FHA Attic Access

[RSW]

For what it's worth and maybe I am doing this wrong but when I have not been able to access the attic I've always completed the inspection and report and made it subject to my getting access to inspect the attic.

To me it makes more common sense to make it subject to rather than completely stop all activity. If the report is subject to then it is invalid without an inspection of the attic so that's basically stopping right there. But halting the process entirely means having to do go back, pick up where you left off, finish the entire inspection, get your comps and photos, etc. Why create that much delay in the process?

I agree with your reasoning. But, when has the FHA ever had any common sence?

FHA says to do it their way according to FHA protocol. You are not completing the appraisals according to FHA Protocol, IMO.

The FHA needs to make a clear statement about this issue.

 

[Delta85]

So you you think it is fine to do an FHA appraisal subject to you inspecting the improvements?

If you are inspecting a home for FHA and a bedroom is locked and the owner tells you it's the teenage sons bedroom and he has the key and is not home how would you handle it? Do you immediately stop the inspection and leave until you can return and see the bedroom? Or do you finish the inspection and make the report subject to inspection of that room?

 

[residentialguy]

So you you think it is fine to do an FHA appraisal subject to you inspecting the improvements?

Ever do new construction?

 

[residentialguy]

I agree with your reasoning. But, when has the FHA ever had any common sence?

FHA says to do it their way according to FHA protocol. You are not completing the appraisals according to FHA Protocol, IMO.

The FHA needs to make a clear statement about this issue.

I'm glad that you used "IMO". You're bent on a perceived protocol and it doesn't make a difference either way you read it as far as the end results. Common sense, as you admitted above, tells the appraiser not to just stop and go home. The statement simply says to contact the lender and reschedule and appointment. Why do this?... to make sure you've seen everything you are required to see. We aren't talking about an incurable situation where it would make sense to stop immediately. This is a silly argument and your stance makes no sense with your interpretation of their so called "protocol".

 

[Mr Rex]

Define reschedule.

 

[residentialguy]

To schedule again or anew

 

[residentialguy]

Define "intent"

 

[redfish]

FHA adds a little more to the protocal regarding crawl space inspections:

The appraiser must access the crawl space for inspection. Access is defined as ability to visually examine all areas of the crawl space. At a minimum, entry of the head and shoulders is required, unless access is obstructed, entry could damage the property or dangerous or adverse conditions are suspected. If unable to visually evaluate the improvements in their entirety, contact the lender and reschedule a time when a complete visual inspection can be performed. The appraiser is not required to disturb insulation, move personal items, furniture, equipment, plant life, soil, snow, ice or debris that obstructs access or visibility.

I would suspect that by accessing the attic in the OP's post damage would be done to the property. Contact the lender and reschedule.

 

[residentialguy]

I avoid issues like this by making sure that there is access before I go out. If I get to the property and the homeowner refuses to allow access, then I stop. OP's case is unusual. Since it takes much more work (and damage) for the homeowner to open it, I would probably stop the report and contact the lender to see how they want to handle it and verify with HUD

 

[Couch Potato]

If you are inspecting a home for FHA and a bedroom is locked and the owner tells you it's the teenage sons bedroom and he has the key and is not home how would you handle it? Do you immediately stop the inspection and leave until you can return and see the bedroom? Or do you finish the inspection and make the report subject to inspection of that room?

I inspect what I can, then wait until I can go back and finish of course.

Ever do new construction?

Never without inspecting the plans and specs.