Cost Guide · 2025
How Much Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost?
The national average for crawl space encapsulation is $5,000–$15,000, with most homeowners paying $7,500–$10,000. Here's a complete breakdown of what drives the cost and how to get the best value.
Low End
$3,000
National Average
$7,500–$10,000
High End
$20,000+
Cost by Crawl Space Size
Crawl space size is the single biggest cost driver. Here's what to expect based on your square footage:
| Size | Square Footage | Cost Range | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 800 sq ft | $3,000–$7,000 | $5,000 |
| Medium | 800–1,500 sq ft | $5,000–$11,000 | $8,000 |
| Large | 1,500–2,500 sq ft | $8,000–$15,000 | $12,000 |
| Very Large | 2,500+ sq ft | $12,000–$20,000+ | $16,000 |
* Prices reflect national averages and may vary by region, condition, and contractor. Costs include vapor barrier, sealing, and dehumidifier.
What's Included in the Cost?
A complete encapsulation project typically includes these components:
Vapor Barrier (12–20 mil)
$0.50–$1.50/sq ftHeavy-duty polyethylene liner covering floor and walls
Seam Sealing & Tape
$200–$500Waterproof tape and mastic for all overlaps and penetrations
Vent Sealing
$150–$400Foam board and sealant to close foundation vents
Dehumidifier
$800–$2,000Commercial-grade 70–100 pint unit with auto-drain
Drainage (if needed)
$1,500–$5,000French drain and sump pump for active water issues
Labor
$1,500–$4,000Professional installation, typically 1–3 days
Factors That Affect Your Cost
- Size of the crawl space (square footage)
- Current condition and needed repairs
- Vapor barrier thickness and quality
- Drainage system requirements
- Dehumidifier size and type
- Local labor rates and accessibility
- Mold remediation needs
Crawl Space Service Costs Compared
Encapsulation is one of several crawl space services. Here's how the costs compare across all common services:
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Crawl Space Encapsulation | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Vapor Barrier Installation | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Crawl Space Waterproofing | $3,000–$12,000 |
| Crawl Space Drainage Systems | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Crawl Space Dehumidification | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Crawl Space Insulation | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Crawl Space Mold Removal | $1,500–$9,000 |
| Crawl Space Structural Repair | $2,000–$10,000+ |
| Crawl Space Cleaning | $500–$3,000 |
| Crawl Space Inspection | Free–$350 |
Is Encapsulation Worth It? The ROI Breakdown
Crawl space encapsulation is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make. Here's why the investment pays for itself:
Energy Savings: 15–20% reduction
By sealing unconditioned air out of your crawl space, your HVAC system works less. Homeowners typically save $200–$500 per year on heating and cooling — that's $3,000–$7,500 over the life of the system.
Avoided Structural Repairs: $5,000–$30,000+
Moisture damage to floor joists, beams, and subfloor is progressive. What starts as minor wood rot can escalate to major structural failure. Encapsulation stops this damage before it starts.
Mold Prevention: $3,000–$10,000 in avoided remediation
Mold thrives above 55% humidity. Encapsulation maintains humidity below this threshold, eliminating the conditions mold needs to grow. One avoided remediation project can cover the cost of encapsulation.
Increased Home Value: $5,000–$15,000+
An encapsulated crawl space is increasingly viewed as a premium feature by buyers and home inspectors. It signals proactive maintenance and reduces risk for the next owner.
Health Benefits: Priceless
Up to 50% of your indoor air originates from the crawl space. Eliminating mold, moisture, and pest contamination from that air supply improves respiratory health for your entire household.
Bottom line: A $7,500–$10,000 encapsulation investment typically delivers $15,000–$50,000+ in value through energy savings, avoided repairs, and increased home value over 15–20 years. Most homeowners break even within 5–7 years on energy savings alone.
Get Your Encapsulation Estimate
Prices vary by location, crawl space condition, and size. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified professional in your area.
Step 1 of 3
What do you need help with?
Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost FAQ
The national average cost for crawl space encapsulation is $5,000 to $15,000, with most homeowners paying around $7,500–$10,000. Small crawl spaces under 800 sq ft may cost as little as $3,000, while large or complex projects can exceed $15,000.
Find Out What Encapsulation Would Cost for Your Home
Every crawl space is different. Get a personalized estimate from a certified professional — it's free and takes less than 2 minutes.
Get My Free Estimate →✓ Free quotes ✓ Certified professionals ✓ No obligation