This is a question that arises from time to time, but I recently inspected a newly constructed home in which there was no access to the attic space. The Seller (a Realtor), is having a second home built by the same builder who built the first and asked the Builder if attic access is a building requirement. The Builder's answer and more on this story next, week - but first....what do you think?

True or False? According to the Florida Building Code, access to attic space is required.

TRUE - The Florida Building Code REQUIRES attic access to be provided when the clear height of an attic space is more than 24 inches. Furthermore, the Code also states that the access point must be no smaller than 20x 36 inches. To reiterate the importance of having a private inspection on new construction purchases - here's a quick story. A few weeks ago, I was inspecting a new home with the Builder was on site, and we were discussing attic access points. He told me that (once) he fabricated a 20x 36" wood frame and glued it to the ceiling to create the appearance of attic access - just to get the Certificate of Occupancy. So, what does that say about the integrity of (some) builders and the comprehensive County inspection?

Craig Baranowski at Pelican Real Estate