Attic/crawl Space Inspection

[Tom D]

I am an FHA appraiser so a step ladder is always in my trunk.

New FHA guideline is they did away with the term, “head and shoulders”. This is because some attics simply cannot be safely accessed. FHA states that you are not expected to move personal items or try and access the attic if it is not safe (in triple-deckers, the scuttle is generally over the rear stairwell).

This is perfect right. I would say that some closet scuttles can be very small. You take the best photo/photos you can. Even with only sticking your arm thru the scuttle to get any photo. You don't need a full attic photo, a ceiling one will do. Take a picture of that tiny scuttle to show that you did the best you could. FHA wants that attic photo if any part of it is accessible. And you will curse yourself when you forget that ladder in a vacant empty house. Also, if there is an attic but no access, you say that. FHA does not require the owner to make an opening, where there isn't any, into an attic or crawl space.

Also, never be looking up at the scuttle when you lift it up. You will soon learn the lesson, when all the dust hits your eyes.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

You will soon learn the lesson, when all the dust hits your eyes.

Or insulation...

 

[Bobby Bucks]

There are lender requirements, AMC requirements and alphabet soup fed requirements. I have one credit union that requires an attic photo of every assignment (if the subject has an attic). They don't require one for the crawl space. (?) They mostly order Equity lines, but I suppose if I get an FHA assignment from them from a certain AMC, I will include a photo of the attic for the credit union and FHA, a photo of the crawl space for FHA and a photo of the heat/air unit and electrical box for the AMC. I'm just grateful they don't require me to attach labels to those additional photos explaining who each photo is for. P.S. If there is a goat visible from the subject I include a bonus photo of the goat gratis. I like goats.

 

[Sadie]

Yes.. you are supposed to carry a ladder. Observation of the attic space has been an FHA requirement for decades. The requirement of a photo is newer.. but still not new. If the Client requires it, you either do it or decline the assignment. Good idea to ask the property contact about the nature of the attic access... scuttle, drop stair, etc... when you set the inspection appointment. If there is a drop stair, no need to bring your ladder.

I have been taking photos for over 25 years of the attics and crawl spaces. I do believe the requirement was maybe 15-20 years ago. Not sure.

 

[Larry Phillips]

Got a Engagement letter from a new AMC:

ATTIC/CRAWL SPACE: If the subject has an
attic or crawl space, a head and shoulders inspection must be made with a photo taken of the area.

Are we suppose to carry a ladder with it and climb up to attic and take the photo for crawl space as well? Sometime there is always some personal belongings to cover the crawl space entrance though.

Anyone got this requirement before? Thanks!

FHA requires head and shoulders inspection of the crawl space and attic. Heroic efforts are not required. Some spaces are simply too small for entry, hidden by stored items, or otherwise not accessible. If head and shoulders is not able to be performed due to difficulties presented by the home design or use, photos must be taken showing the obstruction or obstacle, with narrative indicating attempt to enter. Please review crawl space requirements regarding items in the crawl space. Best regards

 

[NC Appraising]

FHA requires head and shoulders inspection of the crawl space and attic. Heroic efforts are not required. Some spaces are simply too small for entry, hidden by stored items, or otherwise not accessible. If head and shoulders is not able to be performed due to difficulties presented by the home design or use, photos must be taken showing the obstruction or obstacle, with narrative indicating attempt to enter. Please review crawl space requirements regarding items in the crawl space. Best regards

Please remove head and shoulders......FHA no longer says that. It was changed in 2023 to: the appraiser must visually observe the interior of the attic.....

If cannot.....subject to.

 

[TerryRohrer]

Please remove head and shoulders......FHA no longer says that. It was changed in 2023 to: the appraiser must visually observe the interior of the attic.....

If cannot.....subject to.

Is the new requirement to prohibit a statement regarding "head and shoulders" or is it to no longer to require a statement regarding "head and shoulders"? The two seem different to me.

 

[NC Appraising]

Is the new requirement to prohibit a statement regarding "head and shoulders" or is it to no longer to require a statement regarding "head and shoulders"? The two seem different to me.

We know why....

We know that most used heads and shoulder as a cop out....they just opened the crawl space and took a photo.


What is funny is that you can tell that the pic is the entry and the crawl space is wide open for a full inspection....but they took the cop out...a heads and shoulder...Bs

Per the reviewer that taught the HUD class this spring....yeah they removed it because they knew what was going on.

 

[TerryRohrer]

We know why....

We know that most used heads and shoulder as a cop out....they just opened the crawl space and took a photo.


What is funny is that you can tell that the pic is the entry and the crawl space is wide open for a full inspection....but they took the cop out...a heads and shoulder...Bs

Per the reviewer that taught the HUD class this spring....yeah they removed it because they knew what was going on.

But you ignored the question I asked, which was about the statement you made in your earlier post. Not about why.