TOPIC: wires in an attic

The other day I was in an attic that had insulation covering the joists.  I moved some of the insulation so I could take a step or two into the attic.  I discovered that wires were running along the top of the joists (see photo).  I wasn't sure if this is something I should call out.  The chances that someone would step on the wires or put something over them since insulation is all over is not so great.  However; I guess it's still possible.  What are your thougts.

Doug, that would be a definate call out for me.  As you stated, if someone walked on them or set something down on them, there is the chance that the insulation could be cut, exposing live (assuming they are live) wires. 

I agree that it is tecnically incorrect; however, I am afraid we are fighting a losing battle on this one.  I see wiring laying over joists in virtually every house I inspect, but I only call it out if the wires are on top of flooring apparently used for storage, or worse, if the flooring is laying on top of the wiring.  The fact is that there probably no one who is going to have an electrician come in and disconnect all the wiring in the attic, drill holes through the joists and reinstlal it all.  Calling it out will just make the realtors mad at me ! Just my practice, however, since that area involved is not living space.

I tend to see that in older homes in my area. The electricians here tend to run inside the joist in the newer homes now, but yes it is technically incorrect. I probably wouldn't call it out though, as it will not get changed anyway.

Technically incorrect or not...if we look at it from a typical homeowner attitude of "hey, there's all that great room up in my attic, let's shove stuff up there"...isn't it better if they realize there is the potential of damaging exposed wires?  I'm with you guys on the fact that 1 in 100 homeowners is going to actually change the situation, but I see it as letting them know there is still a problem that could be made worse by careless walking or storage...just my opinion...

I can't see that letting your client know about the wires being on top of the joists is going to be a deal killer.  Wouldn't it just be considered a courtesy to make them aware of it?