You can build a home with or without an attic.
Buying a home with no attic access.
Just put your insulation in the roof and don t build the traditional attic make it a loft.
If they aren t inspectors are not required to gain entry by heroic means.
This is something that should be negotiated with the seller before you proceed with the transaction.
2 the attic access opening may have been removed during a remodeling.
This is not a good sign.
If there is a problem with the roof it.
About 3 4 times per year for the last couple of years water drips into the living room window.
A nice little cape.
I know there is ventilation up there from the bathroom on the second floor but no direct roof access.
Actually there was never an attic.
Our living room looks similar to the one in your photo.
They are usually only for insulation anyway.
Or the homeowner might have a bureau placed in front of an attic door.
I can tell you that it is a real pita sometimes.
As with any other part of a home inspection attics must be accessible.
I own a split level home with a cathedral ceiling in the living room.
Not all home sellers are aware of the importance of this type of inspection and some may not readily agree to one.
If it s a vault or there is no attic access in a standard attic space.
There is no attic above that part of the house.
There is access to the eaves but nothing up to the roof itself.
My company has come across this scenario on the past.
There is a house right next door that is a mirror image of the house we want to buy it was built by the same contractor at the same time this home was built.
For example a past renovation might seal up an attic access panel in the ceiling entirely.
A critical part of the property is not accessible so do not go forward with the transaction until it is.
I noticed there is no attic access.
If you find this situation in a house you are considering buying do not proceed until the seller provides an attic access for examination by you and your home inspector.
I d hire a separate inspector for the roof.
In addition many inspectors will not include attic spaces if easy and ready access isn t available.
If there really is no attic access you should ask the seller to install an opening as part of the requirement in all real estate sales contracts that access be provided for the buyer to the property for inspection.