A: Nick, the best way to go really depends on your climate and the local building inspector's opinion for crawlspace ventilation.

This is a hot topic right now because many builders are going with "conditioned" crawlspaces. This is basically a sealed crawlspace with limited heating and air conditioning allowed to enter the crawlspace.

In my own home I have a dehumidifier in my crawlspace with fresh air venting the area. However, my crawlspace also has a solid concrete floor. Many crawlspaces have an earth floor covered with plastic, and that may release more moisture than a sealed floor.

Bottom line: when it comes to basement bottoms; follow your contractor's advice and do what works best for your particular home and area.