Printable Crawl Space Inspection Checklist

A one-page checklist for a yearly look at your crawl space, based on the Department of Energy’s Building America guide.

Print this checklist

Before you go in

• Look at least once a year. If nothing seems wrong, spring or fall after a significant rain is the best time. (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Wear coveralls with a hood, a fitted half-mask respirator with safety glasses (or a full-face respirator), gloves, kneepads and a headlamp. Bring a backup light. (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Bring a wood moisture meter, a humidity meter and a phone or camera. (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Hire a contractor if you don’t feel up to it. Stay out of standing water and don’t touch exposed wiring. (DOE Building America Solution Center)

What to look for

• Moisture: standing water, water stains, white powdery deposits on walls, damp insulation, mold, rusty nails or pipes. (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Insulation: missing, sagging, wet or discolored, especially at the rim joist. (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Ventilation: blocked vents, odors, leaking or disconnected ducts. (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Pests: droppings, chewed wires, damaged vapor barrier. (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Structure: sagging joists, sawdust, posts not touching their piers, large cracks. (DOE Building America Solution Center)

Readings

• Wood moisture: % (above 18% is generally bad) (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Relative humidity: % (above 70% is bad) (DOE Building America Solution Center)
• Fix moisture problems before sealing or insulating. Estimate encapsulation cost.

General guidance with sources linked on each line. Your state and county rules come first.