Common FHA Real Estate Repair Items

Website design By BotEap.comThe Real Estate Appraiser will need to report the following items when conducting an FHA appraisal inspection. It’s a good idea to be prepared ahead of time by correcting any of the problems listed below before the real estate appraiser conducts an FHA inspection.

Website design By BotEap.com1. Utilities must be on and running at the time of inspection – The appraiser must check all utilities and mechanics to make sure they are on and running. This includes homes that are vacant. Utilities include heating / air conditioning systems, dishwasher, stove, lighting, and plumbing supplies such as faucets and toilets. If the utilities are not on, the appraiser will have to put a condition on the appraisal, and this will delay the loan process. The appraiser will have to return to the property to verify that the utilities are up and running.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Peeling / chipping paint on pre-1978 structures. According to the FHA, the lead paint problem still exists. On homes built before 1978, any chipping or peeling paint should be corrected. It consists of scraping, sanding and repainting the affected area. Old paint must be wiped off the floor and disposed of properly. See the EPA website link for more information on lead-based paint.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Missing Carbon Monoxide Detector – Under the California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010, detectors are required to be installed in every residential dwelling unit that will be used for human occupancy. This requires properties to have a detector in homes that have a fossil fuel burning appliance, fireplace, heater, or garage attached to the home.

Website design By BotEap.com4. Earthquake Straps on Water Heaters: Water heaters must have double straps on the lower and upper thirds of the tank. The exception is “tankless” water heaters. Also, overflow pipes and temperature pressure release valves (TPRV) must be present with the water heater.

Website design By BotEap.com5. Broken windows: For the FHA, small cracks in the windows are not a big problem. However, if the window is broken or there are glass shards, it is a safety concern and will need to be fixed.

Website design By BotEap.com6. Exposed / Frayed or Bare Wiring: Exposed wires can cause severe shock and / or fire and must be repaired. This is mainly found in old houses. Missing outlet covers and light switches should also be corrected.

Website design By BotEap.com7. Attic and crawl space access: The appraiser is required to inspect the attic with a minimal “head and shoulders” look into the space. There needs to be adequate entrance to the attic and access space for the appraiser. It is best to make sure this area is clear before the inspection so that the appraiser has easy access.

Website design By BotEap.com8. Condition of the roof: The roof should not leak or allow moisture to enter the home. The roof must have two years of economic life remaining.

Website design By BotEap.comAs you can see, there are quite a few items that the appraiser must verify in order to comply with the FHA safety guidelines. An FHA appraisal does not guarantee that the property is free and free from defects. We always recommend that the home buyer hire a certified home inspector. They are specifically trained to examine the condition of the house in great detail.