If something is not readily accessible, how should it be classified?

When something is not readily accessible during an inspection, it is classified as beyond the scope of the inspection. This classification is important because it establishes clear boundaries regarding what the inspector can reasonably assess based on accessibility. The intent is to ensure that the inspector only evaluates items that can be seen and accessed without undue risk or disruption.

Items that are not readily accessible might include spaces that are closed off, obstructed, or otherwise difficult to examine safely. By deeming them beyond the scope of the inspection, it sets proper expectations for clients about limitations in the inspection report. This classification also helps to protect inspectors from liability related to unseen or inaccessible components that might not be functioning properly but were not evaluated due to their inaccessibility.

In the context of the other choices, reporting as requiring further evaluation or requiring a current owner to clear obstructions would imply that there are steps that can be taken to access those items, which does not align with the definition of something being "not readily accessible." Meanwhile, indicating that something is usually in a crawl space doesn't substantiate the classification and does not provide relevant context to the condition of accessibility.