I never have a problem entering a crawl space with dimensions that meet the IRC code, but I’ve encountered more than a few that are no where close. I once came across a crawlspace with a 13″ X 18″ opening. I managed to get in, but found that I was completely surrounded by ductwork that filled the space between grade and the bottoms of the floor joists. The only way to access the other crawl space areas would be to crawl over the duct between the floor joists (a space less than 10″ deep). Getting back out of that hole was more of a challenge than getting in, and was a little bit embarrasing (pulled off my pants in the process).

I spent years working as an engineer for a Fortune 500 company where I would have been crucified for sending someone into such a confined space without elaborate safety equipment and a well documented emergency extraction plan. It’s only a matter of time before insurance companies and government agencies come up with similar requirements for building inspectors. In the mean time, I will be safe even if it costs me business.

I will still go into places others fear to tread, and I will “walk” on 45 degree roofs if I have the right safety equipment, but I won’t do it on a moment’s notice, the inspection will take a lot longer than 2 hours, and it will cost a lot more than $250.

My suggestion: If you want an inspector willing to go into unsafe places without the added expense of special equipment and preparation, then be upfront about it. Don’t surprise the inspector with unsafe conditions and expect them to “do whatever it takes.” There are probably many willing to risk their career and health for a few hundred bucks. Not me.

I think it was something about that lots of home inspectors are not walking on roofs anymore.

OK we had a “skunk clause” in the contract on the house that the inspector who has small shoulder shimmied into. My one and only ever contract with a “skunk clause” in it. He went in. No skunks at the time.