What exactly is 'crawl space' in a brand new house?

Question

advantages? disadvantages?

Answer 1

The first answer is correct, the second answer is totally wrong. A void in an attic is a storage space. A crawl space (term that was started in Michigan) refers to the area under a home that is not tall enough to stand up in. If you can stand up in it it is referred to as a basement.

Most crawl spaces are 2 or 3 cement blocks high.

A mobile home that is skirted also has a crawl space under it.

Answer 2

It is an area left unfinished under the home. Normally a dirt floor. It allows access to piping run under the house. Seeing the term "crawl space" in an ad for a house means it is not on a concrete slab. This means you will not experience back pains from continually walking on hard surfaces. The dirt floor should be covered with 6 mil plastic to avoid moisture problems and there should be operable vents to open during the summer and close during the winter for airflow.

Answer 3

Some homes also have crawl spaces in the attic or above a garage. They are small spaces meant for box type storage and not much else.  The size of a crawl space is usually 4 feet tall or less.

Actually, my answer is not totally wrong, but is correct - a crawl space is not only a basement space in realtor terms.  Many refer to the small attic spaces utilizing that term to let buyers now it is not able to be converted space.

Answer 4

If you go under your house it is the space between dirt and your homes floor joists.  A crawl space is good to have in case you have plumbing problems, they can be accessed.