Honest Answers vs Easy Solutions: A Real Story from Yesterday's Crawl Space Inspection
Introduction
When The Truth Matters More Than The Sale
A REAL INSPECTION STORY ABOUT DOING THINGS RIGHT
Yesterday's crawl space inspection taught me something I already knew, but it hit home again: sometimes the hardest part of this job isn't the technical work - it's being honest with people when others aren't.
I walked into a situation where a homeowner had already gotten an inspection from another company, one with a good reputation.
But something didn't feel right to them about the recommendations they received. That's when they called me for a second opinion.
What We Found
The moment I got under the house, I saw what we were dealing with: concrete walls with metal brackets all the way around. Now, for folks who don't spend their days in crawl spaces like I do, this might not sound like a big deal. But this kind of setup needs specific solutions - there's no way around it.
I took my time documenting everything with 4K video and detailed photos. This is exactly why I record every inspection. When you're telling someone something different from what they've heard before, you need to show them why.
The metal brackets created a unique situation. You can't just throw some plastic up there and call it a day. Without proper sealing - and in this case, that means spray foam - you're not solving the actual problem. You're just covering it up.
This isn't about being the smartest guy in the room. It's about doing what's right for someone's home. Because at the end of the day, that's what matters - making sure your crawl space is actually fixed, not just made to look fixed.
The Easy (Wrong) Answer
Here's what the other company told this homeowner: they could do the encapsulation without sealing the walls. Now, I'm not in the business of bashing competitors, but I am in the business of telling the truth. And the truth is, that's just not possible with this setup.
I get why some companies might say this. Maybe they don't have access to spray foam equipment. Maybe their crews aren't trained for it.
But telling someone you can fix their crawl space while skipping a crucial step isn't just wrong - it's going to cost that homeowner more money down the road.
The Honest Solution
Let me break this down simply: when you've got concrete walls with metal brackets, spray foam isn't just an option - it's the only real solution. Those brackets create gaps and connection points that need proper sealing. Skip this step, and you're basically leaving doors open in your encapsulation system.
I showed the homeowner exactly what I meant using my inspection video. Pointed out every bracket, explained how moisture can get through, and demonstrated why spray foam is the only thing that will create a proper seal. Sure, it might not be the cheapest solution, but it's the right one.
The Education Process
This is where taking time during inspections really matters. I don't just walk through and give a price. I make sure homeowners understand exactly what's happening under their house. That's why I take detailed videos, lots of photos, and explain everything I see.
In this case, I walked the homeowner through each problem area. Showed them why regular encapsulation materials wouldn't work around the brackets. Explained how spray foam creates a proper seal. Because when people understand why something needs to be done a certain way, they can make informed decisions about their home.
Why Honesty Matters in Crawl Space Work
Look, I could've taken the easy route here. Could've agreed with the other company's assessment, bid lower, and probably gotten the job. But here's the thing about crawl space work - what you don't fix properly today becomes a bigger problem tomorrow.
When someone trusts you with their home's foundation, you owe them the truth. Even if that truth means a more complex solution or a higher cost. Because the real cost isn't just about money - it's about having to fix the same problem twice, dealing with moisture issues that never really got solved, or worse.
Getting a Second Opinion
If you're getting crawl space work done and something doesn't sound right, trust that instinct. Like this homeowner did, get a second opinion. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Companies saying they can skip crucial steps
- Solutions that sound too easy for complex problems
- Anyone not willing to show you detailed documentation
- Recommendations that don't address specific issues you can see
Ready to Get Honest Answers?
I'm not here to tell you what you want to hear. I'm here to tell you what your crawl space needs. Every inspection I do comes with:
- Complete 4K video documentation
- Detailed photos of problem areas
- Clear explanation of what's needed and why
- Honest assessment, even if it's not the easiest solution
Give me a call for an inspection. If you've already had other companies look at your crawl space and something doesn't feel right, I'll give you my honest take. Because at the end of the day, this isn't about making a sale - it's about fixing your home's problems the right way, the first time.
