Who Can Inspect My Crawl Space?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are asking who inspects crawl spaces, hire a local home inspector for the most thorough look at safety, efficiency, and cleanliness. Crawl space contractors can also inspect, and some transactions require a professional home inspector. Inspectors understand local crawl space building codes, deliver reports, and recommend qualified pros for repairs.

Benefits of Hiring a Home Inspector for Crawl Spaces

Home inspectors bring deep knowledge of local crawl space building codes and a big‑picture view of how the space affects the rest of your home. They identify issues related to design and maintenance, provide a clear inspection report, and refer repair specialists when needed. Hiring a home inspector ensures a comprehensive assessment of moisture, pests, ventilation, structure, and compliance, plus these benefits:

• Detects signs of water damage, mildew, and mold

• Spots pest activity and entry points for insects or rodents

• Evaluates ventilation and flagging incorrectly designed or placed vents

• Identifies foundational cracks or early signs of decay affecting stability

• Assesses support beam damage that can compromise floors above

• Finds subflooring issues and visible signs consistent with termites

• Flags building code noncompliance that requires correction

• Provides a detailed and actionable crawl space inspection report

• Recommends trusted professionals to complete follow‑up repairs

If you notice persistent moisture, mold, or structural concerns in your crawl space, you might want to consider a home inspector near you to ensure the job is done thoroughly and meets local standards.

Can I Hire a Crawl Space Contractor for an Inspection?

Crawl space contractors are a strong alternative for inspections, and some include an initial check before beginning work. These specialists often understand foundation health, can perform a thorough foundation inspection at the same time, and recommend structural engineers or foundation pros when repairs exceed their scope. In specific situations—such as buying or selling—you may be required to hire a professional home inspector instead.

How Do Crawl Space Inspections Work?

Here's what you can inspect from a pro during your crawl space inspection:

1. Clear access: Remove stored items before the pro arrives so they can safely reach all areas.

2. On‑site inspection: The visit generally lasts one to two hours, depending on access and conditions.

3. Investigation: The pro examines moisture, pests, ventilation, structural elements, and code compliance within the crawl space.

4. Reporting: You receive an inspection report outlining concerns, contributing factors, and recommended next steps.

5. Next steps: Based on the report, schedule cleanings or repairs with the appropriate contractors to address any issues found.

How Much Does a Crawl Space Inspection Cost?

Crawl space inspections vary, depending on the type of inspection. For instance, crawl space inspections as part of a broader home inspection may cost more if it's needed for appraisal, while general maintenance inspections cost less. Inspections for mold, lead, asbestos, and other hazards also add to total costs.