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Any Ladder Recommendations

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Alexx

Sophomore Member
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Professional Status
Certified Residential Appraiser
State
Florida
Do any FHA appraisers have any ladder recommendations. I am looking for information on a good quality portable ladder that I can take with me on field inspections.

Thank you
 
I picked up a 13' gorilla ladder from home depot for $99. It barely fits in the trunk of my '05 malibu.


http://www.gorillaladders.net/pc-16-5-13-aluminum.aspx

How do you open up a 13' ladder in a house with 8' ceilings?

Select the lightest weight ladder that is long enough for you to peer into an attic and that will fit into the trunk of your car. Make sure it is heavy duty enough to allow for your own weight. Aluminum ladders generally weigh less than wood or fiberglass.
 
It is 13' fully extended however it folds in half and is 44 inches when fully folded down (I just measured mine).
 
It is 13' fully extended however it folds in half and is 44 inches when fully folded down (I just measured mine).

13'! I think you are bragging just a little. :rof::rof::rof:
 
Rule #1, never cheap out on ladders.

Buy the largest and sturdiest ladder that you can carry in and out of a property without damaging walls and such and fit into your vehicle.
 
If you click on the link I provided it states it is 13" fully extended. That is the length when not used as a step ladder.

RSW, I NEVER brag :)
[<---10"--->]
 
I use a plain old aluminum type II ladder. It's lightweight and holds me just fine. Believe it or not - it fits into a civic coupe!

We have several fiberglass and even a fancy dancy fold up telescoping ladder, but they are all too heavy.
 
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If you just need it to peek in the attic, a Polder "3 step" featherweight may work for you. I bought one from Bed, Bath & Beyond about 3 years ago for around $50 which I doubt they still carry, but new ones are still available on Amazon for the around the same price. It's aluminum weighing less than 10 lbs., total length of 54" with the top step at 30" off the ground so if you are at least 5'5" it should work for reaching 8' ceiling scuttles. This ladder also fits in the trunk of my Malibu and it's so lightweight I sometimes just throw it onto my back seat. Here's what it looks like:

http://www.amazon.com/Polder-5620-92-3-Step-Featherweight-Aluminum/dp/B00006NWBZ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1213722683&sr=8-1

Checkout the 21 reviews on Amazon ... al positive if that means anything to you.
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3 step ladders are okay if the attic access is in the house; poke your head through the scuttle, take a good look around, take a picture, & move on. However, they won't help you if the access in in the garage, about 10' off the ground. For those, I have to take out the telescoping ladder my wife got for me. It collapses to about 30", fits anywhere. Just make sure it's secured in the extended position, or it might collapse when you're about halfway up the ladder in a vacant house where no one will find your rotting corpse for days after your head gets crushed on the concrete floor and blood oozes from your eyes, ears, and nose until you die. Maybe I worry too much sometimes. Good luck with the ladder!
 
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