I recently discovered a crawlspace tucked behind the closet under my stairs, accessible through some drywall. I'm considering putting in an access panel as a weekend project, but I'm wondering what I could actually do with it. Is it just a good spot for storage, or could this really add to my home's square footage or value? Also, I'm looking at this specific access panel, but are there any easier options for opening and closing?
3 Answers
You might want to grab a cheap hygrometer to check the humidity in that crawlspace. If it’s above 60%, you’ll need to address moisture issues to keep things safe from mold and mildew! Depending on its condition, that could change how you store things there.
Definitely a cool space to utilize! Just keep in mind that the access panel might look smaller when you’re trying to fit boxes through it, especially if there are angles to maneuver around. Also, damp areas can ruin cardboard, so I'd suggest using plastic containers instead. Don't forget to measure the height—will help you figure out how much you can actually store!
Great point about the size! I plan to stick with standard stud spacing for the panel, which should keep it manageable.
That crawlspace sounds like a great find! Just so you know, it won't officially increase your home's square footage since it's not considered liveable space due to the low ceiling height. As for what to do with it, I recommend using it for storage. A lot of people make it work with sealable plastic bins if moisture is an issue. Just keep an eye on humidity levels to avoid mold!
Thanks for your advice! I'm actually hoping to run a POE cable for a doorbell from there since it's right under my front door.
I'll definitely check that out. The crawlspace is connected to my utility room, so I’m hoping that will help with moisture control.