How scheduling an inspection works

Four steps

1. Call or request an inspection.
2. A local crawl space or foundation contractor confirms a time.
3. They inspect, measure and explain what they find.
4. You get a written repair plan and price before any work starts.

Who does the work

Work is done by independent local contractors. Pricing and availability are set by the contractor serving your area. The contractor decides whether they can take the job, when they can come out, and what the work costs.

Questions worth asking before you sign

• What exactly is in the price: ground liner, wall treatment, vent and rim sealing, drainage or sump, dehumidifier, insulation, mold treatment, framing repair?
• How thick is the ground liner, and does it meet the North Carolina code minimum? Will it be sealed to the walls and piers, with the termite inspection gap left open?
• Which of the code's moisture-control methods will dry the crawl space? If it's a dehumidifier, what size, where does it drain, and who services it?
• Who pulls the permit? North Carolina requires one to convert a vented crawl space to a closed one, whatever the job costs.
• Is the job large enough to need a state general contractor license, and if so, what is the license number?
• What does the warranty cover (liner, dehumidifier, humidity level, structural work), for how long, and does it transfer to a buyer? Is there a yearly service fee to keep it valid?
• Get the full price, payment schedule and start date in writing before you sign, and compare at least two plans.

The guides explain costs, permits and insurance for Raleigh and Wake County in more detail, with sources.

Your information

Your name, phone number and request go to the contractor serving your area, and to the services that run our phone line and form. The privacy policy has the details.