When preparing a home for sale, it’s easy to focus on the kitchen remodel or curb appeal. But some of the biggest issues that come up during a home inspection are hiding below the surface—in the crawlspace.
Over the past 25 years, here are some of the most common issues we’ve found under homes:
What’s Hiding Under the House?
Crawlspace Issues That Can Derail a Sale
➤ Real problems we find during inspections—and how sellers can fix them early.
➤ Real problems we find during inspections—and how sellers can fix them early.
1. Hidden Plumbing Leaks
Old galvanized or cast iron pipes (30–50 year lifespan) often corrode or crack without anyone knowing.
✅ Pro Tip: Get them checked before you list—leaks under the house scare buyers fast.
✅ Pro Tip: Get them checked before you list—leaks under the house scare buyers fast.
2. Rodent Activity
Droppings, chewed insulation, or destroyed vapor barriers are common signs of rodents nesting under homes.
✅ Fix it: Seal up access points and call pest control before going on market.
✅ Fix it: Seal up access points and call pest control before going on market.
3. Missing or Damaged Insulation
No floor insulation = energy loss + cold feet.
✅ Seller Tip: Upgrading insulation is a simple pre-listing win buyers appreciate.
✅ Seller Tip: Upgrading insulation is a simple pre-listing win buyers appreciate.
4. Moisture & Standing Water
Poor ventilation or grading often causes high humidity, standing water, and even wood rot.
✅ Pro Tip: Ensure all vents are clear and that gutters direct water away from the home.
✅ Pro Tip: Ensure all vents are clear and that gutters direct water away from the home.
5. Loose Fittings & DIY Plumbing Fixes
We often find temporary wraps, tape jobs, or loose joints that are leaking slowly—but steadily.
✅ Fix before the inspector does. Hire a licensed plumber and avoid renegotiations later.
✅ Fix before the inspector does. Hire a licensed plumber and avoid renegotiations later.
6. Landscaping Sloping Toward Foundation
Improper grading or landscaping can lead to erosion or foundation damage over time.
✅ Best Practice: All soil and drains should slope away from the foundation to prevent long-term issues.
✅ Best Practice: All soil and drains should slope away from the foundation to prevent long-term issues.
Why This Matters for Sellers
A pre-listing inspection helps you:
✔️ Spot issues buyers will find anyway
✔️ Make repairs on your timeline
✔️ Reduce risk of escrow delays
✔️ Build buyer confidence & trust
✔️ Spot issues buyers will find anyway
✔️ Make repairs on your timeline
✔️ Reduce risk of escrow delays
✔️ Build buyer confidence & trust
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