I'm Buying a Home and I'm in Due Diligence: Do Crawlspaces Need Dehumidifiers, Encapsulation and Sump Pumps?

Buying a home is an exciting yet stressful process and during due diligence, you want to make sure you’re making a sound investment. One area that often gets overlooked—but can cause many headaches is the crawlspace. If you’re purchasing a home with a crawlspace, you might be wondering: Does it need a dehumidifier? Do I need encapsulation in the crawlspace? Is a sump pump necessary?

The short answer? It depends on the home. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Why Crawlspace Moisture Control Matters

Crawlspaces are naturally prone to humidity, standing water and mold growth, especially in humid climates like Georgia. If you don't properly maintain your crawlspace it can lead to:

Mold and fungus (which affects indoor air quality not just your crawlspace)

Wood rot and structural damage

Pest infestations (termites and rodents absolutely love damp environments)

Increased energy costs due to humidity affecting insulation efficiency

Taking proactive measures like encapsulating your crawl space, adding a dehumidifier and/or a sump pump can help prevent long-term damage to your home.

Do Crawlspaces Need Dehumidifiers?

A crawlspace dehumidifier will help regulate moisture levels and prevents mold growth, musty smells and rotted wood. Please note that not every crawlspace needs one.

A dehumidifier is recommended if:

The home is in a humid climate (like Georgia).
The crawlspace has insulation but still feels damp.
There is evidence of past mold growth.
The wood framing or floor joists feel damp.

A dehumidifier may not be necessary if:

The crawlspace is already encapsulated and sealed and staked properly.
The home has a natural vapor barrier (such as dry, well-ventilated soil).

Bottom line: If moisture levels are consistently above 45%, a crawlspace dehumidifier is a smart investment. But we always recommend a professional evaluation.

Is Crawlspace Encapsulation Necessary?

Crawlspace encapsulation is the process of sealing off the area with a thick vapor barrier and insulation that will control the moisture. This method is highly effective at reducing humidity and improving air quality inside the home.

Encapsulation is recommended if:

The crawlspace has had continuous moisture problems.
There is a old or musty smell in the home.
The house has poor drainage or is in a flood-prone area.
You want to improve energy efficiency (which will reduce HVAC costs).

Encapsulation may not be needed if:

The home is in a dry climate with good natural ventilation.
The soil and foundation show no signs of moisture issues.
There is already an effective and properly installed vapor barrier in place.

Bottom line: Encapsulation is a great investment for long-term moisture control. Just draping moisture barrier over the ground is not enough and code requirements continue to change.

Does Your Crawlspace Need a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is designed to remove standing water from a basement or crawlspace and will prevent flooding. Not every home needs one, but it’s a must-have in high-water table areas or homes with poor drainage.

A sump pump is necessary if:

The crawlspace has a history of flooding (a professional can find the water marks if the selling homeowner does not wish to disclose).
The home sits in a low-lying area, flood prone area with poor drainage.
Water pools up in the crawlspace after heavy rains and storms.

You may not need a sump pump if:

The crawlspace remains dry year-round.
The home has proper grading and a working drainage system.

Bottom line: If the crawlspace has standing water or frequent dampness, a sump pump can prevent serious foundation damage.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Do Before Buying?

If you're in due diligence, don’t skip the crawlspace inspection. Ask your home inspector to check for:

Humidity levels (should be under 45%)
Signs of past water damage or flooding
Moldy or musty odors
The condition of the vapor barrier and insulation (and ask if it is properly installed)
Proper drainage around the home (a French drain is a plus, but not always necessary).

If you are concerned about moisture and mold, consider investing in a dehumidifier, encapsulation or a sump pump can save you thousands in future repairs.

At First In Restoration, we specialize in crawlspace encapsulation, moisture control and water damage prevention. If you need an expert opinion before buying your home, give us a call!

Call First In Restoration: 470-748-0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Don’t let a damp crawlspace become a costly mistake—protect your investment with the right moisture control solutions!