Inspection Training

How to Inspect the Crawl Space Access Location

When there is a crawl space present at a property the inspector will need to locate the entrance. This can be located on the inside or the outside of the home. It can also be located in the floor or in the wall. Make sure to look everywhere throughout the property before you exclude this section. Please review the entire procedure below.

 

NACHI SOP

International Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection

 

3.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure

 

I. The inspector shall inspect:

C. The crawlspace.

 

II. The inspector shall describe:
B. The location of the access to the under-floor space.

 

III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:

N/A

 

IV. The inspector is not required to:

A. Enter any crawlspace that is not readily accessible, or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to him/herself.
B. Move stored items or debris.

 

Axium SOP Differences

Axium Requires: The inspector will make a note of where the crawlspace access is located.

 

Tools Needed

No tools required to inspect the crawlspace access location.

 

Procedure

  • When you find the crawlspace access location you will make sure to note the location. There is one picture for this section and it should show the entrance to the crawlspace from the outside.

Common Defects

  • The crawlspace door is damaged, blocked, or was stuck shut.

 

Common Mistakes

  • Damaging the crawlspace access door while trying to open it.
  • Not being able to locate the crawlspace entry.

 

Report / Software

IN
  • The crawlspace was accessed through a foundation hatch located in the [word 1].
    • Basement Floor
    • Basement Wall
    • Closet Floor
    • Exterior Wall
    • Garage Wall

NI
  • No Access: No access to the crawlspace area was visible. The inspector was unable to view conditions in the crawlspace. The inspector recommends crawl space conditions be inspected by a qualified inspector after access to the crawl space is provided.

NP
  • No Access: No access to the crawlspace area was visible. The inspector was unable to view conditions in the crawlspace. The inspector recommends crawl space conditions be inspected by a qualified inspector after access to the crawl space is provided.

RR
  • The crawlspace access [word 1]. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
    • Door was damaged
    • Entry Was Blocked
    • Hatch was stuck shut and could not be opened.

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