Attic Inspection

[Terrel L. Shields]

What is the FHA requirement for attic insulation?

Who was that guy?
http://appraisersforum.com/forums/threads/FHA-insulation-question.125452/#post-1431257

 

[CANative]

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.

Handbooks have to actually be read for it to work. Go figure. What a hassle.

 

[hastalavista]

Handbook have to actually be read for it to work. Go figure. What a hassle.

Even I find it is easier to ask you then to look it up myself!

 

[Mr Rex]

Who was that guy?
http://appraisersforum.com/forums/threads/FHA-insulation-question.125452/#post-1431257

Yes, it was tongue in cheek but has a point. The pointy head pencil pushers at FHA say to observe the insulation but do not provide requirements for insulation nor direction if there is none or minimal etc. Only the government can reach such ineptitude on such a grand scale.

 

[hastalavista]

Yes, it was tongue in cheek but has a point. The pointy head pencil pushers at FHA say to observe the insulation but do not provide requirements for insulation nor direction if there is none or minimal etc. Only the government can reach such ineptitude on such a grand scale.

A serious question, Rex: Is that really so absurd? Doesn't the crawl space inspection have similar requirements? (Disclosure: I haven't done an FHA inspection in a few years and am not as thoroughly familiar with the newer handbook than I would be if I were active in FHA work).

 

[Mr Rex]

It is absurd as they do not provide direction as what is required as far as level of insulation, exclusions if any based on age of construction etc.

 

[jtinmichigan]

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...

Wow, happened to me this morning. FHA inspect and a little tiny scuttle, popped the hatch and about 4 or 5 big handfuls of blown insulation all over me and the floor. I borrowed the homeowners vacuum and then dumped it for her when I was done. Amazing how much crap can fall out of such a small hole.

Had to go home and take a shower then, just to get it out of my hair and off the sweater that seemed to be like a magnet to this stuff.

While the homeowner thanked me for this, I will probably get a bill for replacing the missing insulation.........

 

[Pat Butler]

I no longer do mortgage appraisals because of the lack of clarity with so many issues. FWIW, whatever building code manual is in effect for the subject property will list minimum insulation requirements. I realize this too is a gray area because appraisers aren't supposed to be building inspectors. That's why I don't do these type appraisals despite having built numerous structures myself.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

Sticking a bottle of Head and Shoulders Shampoo up in the attic scuttle satisfies the requirement, right?

I love how the requirements are so logical and make 100% sense. /Sarcasm.

Oh well. Joke 'em if they can't take a #$%!.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

6x....another fine reason!