Attic Inspection Requirements

[JTip]

I know a 'head and shoulders' inspection is required, no problem.

The problem is that if the access to the attic is via a scuttle 12' up (cathedral ceiling) , am I expected to have a 12' ladder in the back of my Jeep? I can see accessing a scuttle in the bedroom closet using a 3 stepper to get up there but what, if any, is the safe and expected height limit?

Thanks for you help on this.

 

[CANative]

If the appraiser is unable to visually inspect the property in it's entirety then reschedule for a time when he can. It doesn't matter if the scuttle is 200 feet high.

The borrower needs to make the attic accessible if he wants an FHA loan.

 

[JTip]

Thanks CAN. I go out to the garage and see that waaaay up there, the current owner points to a little 6 footer and says I can use that to access it.......

It's an easy 12' up there. I don't think the current owner has ever been up in it, at least I did not see a 12' ladder hanging around.

 

[Tom Woolford]

The question seems to boil down to a couple different matters. Yes, the owner needs to provide access, but does he need to provide the equipment? Do you play by the extreme letter of the rule, or do you provide valued services to your client. Do you do it in one trip or two (or three).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JIL0WU/?tag=realestatappraat

Problem solved forever.

 

[Patricia Sturick]

http://portal.HUD.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/ref/sfhp1-24

Scroll to bottom of webpage. States when access is unsafe, appraiser to note it in report.

 

[Proactive]

The question seems to boil down to a couple different matters. Yes, the owner needs to provide access, but does he need to provide the equipment? Do you play by the extreme letter of the rule, or do you provide valued services to your client. Do you do it in one trip or two (or three).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JIL0WU/?tag=realestatappraat

Problem solved forever.

I have the one made by Telesteps. Same thing; great ladder, great price.

 

[OSU Beavers]

Hire a younger licensed appraiser to go up and take the pic for you.

 

[RSW]

If the appraiser is unable to visually inspect the property in it's entirety then reschedule for a time when he can. It doesn't matter if the scuttle is 200 feet high.

The borrower needs to make the attic accessible if he wants an FHA loan.

Not necessarily according to the FHA. This was part of an email I received from the FHA last month on this very matter:

As indicated on page D-3 of Appendix D of Handbook 4150.2, the appraiser must contact the lender and reschedule after access to the attic has been provided. If access is difficult or poses a safety risk to the appraiser, the lender may have a qualified third party make the inspection. The appraiser should review the outcome of that 3rd party inspection prior to completing the appraisal report.

So, I take that to mean that a qualified third party can do the inspection but the appraisal cannot be completed until it is inspected.

 

[Patricia Sturick]

Not necessarily according to the FHA. This was part of an email I received from the FHA last month on this very matter:

As indicated on page D-3 of Appendix D of Handbook 4150.2, the appraiser must contact the lender and reschedule after access to the attic has been provided. If access is difficult or poses a safety risk to the appraiser, the lender may have a qualified third party make the inspection. The appraiser should review the outcome of that 3rd party inspection prior to completing the appraisal report.

So, I take that to mean that a qualified third party can do the inspection but the appraisal cannot be completed until it is inspected.

I read this too just recently, could not find where I saw this.

 

[Mr Rex]

You should ask about attic (and crawlspace) access when setting up the appointment, to avoid such scenarios. MHO