Sure, one or two nails fastening a piece of plywood is not a big deal. I would prefer to resolve that onsite vs what this inspector is dealing with now. There are limits of course. I leave the sawz-all in the truck most times
NOPE! I have a screwdriver and there is no way I would pull out a hammer or pry bar, I don’t even tempt myself by carrying them in my truck.
Depending on how well some access panels are painted, I won’t even cut the paint around the opening to gain access.
The OP can also try getting the LA to pay for his return visit since everything wasn’t accessible. Not that it will always work but I have had some pay.
Every situation is different. But generally speaking, the further I am from home, the more I will do to remove a restriction myself.

Every situation is different. But generally speaking, the further I am from home, the more I will do to remove a restriction myself.
Honestly, I’m a bit surprised that so many do it and have never had problems. I have never had a problem with refusing to gain entry to anything that needs force to open it. Like most things, it’s not a problem until it’s a problem. Both ways are business decisions and both ways are right and wrong.
I am also of the belief that you do not try and force anything that does not move freely. As an example, trying to force a casement window open that is binding. In my opinion, you are taking a chance of snapping the glass.

I’m a bit surprised
As am I, unless it’s an Iowa/Minnesota thing, except that then there’s Ryan…!
I guess that’s why so many other states require GL Insurance! I carry it as a business decision, not because I have ever needed it!

except that then there’s Ryan…!.
I never fit in!

you do not try and force anything that does not move freely.
Depends on what it is. I have a fairly indepth understanding of a piece of plywood nailed/screwed to a wood frame. But not so much a casement window.
I will also neatly cut the caulk around a panel cover and a scuttle hole.

As am I, unless it’s an Iowa/Minnesota thing, except that then there’s Ryan…!
I guess that’s why so many other states require GL Insurance! I carry it as a business decision, not because I have ever needed it!
Maybe because we are in the magical land of basements? Except Ryan of course.

Depends on what it is. I have a fairly indepth understanding of a piece of plywood nailed/screwed to a wood frame.
To me, there is a reason why something is nailed shut. Kind of like an attic scuttle hole that is sealed or nailed shut. To me, they did it when they blew the attic full of insulation and the actual scuttle hole is somewhere else in the house that is not visible due to blocked access. Pry that baby open and all of a sudden you dump two bags of insulation all over the clothes in the closet.

Maybe because we are in the magical land of basements?
I still see a fair share of crawlspaces!
I’m more inclined to think it has something to do with the power of our first names! (Not Ryan, of course).

To me, there is a reason why something is nailed shut.
True. I am beating a horse here. I agree with both sides of this and it is a judgement call. I live in the land of crawlspaces. Many are sealed or screwed shut so that people do not steal their copper, the door wont stay closed on its own or people are just generally sketched out that people can enter under their house without detection. It is also very common on vacant homes.

I’m more inclined to think it has something to do with the power of our first names!
I’ve never met a Jeff that I liked.

It is also very common on vacant homes.
I expect to see that condition on a vacant home… especially out in the boonies on a vacant farmhouse!

.I’ve never met a Jeff that I liked.
Funny that. Me neither!

I agree with both sides of this and it is a judgement call…
Same.
Like I said, sometimes it depends on the distance from home. If I have to pull 6 nails (and I can do it without damage) and that will save me from possibly having to coordinate a 1 hour drive later in the week, not to mention having to spring another fee on my client, I am typically going to do it.
Now if it is a 10 minute drive, or if there are 30 nails, or if removing the nails might cause damage, or if it’s almost lunch time and I’m hangry, I probably won’t do it.

I never fit in!
Some how, you seem to make it work…

if it’s almost lunch time and I’m hangry,
Now you know why the exclusion!!
I never eat before or during an inspection. I keep going until the job is done.
I keep a candybar in the truck in case my Diabetes starts playing hell with me.
Coupla’ bites and back to work.
The power of mind over matter!

I never eat before or during an inspection.
What? I eat at Taco Bell before every inspection. Have to make sure the toilets and ventilators are working properly…

What? I eat at Taco Bell before every inspection…
I bring beans to heat in the microwave. Kill two birds!

Have to make sure the toilets and ventilators are working properly…
Well, you southern folk also use a stick of butter in each serving of grits, so…