Attic Inspection

[Fernando]

When I look inside the attic, I'm mainly looking for roof leaks. Am I suppose to look for other things like am I suppose to note tube and knob electrical if I see it. Sometimes I see electrical wires going across but I'm not an electrician and don't know if done correctly? All I can do is take photo and let lender see it.

 

[Tom Woolford]

Knob and tube are allowed "IF" in good condition. I would consider that an immediate call for inspection as I've never seen it and am not competent to judge. Romex cable laying across joists is perfectly acceptable as long as it doesn't exceed 24" (Southern Building code anyway). You are also looking for evidence of fire, adequacy of insulation, ventilation, rot etc.

 

[Fernando]

I have older house and have Knob & Tub. I replaced my kitchen with up to date electrical. My office ceiling light went out and it's not the bulb. Don't know why light doesn't work.

Looking at attic, it's obvious to observe prior fire damage or rot to some extent. However, how do you know if insulation or ventilation are adequate?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

how do you know if insulation or ventilation are adequate?

Measure the depth, look for painted rafters, particularly silver paint which keeps fire-charred rafters from stinking with smoke.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Bird poop is also an indication of a problem. Seriously, I have never measured insulation but I have noted a lack there of.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I have never measured insulation

when insulation has settled below the ceiling joists, and many such are 2" x 4" chords on a pre-engineered rafter, I consider that inadequate regardless the climate. When I see the top of the joist, I can guess the depth.

 

[CANative]

From the 4150.2, Appendix D

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.

 

[miktay]

As an added bonus, I like to carry a Shop Vac with me at all times. I get into the attic and spend about 20-30 minutes cleaning up.
The clients really appreciate it. Make sure to wear goggles. Debating if I should carry a hammer and 16 penny nails...

 

[hastalavista]

From the 4150.2, Appendix D

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.

I don't recall, when a question is framed such as-
"FHA requires me to do X, when I do X, what exactly is it they expect?"
- that the answer cannot be found in the handbook.

I suppose there are times when that isn't the case; but based on my recollection, they are rare.

 

[Mr Rex]

What is the FHA requirement for attic insulation?