Attic & Crawl Space Homeowner Repair Planning Guide

Attic Access & General Evaluation

We observe attic access openings, hatch covers, pull-down stairs, scuttle openings, access clearances, insulated hatch covers, permanently installed walkways, equipment service platforms, restricted or obstructed access, and general safety considerations.

Roof Structure & Roof Decking

We observe roof framing, rafters, trusses, collar ties, bracing, roof sheathing, sagging, cracked or damaged framing, altered framing, previous repairs, water staining, moisture intrusion, wood deterioration, fastener penetration, and conditions that may warrant further evaluation. Visible staining may be associated with a previous or active moisture condition and should be considered together with surrounding materials.

Insulation

We observe fiberglass insulation, blown-in insulation, cellulose, mineral wool, missing insulation, compressed insulation, uneven coverage, disturbed insulation, insulation displaced by service work, air leakage, insulation around attic access openings, and insulation blocking ventilation openings. Appropriate insulation coverage can support indoor comfort and heating-and-cooling efficiency.

Attic Ventilation

We observe ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents, roof vents, ventilation baffles, intake ventilation, exhaust ventilation, air circulation, heat buildup, moisture management, blocked ventilation, bathroom exhaust ducts, laundry exhaust ducts, and exhaust ducts terminating inside the attic. Balanced intake and exhaust ventilation can help manage attic heat and moisture.

Electrical Components

We observe open junction boxes, missing junction-box covers, exposed wiring connections, unsupported wiring, loose wiring, improper cable routing, extension cords used as permanent wiring, low-voltage wiring, security-system equipment, internet and communication wiring, lighting transformers, low-voltage control centers, and general electrical safety considerations.

Mechanical Equipment

We observe HVAC equipment, air handlers, furnaces, ductwork, flexible ducts, damaged ducts, detached ducts, compressed or restricted ducts, duct insulation, condensate drain lines, secondary drain pans, refrigerant-line insulation, exhaust ducts, and equipment service clearances where visible. Visible deficiencies may affect comfort, efficiency, moisture control, or system performance.

Attic Fans

We observe thermostatically controlled attic fans, solar attic fans, powered attic ventilators, automatic operation, seasonal use, general maintenance, damaged fan housings, missing or damaged screens, electrical supply concerns, and conditions in which a fan may not operate because the activation temperature has not been reached.

Pest & Environmental Indicators

We observe visible indicators such as rodent activity, nesting material, damaged or displaced insulation, visible insect activity, wood-destroying organism indicators, animal entry points, moisture-related organic growth, and odors or staining that may warrant additional evaluation.

Crawl Space Access & General Evaluation

We observe crawl-space access openings, access-door condition, clearance limitations, stored materials, debris, standing water, damp soil, confined-space concerns, exposed wiring, plumbing leaks, animal activity, and general visibility and safety limitations. Crawl spaces are evaluated when they are visible, readily accessible, and safe to inspect.

Foundation & Structural Components

We observe floor joists, beams, girders, posts, piers, foundation walls, stem walls, connections, settlement indicators, cracking, wood deterioration, corrosion, structural movement, altered framing, temporary supports, and previous repairs. Cracks, movement, or repairs should be interpreted in context and may warrant evaluation by an appropriate qualified professional.

Moisture & Drainage

We observe standing water, damp soil, elevated moisture conditions, condensation, drainage concerns, vapor barriers, torn vapor barriers, missing vapor barriers, displaced vapor barriers, efflorescence, moisture staining, wood deterioration, grading and drainage around the home, and plumbing-related moisture. Prolonged moisture can contribute to deterioration, corrosion, odors, pest activity, and moisture-related growth.

Plumbing

We observe water-supply piping, drain piping, waste piping, vent piping, corrosion, active leakage, moisture staining, previous leak repairs, pipe supports, pipe insulation, shutoff valves where visible, abandoned piping, and improvised repairs. Visible staining may remain after an earlier repair and does not by itself confirm current leakage.

Electrical & Mechanical Components

We observe wiring, junction boxes, missing junction-box covers, cable supports, exposed connections, HVAC ductwork, flexible ducts, damaged insulation, mechanical equipment, condensate drains, and utility penetrations.

Pest Activity

We observe rodent evidence, nesting material, visible insect activity, termite-related indicators, animal intrusion, damaged insulation, entry openings, and conditions that may warrant further evaluation.

Keep attic and crawl-space access openings unobstructed.

Check attic hatch covers and weatherstripping periodically.

Avoid blocking soffit vents or other ventilation openings with insulation.

Monitor for new staining after heavy rain.

Address plumbing leaks promptly.

Keep crawl spaces free of debris and unnecessary stored materials.

Maintain appropriate grading and drainage around the home.

Watch for signs of animal entry or disturbed insulation.

Arrange further evaluation when visible conditions suggest a specialized concern.

Use qualified contractors for electrical, structural, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, pest, or moisture-related work.

Insulation & Ventilation

Improve energy efficiency and manage heat and moisture.

Electrical & HVAC

Address common electrical safety and mechanical concerns.

Crawl Space & Moisture

Manage moisture, plumbing, and structural components.

What a Home Inspection Does Not Determine

Additional evaluation by a qualified specialist may be recommended when visible conditions warrant further investigation.

Why are my attic and crawl space evaluated?

Will the inspector enter every part of my attic or crawl space?

Is standing water in a crawl space a problem?

What should I do if my inspector finds pest activity?

Need a Professional Home Inspection?

Every property is different. A professional inspection provides property-specific observations, high-quality photographs, and clear recommendations to help you make informed decisions.