The Advantages of Homes With a Crawl Space

Price

• According to Bob Clark, the Raised Floor Project Manager at APA--The Engineered Wood Association, "Building a crawl space with a wood floor system is much lower cost and a quicker method of building raised." Because homes made with crawl spaces use common building materials, the price is significantly cheaper than building a slab home or a home with a basement. When large amounts of rock have to be removed, which is often the case with slab or basement foundation homes, the price increases significantly.

Maintenance

• Because a crawl space lifts the home off the ground, it will be less susceptible to problems when it comes to damp or termite prone areas (beach houses, low-lying areas). Not only that, but instead of running plumbing and duct work through the walls, it may be run in the crawl space, making it more accessible if maintenance work needs to be done. It is, though, important to waterproof and insulate a crawl space in case of floods or moist environments, which could cause mold and fungi problems. However, crawl spaces are typically equipped with air vents to release stagnant air and reduce build-up of moisture. Insulation keeps pipes from freezing during the colder months.

Appearance

• Homes that are raised above the ground with a crawl space are often more appealing to buyers than a slab home because of its more impressive appearance. Another cosmetic advantage is that homes with crawl spaces have the option of installing vents on the floor, which is not possible with slab homes. These vents would ensure a more comfortable home during the winter as heat rises.