How To Avoid The Most Common FHA Home Appraisal Violations

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How To Avoid The Most Common FHA Home Appraisal
Violations
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• While many homeowners fear a home appraisal,
  there is nothing like knowledge and a bit of
  sweat equity to avoid the most common FHA
  violations that appraisers notice most often. By
  addressing these issues prior to the appraisal,
  you can save time, money, and avoid a whole lot
  of frustration. 
• Below is a list of some of the most common FHA
  violations found by home appraisers and a
  checklist to help prevent them.

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FHA Appraisal Preparation Checklist What to Know
/ What to Do

• UTILITIES

Your appraiser will test the homes
utilities such as the water service, property
operation of your furnace and air conditioning
unit (weather permitting), hot water heater,
appliances, and any other mechanicals in the
home to ensure proper operation.  The appraiser
will make sure your water heater is heating
properly by checking the water at the sinks and
ensuring it has a pressure relief valve installed.
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PAINT-PEELING / CHIPPING

• Homes built on or before 1978 may have lead paint
  in them therefore FHA requires that any chipping,
  peeling, and loose paint be chipped off and
  discarded properly.  Once scraped off, the
  interior and exterior bare wood of the main
  dwelling needs to be repainted including any
  external accessory buildings like garages and
  sheds in addition to decks, doors/door/window
  trim, and fences. 

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HAND RAILINGS / BALUSTERS

• Because stairways are one of the most hazardous
  areas of your home and stair falls are often
  fatal, your appraiser will be inspecting any
  stairs/guard rail balusters for loose,
  split, broken, or damaged balusters. Handrails
  MUST be present whenever the distance from the
  finished floor to the ground surface is greater
  than 18 inches.

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ATTIC

• Your appraiser will inspect your attic for
  water-staining, insufficient ventilation,
  evidence of infestation, the smell of mold, and
  any safety hazards like exposed wiring. If access
  cannot be gained to an attic, your appraiser will
  need to report the lack of accessibility, your
  lender may then require the attic be made
  accessible so that the appraiser or another
  qualified third-party inspector can view the
  attic  However the good news is there is no
  requirement to cut open walls, ceilings, or
  floors.

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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• Your electrical outlets, light switches, and
  electrical panels need to have covers on them! 
  Per FHA The Appraiser must examine the
  electrical system to ensure that there is no
  visible frayed wiring or exposed wires in the
  dwelling.  Furthermore, the Appraiser must
  operate a sample of switches, lighting fixtures,
  and receptacles inside the house and garage, and
  on the exterior walls, and report any
  deficiencies.

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TRIP HAZARDS

• Any situation that can be considered a trip
  hazard should be corrected such as your sunken
  concrete walkway or damaged interior flooring or
  threshold that may cause someone to trip and fall.

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ROOF GUTTERS

• Leaking or worn-out roofs need to be replaced.
  Roofs that have two layers of shingles should not
  be roofed again.  Roofs with less than two years
  of remaining life (based upon the appraisers
  judgment), require that the roof be inspected by
  a professional roofer. Gutters and downspouts
  need to divert water away from the
  foundation. Clogged gutters and downspouts need
  to be cleaned and opened up. 

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WINDOWS

• Bedrooms must have at least one window and/or
  exterior door that is operable so that it can
  open to the exterior. If your bedroom windows or
  doors have security bars this is acceptable,
  however, they must be able to be opened in the
  event of an emergency. There must be a direct
  egress bedroom window to the outside, for
  escaping in the event of a fire or emergency.

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While this is not an exhaustive list of FHA
violations, your certified Authority Appraisals
appraiser strives to provide premier,
heart-centered appraisal services and education
to our clients. For more information please reach
out to us directly, Thank you for your interest
in our education. My team and I are privileged to
serve your evolving needs. Please do not hesitate
to contact us!