Nobody goes in the crawl space, which is exactly why the problems live there. We do, and we come back with photographs.
Moisture in the crawl space does not stay in the crawl space. It rises into the framing, the insulation and the air you breathe upstairs, carrying odor and spores with it.
The three findings most often documented under a Maryland property.
Grading, downspouts and plumbing leaks all end up here, and so does the resulting rot.
Crawl spaces are where termite evidence and rodent activity turn up first.
Rot, previous sistering and undersized or failing supports are documented with photos.
Baltimore metro, the Washington DC suburbs, Frederick County, Northern Maryland and South-Central PA.
Commonly booked together, because these systems affect each other.
Wood-destroying insect inspection, often required by lenders.
Air sampling and moisture readings where something smells off.
Cracking, settlement and drainage around the structure.
Water entry, foundation movement and finished-space concerns.
Find the source, the moisture path and the hidden damage.
A full evaluation of the structure and every major system, for buyers and sellers.
Call Doug and the team on (410) 925-2088 or email clientcare@mdhi.com with anything else.
Yes, where the access hatch, clearance and conditions allow it safely. If standing water, collapsed ductwork or an inaccessible hatch prevents entry, the report says exactly why.
It is sheeting across the soil that stops ground moisture from evaporating into the structure. A missing or torn barrier is one of the cheapest fixes with the biggest effect.
Both approaches exist and the right one depends on the property. What matters most is that whichever approach is in place is actually working, which is what we evaluate.
Book a crawl space inspection with your property inspection.