FHA mininum requirements for attics

[Kelly A Lehner]

Does anyone one know if there is HUD guidlines for attics, and if so what are they or where can I find them.

 

[Mr Rex]

http://www.HUD.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/ref/sfhp1-24.cfm

 

[truk1]

Kelly,

Welcome to the appraisers forum. If you look further down in this FHA category, you will see a post of appraisers working on a FHA checklist. In that post, Wayne Tomlinson had a comment about attic inspections. Use this site as reference and not the gospel. It is our own responsibility to read HUD guidelines and understand them. A link can be found on this site.
I have been reading posts on this site for a year and highly recommend it to any appraiser that wants to better themselves in this industry. A wealth of knowledge is here if you take the time and read the posts.
Use the search for specific topics that you are looking for. Welcome again to the site and good luck.

 

[Chris Colston]

Does anyone one know if there is HUD guidelines for attics, and if so what are they or where can I find them.

Head and Shoulders inspection, best to take a photo, note the insulation, any evidence of roof leakage or fire damage to the trusses. Same as it has always been, just no VC sheet.

 

[Brian Herndon]

Does anyone know what happens if you cannot reach the attic access? My client says that I should have asked the owner for a ladder.

 

[Mr Rex]

Most FHA appraisers take a ladder with them. I would recommend asking the homeowner about the access when making the appointment to make sure my ladder can reach it. Of course if it requires a hook and ladder truck from the fire department, I make the homeowner provide the means to inspect. My ladders top out at 32 feet.

 

[Hamlet]

It is always best to notify the homeowner that you will be inspecting the attic and the crawl space and that you need clear access to those areas.

 

[Hamlet]

My ladders top out at 32 feet.

Mr. Rex, I is skeered of heights.

 

[Mr Rex]

Me too, I sold my 40 foot ladder.

 

[leelansford]

Does anyone know what happens if you cannot reach the attic access? My client says that I should have asked the owner for a ladder.

I've seen the access (in a 1-story house) to the attic located above the stairs to the basement; I would have needed scaffolding to access the attic.

I commented why I could not access the attic. Further, I commented that my limited ground-level view of the roof-covering and my observation of interior ceiling areas provided no ready evidence of any deficiency that might be present in the attic area. End result: no problem.

And, Brian...you should have your own ladder when appraising for the FHA.