Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

---

This video teaches home inspectors how to safely enter and exit an attic, leaving no mess behind.

Key points:

Use drop cloths or painter's poly to catch debris. Cover clothing and other personal belongings.
Assume your ladder is dirty, don't put it on the carpet.
Use a respirator every time you enter an attic. I like the "Bane" mask: amzn.to/4elcbSH
Use a headlamp, not a flashlight. It keeps your hands free, and you won't accidentally lose it. My favorite for the past two years has been the Fenix HM71R: amzn.to/3Ta5Vn9
Wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the attic panel. I like the semi-disposable Wells Lamont Nitrile Work Gloves. They're about a buck a pair, and they last quite a long time. amzn.to/4nl0DDb
If a panel is sprayed shut, bump it open. Don't cut it, because it won't look good when you're done.
Set up a ladder as high as possible to make accessing the attic easier. I've always used a Little Giant ladder.
If needed, adjust your ladder after opening the scuttle hole so you don't have to do a pull-up to access the attic.
If you need to move any personal belongings, return them to their original position exactly as they were.