Attic Inspection

[John J. Phillips]

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.

Hasn't 4150.2 been superseded?

 

[bosco8373]

I have a question as well regarding attic inspection. I did an inspection for FHA on an older home where the attic access was on the exterior rear wall like an attic vent and had 4 screws securing it. I went on the roof and did not have a drill to take the screws out to look inside the attic. I disclosed the photos and shown the location and how you have to access it and they came back the agent needs to make it accessible for me to view and to change to a 'subject to attic inspection'. Well this is a FSBO and the only agent is the buyers.

Any thoughts? I thought it was beyond the scope of an appraiser to go through that much trouble to access the attic.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I thought it was beyond the scope of an appraiser to go through that much trouble to access the attic.

Not for FHA, I believe that is straight from 4000.1

 

[bosco8373]

Not for FHA, I believe that is straight from 4000.1

This is all 4000.1 states -

k. Attic Observation Requirements The Appraiser must observe the interiors of attic spaces. The Appraiser is not required to disturb insulation, move personal items, furniture, equipment or debris that obstructs access or visibility. If unable to view the area safely in their entirety, the Appraiser must contact the Mortgagee and reschedule a time when a complete visual observation can be performed, or complete the appraisal subject to inspection by a qualified third party. In cases where access through a scuttle is limited and the Appraiser cannot fully enter the attic, the insertion of at least the head and shoulders of the Appraiser will suffice. If there is evidence of a deficient condition (such as a water-stained ceiling, insufficient ventilation, or smell of mold), the Appraiser must report this condition, and render the appraisal subject to inspection and repairs if necessary. If there is no access or scuttle, the Appraiser must report the lack of accessibility to the area in the appraisal report. There is no requirement to cut open walls, ceilings or floors. An observation performed in accordance with these guidelines is visual and is not technically exhaustive.

 

[RSW]

What is the FHA requirement for attic insulation?

There is no requirement that I know of.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

If unable to view the area safely in their entirety, the Appraiser must contact the Mortgagee and reschedule a time when a complete visual observation can be performed,

Did you contact the mortgagee?

 

[Mr Rex]

There is no requirement that I know of.

That was the point of my post:


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.

So what are we observing about insulation and what is considered adequate ventilation?

 

[RSW]

That was the point of my post:


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.

So what are we observing about insulation and what is considered adequate ventilation?

I know that.

 

[John J. Phillips]

Per the selling guide B4-1.2 the 1004 form can be used "For appraisals of one-unit properties ans units in PUD's (including those that have an illegal second unit or accessory apartment) based on interior and exterior property inspections". It actually goes on to say that it can be used two unit properties if each unit is occupied by one of the co-borrowers as a principal residence.

 

[Tom D]

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.

you probable have a short in the wire somewhere. could be water, or something chewed on the wire. rats will do that.