Any home improvement project should increase your home’s value. It might not seem to be the first consideration; however, as an investment, it should list as one in the top five.
Crawl space encapsulation works to manage dampness and decrease the humidity, which inhibits mold growth, as well as pests. It also deters wood rot, improves indoor air quality, and can reduce energy costs. These not only make the home more comfortable for the homeowner but even more attractive to the potential buyer.
The improvement could also qualify for a tax credit for energy efficiency improvements. Or it might at least become a deduction for overall property improvements. Consult with a tax advisor to see what avenue might benefit most.
Crawl space encapsulation can include drainage for foundation leaks and seeping. It acts as a form of insulation flowing up the foundation walls. It can create a vapor barrier against the ground and walls. And it also allows for humidity control to maintain a dry, healthy space.
Crawl space encapsulation directly improves indoor air quality as it assists in preventing mold growth. Mold causes serious health problems. Symptoms could include sneezing, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and skin rashes. More seriously, mold can trigger an asthma attack for those with asthma, according to the CDC. Plus, prolonged exposure is proven to lead to sinus infections, and inhaling mold spores also causes allergic reactions in many people.
The continuous vapor barrier also becomes a barrier to radon, inhibiting the radon levels in the air. Encapsulating a crawl space serves to create a healthy home environment for the family.
It can also be used as a selling or buying point.
Health and the structural integrity of the home are critical. However, reduced energy costs add another immediate benefit that you can see and feel following crawl space encapsulation. Homebuyers today look for more energy-efficient homes. When an HVAC system uses more energy, utility bills rise in parallel. By encapsulating the crawl space, and perhaps adding a ventilation device or dehumidifier it pro-actively manages the problem.