If the attic does not have a floor for the appraiser to stand and walk on and the appraiser believes that it would be both dangerous to the appraiser and possible damaging to the home the appraiser may perform a head and shoulders observation and explain to the lender the circumstances and scope of.
Why is part of my attic not accessible.
If they aren t inspectors are not required to gain entry by heroic means.
1 attics that are small less than 30 square feet of area or under a low slope roof that does not have a minimum of 30 inches of clear opening height between the top and bottom structural members are not required to have an attic hatch by the building code.
As with any other part of a home inspection attics must be accessible.
If the appraiser cannot observe the entire attic a head and shoulders observation along with an explanation from the appraiser regarding why the entire attic could not be observed is sufficient.
This is especially the case with older homes.
It is attached directly to the decking along the bottom of the roof slope and above the underlay on the sides of the roof.
1you re not making the space safe.
Because of this a set of pull down attic stairs is the best way to reach the attic.
When built correctly the stairs are concealed within the attic itself.
Or the homeowner might have a bureau placed in front of an attic door.
Most attics don t have the space in between the joists the wood that runs on edge and parallel under the floor to support it covered around the edges where the roof rafters slope down to the floor.
For example a past renovation might seal up an attic access panel in the ceiling entirely.
Of course no one can inspect the interior of a chimney from the attic but an inspector can note whether the structure itself is solid within the attic space.
While not required by the code it is recommended by roofers and manufacturers.
These enclosed structures made of metal or plastic feature openings and fins ensuring that the attic space is properly ventilated.
Here s our list of five possible reasons why you cannot find an attic access in the house.