No Access To Crawl Space

[jason rhoades]

Hi all -

I just inspected a property built in 1911 that has only a wood foundation from what i can see. I say this because there is no real access point to inspect the crawl space. The subject is completely skirted with wood and contacts the ground all the way around. I assume that the wood underneath the subject is not pressure treated because of the age of the subject. Thoughts??

In this instance would you write the report "as - repaired" and call for access to inspect the crawl space along with the obvious termite report? If so does "as - repaired" entail the installation of an 18" crawl space?? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Jason

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

That's what you do.

Did you look for the interior crawl space access? It is usually a trap door in a closet somewhere.

 

[GeorgiaBoy]

I had a log cabin built in 1820 that was built on a wood foundation. Basically it was 3 hand worked wood beams that ran the length of the structure. One on the front one in the middle and one in the rear. To make matters worse each beam was actually made of two peices that were joined with a mortise in the middle. These beams were laid directly on the ground joined by cross members and the cabin was built on top. Because of way this was done I'd be suprised if anything bigger than a cat could get underneath and actually calling it a crawl space would be a misnomer.

Walking through the house was difficult due to the settlement (almost as bad as a funhouse floor in some areas). A repair was underway to stop the settlement that was occuring but since it was a log cabin it couldn't be jacked up and re-levelled for fear it may make other portions unstable.

Basically, I disclosed the situation as well as my limited knowledge regarding this type of problem and that for any guarantee that the subject was structurally sound it should be inspected by a qualified professional.

I'm not sure if it closed or not.

 

[Ariba]

I assume that since you posted in the FHA forum that this is a FHA appraiser and you are on the FHA roster. If you are not FHA approved cannot do the appraisal. You can only assist in the appraisal process and you cannot sign the appraisal.

FHA appraisals are always subject to repairs. Make sure to attach the Valuation Condition (VC) and mark all appropriate boxes, especially VC-8 FOUNDATION- Crawl space, (d) blocked or inadequate access.

Ron
AppraiserPlus.com

 

[ROBERT JONES]

18 inch crawl space is RECOMMENDED not required. Just need to check the proper VC and make note of depth and access issues. It's not your problem.

If there is not access etc they won't get a good termite cert, or at the best one that only warrants the perimiter that is accessible.

Bob

 

[David in Alabama]

Some of the older homes in my area have crawl space access via a closet floor.
There might be a hatch hidden under some junk. Look really close and if you don't find an access, then call for one to be cut. The 18" guideline is a recommendation. If a worker could get under there and do repairs, then it's OK.
David