Attic Inspection

[rs1784]

Hi,


Appraiser took picture of attic and stated too small to enter. I did see guidelines (below). My question is there is a scuttle (just too small to enter) so would this need to be made subject to inspection of attic or would this be enough to move forward? Thanks for your help!


k. Attic Observation Requirements (09/14/15)

Effective for case numbers assigned on or after September 14, 2015

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.

 

[CGinMN]

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.

What isn't clear about this?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Without a reference in the pix, hard to say how big it is. And it depends upon how big the appraiser is too. My mother's old home was tight squeeze for me years ago with I weighed 40 lb. less. Personally, I think I could at least stick a camera up there and get an interior shot but that's me. A selfie stick would also help. FHA's protocols are so outdated as to be ridiculous.

 

[shrubberyvaluation]

Hi,


Appraiser took picture of attic and stated too small to enter. I did see guidelines (below). My question is there is a scuttle (just too small to enter) so would this need to be made subject to inspection of attic or would this be enough to move forward? Thanks for your help!


k. Attic Observation Requirements (09/14/15)

Effective for case numbers assigned on or after September 14, 2015

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.

Ask the appraiser for clarification if you need it and talk to FHA for clarification?

 

[sputnam]

You are not required to fully enter the attic. You are required to look into the attic. If you had used a periscope instead of putting your head and shoulders into the attic, you would have observed it. If you stick your hand into the attic, take a few pics and look at the pics, you would have observed the attic. It's indirect and not ideal... but it is still observing the attic.

 

[Tom D]

funny thing. if there is an attic, but no access at all. that's ok, FHA does not require a hole to be made. a picture of the little scuttle is help full to show you did your best to get a photo.

 

[Timothy Hogan]

Your question was regarding access to a permanently sealed attic. The HUD Handbook 4000.1 states that "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." You can have the appraiser remove the inspection requirement and re-submit the report.

 

[shrubberyvaluation]

So if there is an issue in the attic or seen from the attic just seal off any access to it before someone gets an FHA loan...got it.

 

[Timothy Hogan]

No

So if there is an issue in the attic or seen from the attic just seal off any access to it before someone gets an FHA loan...got it.

, the answer above was from the call center. If you can get into the attic you must, but if it is sealed (however it may be sealed, paint, nailed shut, ect.) that appraiser in not required to open said attic access. If the opening is to small for said, appraiser to gain access, said appraiser should show why attic is not able to accessed.