Learn To Love Your Crawl

Yes, it’s dank and dusty down there. Yes, it’s icky… what with all the spider webs and other creepy crawly things that like dark, cool spaces. But regular visits to your crawl space can alert you to big problems that might be developing in your home, literally right under your feet.

In my work as a Realtor®, I see a lot of crawl spaces. Many of the problems a home inspector finds in a crawl space are the result of a circumstance or a condition that’s gone on for some time. And the sooner crawl space problems are dealt with, the better. Here are some of the things we all should look for, and take care of while we’re down there:

Look For: As a general rule, the dryer your crawl space, the better. The air down there will always have that “basement” feeling. But use your nose; be aware of unusually musty odors that can indicate excessive moisture. That’s bad news in an enclosed space. It can generate mold, or encourage rotting of wooden floor joists and sub-flooring. It can (and will!) also attract wood-destroying insects. Speaking of termites, they are a fact of life in North Carolina. Be on the lookout for tell-tale signs: earthen tubes about the diameter of your little finger leading upward from the ground along a wall of your crawl. If you see one, don’t disturb it… call a professional pest extermination company right away.

Dos: A clean crawl space is better than a dirty one. Twice a year, put on long pants and a long-sleeved shirt and crawl into your crawl. Knee pads are a big help, as is a hat– or head-mounted flashlight. Take a whisk broom and sweep off EVERY floor joist and piece of wood you can reach. You’re mission is to disturb the spiders and other bugs that are making your space their home. A commercial product by Ortho called Home Defense Maxx is an excellent residual deterrent. It’s available in spray or granular versions. Make sure your crawl space can breathe. Vents to the outside are designed to allow moisture-laden air to filter out of the enclosed space. Don’t close them or block them without the advice of a professional.

Don’ts: Don’t store wood-handled tools in your crawl space (they serve as bait for wood-destroying insects). Likewise, don’t stack material — particularly wood — against the wall of your crawl. That makes for a prime nesting ground for insects. If your inspection finds something unusual, call a professional to help you determine what’s going on.

Is there something unknown lurking in YOUR crawl space? Call me. I’d be happy to take a look and give you a free assessment.

Robert Flinn, Realtor/Broker
Fonville Morisey Realty, Inc.
919-698-2040 (Direct)
919-402-1242 (Office