl spaces. It takes longer when old insulation has to come out first so the wood behind it can be reached. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's written price tells you which applies to your house. **Can I clean a small patch of mold myself?** Often, yes. The EPA puts mold covering less than about 10 square feet (roughly 3 feet by 3 feet) in do-it-yourself range. Stop the moisture first or it grows back. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's $100 inspection tells you how big the patch is and where its water comes from. **Can I just spray bleach on the mold?** No. The EPA doesn't recommend bleach as a routine way to clean up mold, and it says killed mold still has to be removed. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy removes the mold from the wood after the water behind it is stopped. **Will the mold come back after it's removed?** It can, if the crawl space stays damp. The EPA advises drying wet areas within 24 to 48 hours to keep mold from growing. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices the moisture fix, such as drainage or a dehumidifier, on its own line so you can choose it with the cleaning. **How do I know I'm not being sold more mold work than I need?** Ask for the reasons in writing. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives every line of the written price a reason, within 24 hours of the $100 inspection. You can take that list to anyone else for a second opinion. **Does Arkansas license mold removal contractors?** No. Arkansas repealed its 2009 Mold Investigator Licensing Law in January 2011, and the state has no mold remediation license today. Ask any contractor, That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy included, to put the work and the price in writing. **Should old insulation be removed or pushed back up?** It comes out when it's wet, stained, musty, matted, or lying on the dirt, because insulation in that shape holds moisture and doesn't do its job. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy checks it at the $100 inspection and writes the reason on your price. **How long does a crawl space cleanout take?** Most homes take 1 to 3 days. A debris-only cleanout, with no insulation to pull, can be done in half a day. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's written price tells you which kind your crawl space needs. **What if something gets damaged under the house?** Christian pays to fix it. If That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy damages a duct, drain line, or sprinkler line while working in your crawl space, the repair is on him. **Do I have to get my crawl space encapsulated after a cleanout?** Not always. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives every line of the written price a reason, so you see why a liner is on it or why it isn't. A vapor barrier alone runs $1,500 to $4,000, and full encapsulation $5,000 to $10,000. **Is $5,000 normal for a crawl space cleanout?** Not with That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy, where a cleanout runs $500 to $2,500. A much higher quote may have other work bundled in. Christian's written price lists each line with its own reason, so you can see what you're paying for. **Will the price change once you're under the house?** Not without a written price first. If rot, water, or mold turns up once the work starts, Christian stops and gives you a written price for the new problem before That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy does any more. **Will a cleanout get rid of the musty smell?** It can help when wet, musty insulation is part of the source. Mold growing on the wood needs its own treatment, which That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices at $1,000 to $2,500 as a separate line. **Will encapsulation get rid of the musty smell?** Usually, yes, because the smell comes from damp and sealing the crawl space cuts off the damp. Mold already growing on the wood has to be treated too. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices mold removal at $1,000 to $2,500, as its own line on your written price. **How long does crawl space encapsulation take?** Most crawl spaces take 1 to 3 days. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy needs up to 5 to 7 days when mold, drainage, or wood repairs have to be done first. Your written price shows which applies. **Do I have to leave the house while you work?** No. The work happens under the floor, through the crawl space access door, so you can stay home. If That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy damages a duct, drain line, or sprinkler line while working, Christian pays to fix it. **Will encapsulation help my heating and air conditioning?** It can. In a field study funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, homes with sealed crawl spaces used at least 15% less energy for heating and cooling. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy seals the vents on every encapsulation, so the ducts under your floor sit in drier air. **Will it fix my cold floors?** It helps, because sealed vents keep winter air from blowing under the floor. Floors that still feel cold may need the crawl space walls and rim joists insulated. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices that at $800 to $2,500. **Will an encapsulated crawl space help when I sell my house?** It can. A buyer's home inspector goes under the house, and damp dirt, rot, or mold there ends up in the report. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's written price gives each repair a reason, so both sides of a sale have a number to work from. **My crawl space looks dry. Do I still need encapsulation?** Not always. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives every line of the written price a reason, so you see why each piece of work is there. The $100 inspection takes 45 to 90 minutes under the house. **Do I really need a vapor barrier in my crawl space?