break in

[Don McPherson]

The question I would like to ask is. I was in this house that there was two enterance in to the attic. The one I was able to go into but the other was sealed off but paint and lock. Should I go into this attic or leave it? The client (the one buying the house) said don't bother. But I was wondering if I should have?

Don

[Dominic Maricic]

If it was locked, how could you get in there? You'd have to cut the lock which means your destroying sellers property and get yourself in trouble. I'd say you would definitely make sure to note on your report that you couldn't access the attic are because it was locked, just like you say you can't see some walls because they are covered with personal items.

[Jay Markanich]

Don - we be back...  I was in Atlanta for the IR class.  Good stuff.  As to the attic - I often find two entrances, but learn that one was the older, previously used and blocked because something needed to be done on top.  Did they add an AC unit up there?  Change the roof structure?  Decide to block it off because of where it was in the house - bedroom they didn't want to use as the entrance anymore, etc?  Can you see the blocked-off location when you go into the attic via the unlocked one?  Dominic is right, you shouldn't go into a locked space by breaking or damaging anything.  Hope you noted all that on the report.