At most, an attic is inspected once every year, if that! Best practice, however, dictates that you should inspect an attic every 6-months- once during the spring, and once after winter. If you're inspecting your attic during spring, start by examining the underside of the roof for leaks in preparation for rain.
Roofing experts and contractors recommend checking the attic every 6-12 months. However, if you have an old roof, you may want to check more often to catch leaks and insulation issues early.
Adequate ventilation is key, and one of the first things looked at in an attic inspection. Cooper says attics must be properly ventilated so the roof and attic can “breathe.” “Signs of poor ventilation include, mold, rusted nails and condensation — typically in the winter — on sheathing,” Cooper says.
This rule means, at least half of your attic space must be 7 feet high by 7 feet wide, with a total of 70 square feet. Keep in mind, codes vary from place to place, but for using the attic as an actual room, this rule typically applies.
Insulation, drywall, electrical outlets, lighting, carpet and paint, along with a simple heating and cooling system are all you need to make your attic livable. Space reconfiguration like an attic conversion can be extremely beneficial – and more economical than building an addition!
Who to Call for an Attic Inspection. An experienced, licensed home inspector will know exactly what they're looking for and identify any problems, where they might be coming from, and an action plan for you to follow. And we highly recommend an official report if you're about to sell your home.
Inspection:The attic must be examined whether access is by pull-down stairway or scuttle. At a minimum, the appraiser must enter head and shoulders into the attic.
A roofing contractor is the go to person when it comes to the overall health of your roof. They specialize in assessing the physical condition of various components such as vents, soffits, and ridge caps. If you're uncertain about how many vents you need or what size is best, they've got you covered.
These are the bones of your attic, offering the firm support needed to bear your weight. Ignoring this rule and stepping on the drywall or insulation is a fast track to an unplanned ceiling inspection from below, thanks to our unforgiving friend, gravity.
The attic has blooms of mold or mildew
In addition to the structural rot they cause as a result of their voracious appetites for organic materials, mold and mildew pose are linked to respiratory and health issues.
A roofing contractor should come inside if you're getting an estimate for a roof replacement. They need to come inside to inspect the ventilation system and condition of your roof decking in your attic space. They'll check if your ventilation system is performing adequately and determine if anything needs to be done.
The first sign of poor attic ventilation is when your upstairs rooms are uncomfortably hot. Without proper attic ventilation, the hot air gets trapped with no fresh air being pulled in. This heat radiates down into the living spaces below to the point where it won't be cool enough to be in them until the sun goes down.
Attics serve as a critical buffer between the roof and the rest of the house, playing a significant role in temperature regulation and moisture control. A well-maintained attic can contribute to lower energy bills, improved indoor air quality, and extended roof life.
Yes, an appraiser will examine the inside of your home, recording dimensions, amenities, and overall condition. They'll take photos along the way of every interior room.
Inspectors only conclude problem areas in the home that may need repair. Beyond the home's condition, home appraisers look at the house's location and other features that may add value. For example, recent homes sold in the neighborhood and additional items like swimming pools and renovated kitchens are considered.
Checking your attic is also important because, in many ways, the attic is a cornerstone of your home's ventilation system. If there is mold, bacteria or other potential toxins in your attic, they might be circulating from there to areas throughout your home without your knowledge.
Attics and Basements
These isolated areas are frequent hideouts for pests such as rats, spiders, and termites. To avoid infestations, pest control technicians will examine and spray the perimeter, foundation, and known access spots.
For the basics, you'll pay $30 to $60 per square foot, or up to $200 per square foot for all of the extras. Unfinished attics tend to have very little, even less than an unfinished basement in many cases. You might have exposed insulation and framing, and no electrical or HVAC systems.
Reach out to your local municipality to see if you need a permit for your attic remodel. A permit is usually only needed if: You are adding electrical wiring or ventilation. You plan to change the structure of your home in the process, such as knocking down an existing wall or adding a dormer.
Local Building Codes
Here are a few standard requirements to check first. If you plan to make your attic space livable, it needs to meet the typical seven-foot ceiling height or clearance in a minimum of a seven-foot wide space–after finishes are installed!