18" crawl space height...

[robertwells]

Hello All,

I was just curious, I do very little FHA work, and my memory for recent work I have done is all on slab, but with the minimum 18" height requirement (if components), based on measurement from grade to bottom of floor joist, what is done with beams that are lower than floor joists and lessen the height? Thanks, Bob

 

[Ariba]

Do you measure every floor joist? Can a technician get too and service the mechanical system of the house?

 

[RSW]

18" height is only required where plumbing, other utilities, and duct work is present.

 

[bnmappraisal]

Bob .. what RSW says

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

18" height is only required where plumbing, other utilities, and duct work is present.

But, isn't that where the plumbing and electric usually go if you have a crawl space?
That's where mine are. That, and the attic.

OK, I have never measured that space on an FHA deal.

 

[RSW]

But, isn't that where the plumbing and electric usually go if you have a crawl space?
That's where mine are. That, and the attic.

OK, I have never measured that space on an FHA deal.

Most of the time it is in the crawlspace. But, what if there was part of the crawlspace that did not have any plumbing, utilities, or duct work and the crawlspace was only 16' high? That is still acceptable by the FHA.

 

[Mr Rex]

But, isn't that where the plumbing and electric usually go if you have a crawl space?
That's where mine are. That, and the attic.

OK, I have never measured that space on an FHA deal.

18 inches with duct work is not adequate. I know, I regularly crawl like a reptile when I wear my Inspectors hat (and coveralls). Most houses could use at least one more 8 inch course of block (3 courses of brick) on the foundation. Builders, Cheap Bastids!

 

[Mr Rex]

FWIW, if the joists are 18 inches or slightly above in a crawlspace and there are any moisture issues there is going to be wood decay in most cases. Particularly if there is a porch or garage etc that blocks air circulation in one or more areas of the crawlspace. Can you say Fungi? (aka mold and mildew) that are wood destroying organisms. They eat the same part of the wood as termites.

 

[CANative]

"911. What is the emergency?"

"Help. I'm an appraiser and I'm stuck in a 17" crawlspace!"

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

FWIW, if the joists are 18 inches or slightly above in a crawlspace and there are any moisture issues there is going to be wood decay in most cases. Particularly if there is a porch or garage etc that blocks air circulation in one or more areas of the crawlspace. Can you say Fungi? (aka mold and mildew) that are wood destroying organisms. They eat the same part of the wood as termites.

What is this moisture mold mildew thing? Not a problem here. OK, radio ads talk about termites.