Access Hole

[Gary Schering, II]

Would any of you even attempt to go thru this 16x13 access hole for a crawl space? What is the minimum size? How would you word it that you did not access the crawl space.

Regards

Gary

Attachment 5686

[Erby Crofutt]

Sure I would and have, but it would also depend on what I saw on the other side of it while just looking thru.

If I can't fit my big butt thru, that's what I tell them. I also tell em, make it bigger and I'll try again for a reinspection fee.

What you tell them depends on why YOU chose not to go into the crawl space. No big fancy words needed, just tell them why along with what you could miss by not getting in there and offer to come back if the access is made bigger.

Sometimes it just ain't worth it!!

[pdoane]

Originally Posted by nbhi

Would any of you even attempt to go thru this 16x13 access hole for a crawl space? What is the minimum size? How would you word it that you did not access the crawl space.

Regards

Gary

Attachment 5686

Minimum access opening is 18 inches by 24 inches.
Minimum access opening if mechanical equipment (i.e. if an HVAC system is located in the crawlspace) is 30 inches by 30 inches.
Minimum clearance between the soil and joists is 18 inches and 12 inches between the soil and beams.
Minimum ventilation, every 150 square feet of floor space, requires a one square foot ventilation opening.

Access to the crawl space is smaller then standards. We recommend the crawl space access be dug out to allow reasonable and safe entrance. ** Think safety,.. if you have to get out in a hurry,.. do you think you could?? Read the thread below: How fast can you crawl?? HA!
http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthrea...ht=crawl+space

[Gary Schering, II]

Guys
I could not get in there without putting alot of effort in to it, so I chose not to go. I feel as though I am not doing what my client hired us to do. Any thoughts

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by nbhi

Would any of you even attempt to go thru this 16x13 access hole for a crawl space? What is the minimum size? How would you word it that you did not access the crawl space.

Regards

Gary

Attachment 5686

My head is 13" by 16" Gary, so no I would not go in there.

[Dennis DiVito]

It states in my agreement that I will not enter access openings less than 18x24 or if I deem it unsafe for me to enter. Conditions such as standing water with electrical cables hanging down, not enough clearance between ground and framing or mechanical system obstacles.

So they already know I won't go into areas with deficient access. I am doing what they agreed for me to do. Remember, the inspection covers visible and readily accessible areas.

[Mario A. Kyriacou, CHI]

Nothing stopping us from using a flashlight or digital camera and reporting what we see or don't see!!

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I don't think I would have attempted it unless the CS was much larger on the inside.

My state's SOP says: "The Inspector is not required to:
1) Enter crawl space with headroom less than 18 inches or where adverse conditions exist."

[jclark1]

I hope you noted there was a big chunk out of their foundation, cause that is what that is. Doesn't appear to be an access port, just a busted out piece of a raised foundation.
I'd also mention the foundation doesn't seem to have any steel in it. Or did they just cut that out when they busted through?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by jclark1

I hope you noted there was a big chunk out of their foundation, cause that is what that is. Doesn't appear to be an access port, just a busted out piece of a raised foundation.
I'd also mention the foundation doesn't seem to have any steel in it. Or did they just cut that out when they busted through?

If you put a wood frame around the opening and attached a wood door, it would look like most access openings I see. Seems like an old house that has stood the test of time. I'd hesitate to recommend a metal lintel.

[mcraig]

Look for my past thread on crawlspaces.
Also depending on the year of the house you might find that there is an access hatch in the floor of one of the bedroom closets ( most of the homes that have the small vents outside do have an access hatch in the house) you might have to look for it. I have found that people have carpeted or put some form of floor covering over them in the past then people forget there even there. I have found them in bathroom walls and kitchens to. Most people have forgot where they are but I will bet dollars to doughnuts there is one in 98% of all homes.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

I am not a big man, and would still call this inaccessible.
Call me later when I can access it.
Crawl space was not Inspected due to inaccessibility.

Marcel
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[David E. Helm]

I think I'd tell them that my midget just quit.

[mcraig]

Here is what it looks like from the inside of one of those little crawlspaces looking out one of those little vent openings.

[Jae Williams]

Originally Posted by mcraig

Here is what it looks like from the inside of one of those little crawlspaces looking out one of those little vent openings.
Attachment 5722

If that's electric wiring on the ground, I'm definitely NOT going in there.

I usually am able to lay on the ground and point my camera in there. It's amazing what I can see---and disclaim the rest until there's a larger access installed.