Most people rarely think about their crawl space until something smells off, floors start to sag, or moisture begins to show up under the house. And when there’s barely enough room to crawl in, fixing the problem becomes even harder. That’s when a crawl space dig-out might be the right move.
What Is a Crawl Space Dig Out?
A crawl space dig out involves removing soil from underneath your home to increase the space between the ground and the floor above. This is especially helpful in older homes around Kentucky and Southern Indiana, where the original crawl spaces were often built with minimal clearance. By digging deeper, you can create safer access for inspections, repairs, and moisture control. It also opens the door for improved ventilation and long-term structural protection.
Why Would You Need One?
When your crawl space is too tight, it can become a serious roadblock. Contractors can’t get in to make repairs, water damage is harder to spot, and moisture has nowhere to go. If your floors feel soft or uneven, you smell mustiness after a heavy rain, or you’ve seen signs of mold or wood rot under the house, chances are your crawl space is overdue for attention. Sometimes, even basic upgrades like floor joist support or installing a vapor barrier aren’t possible until there’s enough room to work.
What Happens If You Skip It?
Leaving a tight, damp crawl space untouched can lead to bigger headaches. Moisture will keep building up. Mold may spread from the ground into the subfloor and walls. You might also notice your HVAC working overtime due to high humidity levels. Over time, the damage extends to your home’s structure and your indoor air quality, both of which can be costly to correct later.
How the Process Works
At Kentuckiana Contracting Services, every crawl space dig out starts with a free inspection. We’ll assess your current clearance and identify areas where excavation is needed. Our team carefully removes the soil while protecting the integrity of your foundation. Once there’s enough room, we grade the space to help water flow away from the house, not toward it. If your crawl space needs more than just depth—like a vapor barrier, sump pump, or joist repairs, we can handle those too. And we always clean up the site afterward so there’s nothing left behind.
Why Choose KCS?
We’re not a franchise. We’re a local team with decades of experience working with the homes, soil, and seasonal weather conditions of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. We’ve seen firsthand how much damage a neglected crawl space can cause, and we know how to fix it the right way. Our approach is personal, backed by real results, and includes warranties that stay with the home if you ever decide to sell. Everything starts with a clear plan, no high-pressure sales, and work that speaks for itself.
What Homeowners Ask
A common concern is whether a dig-out can affect the home’s structure. The answer is no, as long as it’s done carefully and with attention to grading and support. Many also ask about how deep the space should be. We usually aim for three to four feet of clearance, which allows room for repairs and systems like drainage or encapsulation. Some wonder if encapsulation is required after a dig out. It’s not, but it’s highly recommended to keep the space dry and sealed once the work is done. The full process typically takes three to five days, depending on how much excavation is needed.
Ready to Fix the Problem?
If you’re dealing with crawl space moisture, musty smells, or soft floors, and your space is too tight to fix any of it, it’s probably time to take action. These problems don’t stay small. They get worse, more expensive, and harder to solve as time goes on. At KCS, we make it simple. Contact us today to schedule your free crawl space inspection. We’ll walk you through what’s needed and how we can help, no pressure, just straight answers and solid work.
FAQ: Crawl Space Dig Out Questions Homeowners Ask
Can a crawl space dig-out increase my home’s value?
Yes, because a properly maintained and accessible crawl space shows buyers that your home has been cared for. It also makes inspections easier and allows for future upgrades or repairs without hassle.
Learn more about crawl space dig out here.
Will a dig out stop water from getting in?
It helps, but it works best when combined with drainage solutions. A deeper crawl space allows room for proper water redirection, sump pumps, or moisture barriers, all of which reduce the chance of flooding.
Is the process loud or messy?
Not really. Most of the work is done by hand or with small tools to avoid disturbing the foundation. We take extra care to keep your yard clean and finish by removing all soil and debris.
Do I need permits for this kind of work?
In most cases, yes. We handle the permitting process for you to keep everything code-compliant and stress-free on your end.
If you want further information about the permits, please contact our team here.
What happens to the soil that’s removed?
We haul it off-site unless you request otherwise. You won’t be left with piles of dirt or a mess in your yard; we clean up everything when we’re done.