FHA - No Attic Access

[techbiker]

Why would anyone seal the attic and/or basement anyway?

If there is no access, how would you know if there is termite/water/fire damage? Sounds like a PITA for the home owner.

 

[techbiker]

Please delete.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

I totally agree it's a pain in the butt; however, it is what it is in some cases and all we can do it report what we have found. I can't make demands only requests. Dump in back into the underwriter's lap and let them deal with it.

 

[Restrain]

Wife has the same thing, obvious scuttle point had been sealed. Flagged it subject to inspection, UW required a new scuttle access, made the inspection fee.

 

[Flakey]

I've never conditioned the report subject to inspection of an attic I could not access. I always state I did not inspect, why and attach a photo. Only had to go back once.

 

[Don Clark]

Pretty rare around here....

90's bi-level with no attic access. No scuttle, drop stairs, nothing. Builder sealed up the attic. I've seen this before a couple of times but never addressed it on an FHA assignment.

Appreciate any comments. Thanks.

Sorta like inspecting the crawl space when the house is on a slab.

 

[glenn walker]

4000.1 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.

 

[djd09]

Just trying to understand the 4000 handbook is technically exhaustive. When they coming out with new edition. I can't wait.

I'm a little surprised they do not call for an opening. What if there toxic black mold in the attic. Safety and security, right?

 

[residentialguy]

no attic access. No scuttle, drop stairs, nothing. Builder sealed up the attic

Use the transporter.

 

[JTip]

Ahh...the transporter.

Looks like TC was using it that day.