Attic Inspection Requirements

[Delta85]

And yes, I do have a vehicle that I use to carry such a ladder with me to do FHA inspections. The other days I use a vehicle that is more fuel friendly.

That's your personal choice. It's certainly not standard procedure for appraisers to drive contractors vehicles and certainly not required by FHA or anyone else. I don't know any appraisers who transport roofing/siding ladders to inspections and I don't know of any who have a second vehicle capable of transporting those types of ladders in addition to their regular vehicle used for day to day inspections/comp photos. That's a huge business investment taking on a second vehicle specifically to carry that equipment.

If that's the level of service you want to provide good for you. It's not required though.

 

[CANative]

B. Inspection:The attic must be examined whether access is by pull-down stairway or scuttle. At a minimum, the appraiser must enter head and shoulders into the attic.

I think the requirement is spelled out pretty clearly. Get your head and shoulders into the attic and inspect it. It might even help if you have a flash light to look for any potential problems.

Agree with this post. Disagree with any others to the contrary. "Enter the attic" means just that. If you aren't willing or are unable to do this stop doing FHA assignments.

It's the same as not driving the comps.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Well you guys can crawl up into all the attics you want. If I can't reach it without risking life and limb I won't do it. Camera and monopod for me. Never had anyone ever question it when a photo is included. Just for the record, I will be attending FHA appraiser training in Denver tomorrow. I like to attend for the continuing education credit as well as being brought up to date on FHA requirements and protocol. Will be sure this issue is brought up.

Also, for the record, I do very, very few FHA appraisals because I won't do them for less than the going VA appraisal fee of $400. We have a whole bunch of appraisers here who are willing to do FHA appraisals for as little as $200.

 

[Peter LeQuire]

The requirement is not for the appraiser to stick a camera into the attic and take a couple of pictures.

What happens when someone does question whether you made the required entry of head and shoulders into the attic and looked at the things HUD says you're to look at?

 

[JTip]

I see many mentions of poking a stick up through the scuttle and taking a picture.

This particular scuttle is on the wall, not on the ceiling, around 12' to 15' up. I'm sure I can get the scuttle open but closing it will be another story. Maybe I can MacGyver some gum to the end of the rod and pull the scuttle back into place.

There must be no rush to close this sale as I have not received the inspection from the agent yet. Oh well...

Thanks again for all the comments on the subject.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

The requirement is for the appraiser to observe the condition of the attic. I would have to pull out the manual but I believe it says something like at LEAST a head and shoulders observation. Does a photograph trump that? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[Delta85]

This particular scuttle is on the wall, not on the ceiling, around 12' to 15' up. I'm sure I can get the scuttle open but closing it will be another story. Maybe I can MacGyver some gum to the end of the rod and pull the scuttle back into place.

I'm thinking none of that is your problem. You have to view it, period. Figuring out how to get it open and closed correctly after you view it is a problem for the homeowner or realtor acting on their behalf.

I'd advise against rigging anything or pulling any MacGyver type tricks. What if you break something or some sort of damage or problem occurs? Guess who the bad guy is? Let them worry about it.

 

[JSmith43]

The requirement is for the appraiser to observe the condition of the attic. I would have to pull out the manual but I believe it says something like at LEAST a head and shoulders observation. Does a photograph trump that? Inquiring minds want to know.

I posted on another thread that HUD/FHA might change the requirements to a full attic inspection, feet on the ceiling joists or attic floor boards (if applicable).

Anon would probably require scuttle enlargement and re-inspections if camera shots of appraiser's feet in the attic were required by investors

 

[CANative]

Page D-9, Appendix D to 4150.2:

1. Scope of Work
I have, at a minimum, developed and reported this appraisal in accordance with the scope of work requirements stated in this appraisal report.

Page D-22, Appendix D to 4150.2:

Attic – Enter the attic and observe the interior roofing for insulation, deficient materials, leaks or readily observable evidence of significant water damage, structural problems, previous fire damage, FRT sheathing, exposed and frayed wiring and adequate ventilation by vent, fan or window. If any of these deficiencies exist, condition the appraisal on their repair and prepare the appraisal “subject to repairs” and/or “subject to inspection”.

The attic must be entered, at a minimum, by head and shoulders, whether access is by pull-down stairway or scuttle. Size of the scuttle and accessibility of the attic dictate the level of entry.

There is no "or stick a pole with a camera on it" in this requirement which is part of the scope of work.

 

[AnonApprsr]

Anon would probably require scuttle enlargement and re-inspections if camera shots of appraiser's feet in the attic were required by investors

Very true.

Size of the scuttle and accessibility of the attic dictate the level of entry.

My shoulders are wider than 99.99% of scuttles. And my stomach is wider than 100% of scuttles.
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