TOPIC: Crawlspace Inspection

Would you crawl into a crawlspace to inspect it if it had 3 inches of water throughout and around 24 inches of headroom? I experienced this yesterday and the client wasn't happy that I did not enter the crawlspace to fully inspect.  I looked at what I could from the access hatch and through the exterior foundation vents. 

I would like some opinions as to whether or not you would crawl it in this situation?

No! it would be dangerous.
In my SOP....
"(3) The inspector is not required to enter or traverse any under-floor crawl space or attic, if in the opinion of the inspector:
(a) An unsafe or unsanitary condition exists;
(b) Enter areas in which inadequate clearance exists to allow the inspector safe entry or traversing;
(c) The potential exists to cause damage to insulation, ductwork, other components or stored items "

Never in that situation.

My SOP

3.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure

IV. The inspector is not required to:

  enter any crawlspace that is not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage or pose a hazard to the inspector.

Absolutely NOT.  I have found numerous live wires sitting on the ground in crawlspaces.  And then are you sure it is water?  I have also found access caps off of main waster lines.  Then we can talk about the rodent / animal feces soup.

Any inspector that enters a crawl space that wet deserves the Darwin Award for absolute STUPIDITY.

If they want the crawl space inspected, they can have it properly drained and dried.  A buyer wants a dry crawlspace and the seller wants to sell.  I would tell my client that unless they can have a proper inspection performed in a dry crawlspace, they should walk away.

Protect yourself, protect your client.

I totally agree. There's way too many possible problems that could arise from this. Your health comes first!

Would you crawl into a crawlspace to inspect it if it had 3 inches of water throughout and around 24 inches of headroom? I experienced this yesterday and the client wasn't happy that I did not enter the crawlspace to fully inspect.  I looked at what I could from the access hatch and through the exterior foundation vents. 

I would like some opinions as to whether or not you would crawl it in this situation?

No way you should enter with water!! Tell client once the water is removed then have someone inspect. You could have been electrocuted.