** Yes, if the floor is bare dirt. Without plastic over it, ground moisture rises straight into the wood under your house. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy checks the floor, the wood, and the air at the $100 inspection, and the whole $100 comes off your price if you hire him. **Is a vapor barrier the same as encapsulation?** No. A vapor barrier covers the dirt floor. Encapsulation also lines the foundation walls and seals the vents, and it costs $5,000 to $10,000 with That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy, against $1,500 to $4,000 for a barrier. **Will a vapor barrier fix standing water?** No. Plastic laid over a puddle only hides it. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy stops the water first, with standing water work at $1,200 to $3,000, and lays the barrier once the ground is dry enough to cover. **Does the plastic have to go up the foundation walls?** Not in a vented crawl space. The 2018 International Residential Code asks for the plastic to run at least 6 inches up the walls when the crawl space is sealed. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy does that wall work as part of encapsulation, at $5,000 to $10,000. **Is a vapor barrier the cheapest way to deal with a damp crawl space?** Usually, yes. At $1,500 to $4,000 it costs well under encapsulation. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy writes a reason beside every line of the price, so you can see why anything more than a barrier is on it. **Can I add encapsulation later?** Yes. A vapor barrier now doesn't rule out encapsulation later. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives encapsulation its own written price, $5,000 to $10,000 for most crawl spaces, with a reason for every line. **What if you damage something under the house?** Christian pays to fix it. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy covers any duct, drain line, or sprinkler line damaged while laying the barrier. **How long does it take to install a crawl space dehumidifier?** Most installs take 2 to 4 hours. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy works under the floor through the crawl space access, so you can stay home while the unit goes in. **Do I need a dehumidifier if my crawl space is already encapsulated?** Not always. Some sealed crawl spaces stay dry with the liner and sealed vents alone. Christian decides at the $100 inspection, and That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy writes the reason on your price. **What if you find mold or rot while you're down there?** Christian stops and gives you a written price for the new problem before he does any more. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices mold removal at $1,000 to $2,500, on its own line. **Why does my crawl space dehumidifier run all the time?** Usually because damp keeps coming in faster than the unit can pull it out. An open vent, a bare dirt floor, water under the house, or a unit too small for the space can each cause it. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy looks for all four at the $100 inspection. **Where does the water from the dehumidifier go, and how does it get power?** Most crawl space units drain through a line, by gravity or with a small condensate pump. The unit also plugs into an outlet. Ask to see both on your written price; That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy gives every line a reason. **Who looks after the dehumidifier once it's in?** That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy does. A dehumidifier service visit runs $125 to $175, and Christian answers his own phone around the clock if the unit stops working. **Will a dehumidifier fit in a low crawl space?** It depends on the room under the floor, which also decides where the unit can sit or hang. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension gives 18 inches from the ground to the bottom of the joists as the minimum crawl space clearance. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy checks the room at the $100 inspection. **How much does crawl space dehumidifier service cost?** $125 to $175 a visit. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices dehumidifier service by the visit. **How long does a service visit take?** Usually 30 minutes to an hour. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy does the work in the crawl space, through the access door, so you don't need to leave the house. **How often does a crawl space dehumidifier need service?** Once a year is the usual answer in the trade, with the filter checked every few months. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy charges $125 to $175 for each visit. **What humidity should my crawl space stay at?** Below 60%. The EPA advises keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally 30% to 50%, to keep mold from growing. A service visit from That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy costs $125 to $175. **Why does my dehumidifier run all the time?** In the trade, the usual causes are a dirty filter or coils, a wrong setting, an open vent or door, or a failing unit. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy charges $125 to $175 for a service visit. **Is it okay for a crawl space dehumidifier to run 24 hours a day?** Yes, as long as it shuts off when the air is dry. A setting called a humidistat turns the unit on and off at the humidity you pick. A unit that never shuts off is worth a $125 to $175 visit from That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy. **What if my dehumidifier is dead?** Call Christian. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy installs new crawl space dehumidifiers for $1,500 to $2,500, and a new unit carries its maker's warranty. **Will insulating the crawl space walls make my floors warmer?** It can. Insulated foundation walls and rim joists keep winter cold from reaching the space under your floor once the vents are sealed. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy checks the walls, the rim joists, and the vents at the $100 inspection. **How long does crawl space insulation take?