When should a home inspector not enter the crawl space?

A home inspector should refrain from entering a crawl space if they feel it may be dangerous to do so. Safety is the foremost priority during an inspection. Various hazards can exist in crawl spaces, such as unstable ground, the presence of harmful gases, mold, or even wildlife. If an inspector assesses the situation and believes it poses a risk to their safety, it is prudent to avoid entering that area.

The other options, while they may represent concerns, do not necessarily indicate that entry should be avoided entirely. For example, a hatch being smaller than a certain size may make access more challenging but does not immediately imply a danger. A damp smell might suggest moisture issues, but the inspector can conduct a visual inspection from outside the crawl space. Insufficient light may hinder visibility, yet it doesn't preclude safe entry if the inspection can still be performed judiciously. In contrast, personal safety is an absolute reason for deciding against entry.