Your home’s crawl space was created to allow access to plumbing, ductwork, electrical wiring, and drain pipes. While the crawl space provides access, many homeowners don’t really think about it much when it’s not needed. It’s usually out of sight and out of mind, but checking and maintaining your crawl space is more important than you might realize.

Why You Need to Inspect Your Crawl Space

In many ways, ignoring your crawl space is much like neglecting your basement. If you decide to list your home on the Mint Hill real estate market, any issues with your crawl space will likely show up on a home inspection. This isn’t a chance you want to take.

Instead, have your crawl space inspected regularly or inspect it yourself. It’s possible for a very expensive problem to show up in this space of your home, but when inspect and maintain it, you may be able to avoid larger issues.

Just as you inspect your roof, gutters, basement, and attic, your crawl space needs the same attention. Look for an increase in humidity or dampness, along with visible leaks, mold, or mildew. Often, problems found within the home start with signs in the crawl space.

The Main Enemies of the Crawl Space

Crawl space maintenance and inspections are necessary due to some very specific enemies that like to wreak havoc on your home. Some of the main enemies include:

• Pests/Rodents – Whether it’s water bugs, termites, roaches, mice, raccoons, rats, or another pest, you want to keep your crawl space free of these critters. Pests and rodents can chew through wiring, PVC, insulation, and cause damage to wood, along with other materials.
• Water/Moisture – Public enemy #1 for crawl spaces, excess water and moisture can lead to mildew, mold, soggy floors, damaged insulation and a host of other issues.
• Insulation Issues – If you notice your floors start to feel cold in the winter and warm in the summer, you may have an insulation issue in your crawl space.
• Rain/Snow/Flooding – Since water and moisture are horrible for a crawl space, it stands to reason that rain, snow, and flooding are not good for it, either.
• System Issues – Crawl space problems may lead to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC issues, which you might start to notice throughout your home.

While it’s important to maintain and inspect the crawl space of your home, it’s also a good idea to look at this area of a home when you’re searching for homes for sale in Mint Hill, NC. Often, home buyers don’t take the time to inspect the crawl space, which may show signs of issues within the home. Getting down on your hands and knees with a flashlight can save you time if you notice an issue with a home you’re considering.

Whether you own your home or you’re on the hunt for your next home, make sure you take crawl space inspections and maintenance seriously.

I would love to be part of your journey when the time is right for you. If you ever have a real estate question or need, or know someone who does, trust that you can turn to me.  I will help you make the right move! Anna Granger 704-650-5707 | annagrangerhomes@gmail.com | www.1stchoicepropertiesinc.com