** Half a day to a day and a half for the walls and rim joists. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy needs longer when old insulation has to come out first, and your written price says when that applies. **Will you add work I don't need?** No. Every line on That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's written price comes with a reason, so you see why each piece of work is there before you agree to it. The price arrives within 24 hours of the inspection. **Will crawl space insulation lower my heating and cooling bill?** It can. In a field study funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, homes with closed crawl spaces saved 15% or more on heating and cooling. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy insulates the walls and rim joists that keep a closed crawl space warm in winter. **What R-value do crawl space walls need?** In climate zone 4, the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code calls for R-10 continuous or R-13 cavity insulation on crawl space walls. R-value measures how well insulation slows heat. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy lists what goes on your walls on the written price. **What happens to the old insulation that fell on the ground?** It comes out before anything new goes in, and the job takes longer. Clearing old insulation and debris is crawl space cleanout work, which That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices at $500 to $2,500. **Is it better to encapsulate or insulate my crawl space?** Wall insulation goes with encapsulation, after the vents are sealed and the liner is down. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy prices encapsulation at $5,000 to $10,000, and the inspection shows whether your crawl space needs it. **Should crawl space vents be open or closed?** Closed, once the ground is covered and the crawl space has a way to dry. Code allows both kinds, but a sealed crawl space under IRC R408.3 also needs plastic over the ground. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy checks the floor at the inspection before recommending vent covers. **How long does it take to seal crawl space vents?** About 2 to 3 hours for the vents on most homes. A new access door adds about an hour, and longer if the opening needs reframing. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy finishes most vent and door jobs in under a day. **Can I just close my vents and skip the rest?** Usually not, if the crawl space has a bare dirt floor. Water vapor keeps rising out of the ground and has nowhere to go. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's written price says whether your vents can be sealed alone or need a vapor barrier with them. **Do I need a new crawl space door?** You do if the old one is rotted, won't latch, or leaves gaps around the edges. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy installs an insulated access door for about $525, in about an hour when the opening doesn't need reframing. **Do I need to open my crawl space vents in summer?** No. Summer air here is the wettest air of the year: the average July dew point at Clinton Municipal Airport was 71°F from 2015 to 2024. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy checks at the inspection whether your ground is covered before sealing vents. **Will sealing the vents keep animals out?** It closes some of the openings they use. The CDC lists foundation vents and crawl space doors among rodent entry points. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy seals vents and installs doors, but doesn't do pest control, so animals already inside need a pest company. **Will sealed vents lower my energy bills?** They can. In the Advanced Energy field study, closed crawl spaces with floor insulation used 15% less energy for heating and cooling than vented ones. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy seals vents for $270 to $450 on most homes. **What if a contractor tells me I need every vent closed and a full encapsulation?** Ask for the reason behind each line. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy's written price comes within 24 hours of the $100 inspection, with a reason for every line, so you can see whether vent sealing alone fits your crawl space. **Do I pay for the crawl space inspection?** Yes. It costs $100 within 30 miles of Fairfield Bay. If you hire That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy for the work, the whole $100 comes off your price. **Who comes out to look at my crawl space?** Christian Olson, the owner of That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy, goes under the house himself. The same man who writes your price is the one you call afterward, on (501) 550-1115. **How long does a crawl space inspection take?** Christian spends 45 to 90 minutes under the house. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy sends the written price within 24 hours of the visit. **Will you pressure me to sign that day?** No. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy sends your price in writing within 24 hours of the inspection, with a reason for every line. You read it on your own time and call Christian with any questions. **Can the price go up once the work starts?** Not without a written price first. If rot, water, or mold turns up mid-job, Christian Olson of That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy stops and gives you a written price for that problem before he does any more. **What if I don't hire you after the inspection?** You've paid $100 for the inspection and you have the written price, with a reason for every line. That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy credits the $100 only when you hire us for the work. **What if something gets damaged while you work?** Christian pays to fix it. If That Crawl Space Encapsulation Guy damages a duct, drain line, or sprinkler line under your house, the repair is on us.