That sound expensive to me. In addition, whenever a bidder tries to pressure me into signing a contract with some artificial deadline, I generally see that as a sign to walk the other way. I don't know what this should cost, but saving 10% on a $12K bid doesn't sound like a deal to me if you can get the same work done by someone else for half that or less.

Do you even have a detailed breakdown from this bidder that shows how many work hours at what rates, and what the materials and equipment costs are. An honest contractor would share that with you. Let's say that 25% of the bid is overhead and profit ($3100). And if it involves a crew of 4 people working a day and a half at $25 per hour, that's $1200 for labor. So that leaves about $8100 for two sump pumps, a dehumidifier and some plastic piping and vapor barrier. Even if those things were gold-plated, they wouldn't cost nearly that much.

This smells like a rip-off to me. Please get yourself a couple of other bids, and then decide.

"We're supposed to let the company know this week if we want to sign the contract in order to get a 10% discount before the end of the year."

Reputable companies do not need to use this type of high pressure tactic.

Unless they are going to have to dig out to gain working room, the whole thing sounds excessive.

Thanks for the advice...I guess I just needed to hear that $12,450 was not realistic, and found that out quick when I looked up the material costs. My husband and I did some research online and found the closest equivalents possible to the materials they quoted. We found 2 high-quality sump pump systems (with the same sump pump this company uses), the exact dehumidifier they use, 200' of similar drainage pipe, and more than enough 20 mil vapor barrier to complete the job, all for about $3,200 total. So, that tells me they're charging over $9,000 for labor!! Even with the 10% off, we're not getting anywhere close to a deal. We're going to call some other contractors...or if we can find some willing friends, we may try to tackle the job ourselves. Thanks again!

FWIW, I converted my crawl space to a closed system. I used Stego Wrap (got it from hvacquick.com) as the vapor barrier. It's an wonderful product...a true vapor barrier, not a retarder(I have no financial interest in the above company or product).

I also dug a sump pit under the house, and channels leading to the sump sit, with drain tile pipe, gravel and filter fabric.

Dont know how much headroom you have (I have but 16 inches..ugh) but please dont underestimate how much work it is and how awkward is it to work down there.

catmbw-
That's great. And now it sounds like you are armed with the facts so you can scrutinize the other bids. Good luck.

I know this is late, but $12,500 is absolutely fair for "crawlspace encapsulation" if 1500 sqft. As this is completely different than a standard "crawlspace restoration". Standard restoration is a fraction of the cost but it's also a fraction of the effort, a fraction of materials, not even close to equal quality. It may be done in 2 days with the right amount and quality of employees, this also includes a warranty, most likely/hopefully pest control and exclusion There is risk, liability. IN THIS BUSINESS, employees cost more than $25 per hour. There is a big safety issue here, safety costs. The workers often get 30% of the cost of the job. Ill tell you, this is a very dirty, very difficult, very simple but very large task and people need paid well to do the job well. If it is not done appropriately or correct, the company is liable for the tens of thousands. I could go into a ton of detail but Ill spare you. I hope this gives s little more understanding. I have been in the business for years. Im also a consumer. Ill conclude saying, if someone tries to sell you a traditional restoration (6 mil moisture barrier and insulation) for $12,500, run. It should be between $2-$5 per sqft. Encapsulation
$5-$20 a sqft, commonly $8-$12 a sqft. Every job is different and depends largely on what is involved. Some times there are city permits required as well. It is expensive but it is worth it. You'll save significant money on energy, save your family health problems and add value to your home. If you do decide to do it always have pest control inspections regularly. At minimum 1 time a year but I recommend quarterly to preserve and maintain.

"Do you even have a detailed breakdown from this bidder that shows how many work hours at what rates, and what the materials and equipment costs are. An honest contractor would share that with you."

kudzu9:

I am an honest contractor and if a potential customer asks me for a labor/material breakdown, I will not work for them. It is simply none of their business.

Trebruchet that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Anything I am buying, paying for, having installed in or on my house is 100% my business.

Trebuchet-
I'll accept that you are honest. Unfortunately, your attitude of not sharing details is also a characteristic of companies that are trying to scam people, so you risk being lumped in with the shysters if your professional pride prevents you from being open with customers. Your call...

I'm dealing with the same thing due the subfloor damage and molding issues from this years rains. I went with doing the entire underside of the house with 2 inches of closed cell foam, 2 air movers at each end of the crawlspace (similar to attic fans), 6 mil plastic sheeting on the ground, and Boracare/mold care treatment for $8000 for 1500 sq ft floor space (a little more when you count the joists and braces).

You will need to make any repairs or updates before having the foam added.

I am interested in getting crawlspace encapsulation about 2000 Sft. area with complete soda blast mold remediation, french drain/ pump system and dehumidifire system. any feed back and comments is appreciated.

just because someone comes to you and says,"oh I did my crawlspace for $3000", doesn't mean it was done correctly. I've seen many shotty jobs and the customer/homeowner thought they got a deal. Every home and crawlspace and senario is different. Was there any RIP out? Did it need a French drain inside and or other drainage outside? what kinds of products did they use?What kind of other prep work was needed? Such as getting rid of mold,cleaning and disinfecting the crawl space. How big is the crawl space? How tall? Is it easily accessible?Will there need to be any electrical work done for power to the dumps, or dehumidifiers? Are the using proper and safe and warranted items? Are their methods correct. Are they properly insured? What kind of warranty do they offer on the,"work being done", not just the products? etc........