FHA Appraiser Inspection Guidelines
September 05, 2018
FHA Appraiser Inspection Guidelines
Appraisal request
Prior to starting the assignment, the appraiser’s must have:
The FHA case #
A signed copy of the sales contract and all counter offers and addendums.
Exterior items requiring repairs or inspections:
Exposed or frayed electrical lines, power lines less than 10’ from the ground or power lines crossing over roofs, swimming pools, decks, sheds, etc.
Missing covers on exterior electrical receptacles (No cover/weather guard).
Chipping paint on anything built prior to 1978 (out buildings, railings, windows, etc.).
Rotten, damaged or exposed siding, trim, eaves, window frames, etc.
Roofs must have a minimum remaining life of 2 years.
Uneven, torn or missing roof shingles and with no more than 2 layers.
Proximity to a high pressure gas lines, fuel storage tanks, toxic materials.
Adequate all weather driveway for passenger and emergency vehicles.
Gutters/downspouts with positive drainage away from the foundation.
Handrails on steps, porches, stoops, etc. may require a hand rail (Appraiser’s discretion).
Any adverse easements, encroachments or deed restrictions.
Evidence of any prior or current infestation problems will require a pest inspection.
Evidence of foundation cracks, bulging, settlement, missing bricks/stone, etc.
Standing water in the yard, around the foundation or damp/wet crawl space or basement.
Interior items requiring repairs or Inspections:
Evidence of any prior or current infestation problems will require a pest inspection.
Appraiser must report if the subject has security bars on any bedroom windows or doors and also report if there is a safety release.
At least 1 window must be operable in bedroom for ingress/egress compliance.
Missing kitchen cabinets or built-in appliances must be installed and working.
Appraisers will check the working conditions of all appliances conveyed with the house.
Appraisers will check the heating and air systems to make sure both systems are functioning Roofs must have a minimum remaining life of 2 years.
Non-vented bath room with no window may require an exhaust fan vented to the exterior. (Appraiser’s discretion).
Water heaters in finished areas require a pressure relief value pipe to the exterior.
Handrails on interior stairways with more than 3 risers may require a hand rail. (Appraiser’s discretion).
Adequate attic access.
To report any evidence of:
Inadequate insulation exposed wiring, cracked or unsupported roof joist, holes in the roof decking, previous fire damage, etc.
Missing covers on exterior electrical receptacles or panels (No cover/weather guard).
Ground fault protected receptacles (GFI’s) may be required if within 4’ feet of a water faucet (Appraiser’s discretion). Any ceiling stains noted will require a roof inspection.
All flooring must have floor coverings with no exposed subflooring
Crawl space requirements include:
Must be properly vented with no trash/debris/vermin/moisture.
18” height of crawl space if there are system components in the crawl space.
New Construction:
Appraiser must have the builder’s certification dated 30 days prior to the appraisal request.
Non-vented bath room with no window will require an exhaust fan vented to the exterior.
Water heaters in finished areas will require a drip pan and pressure relief value pipe to the exterior.
The following conditions require additional inspections:
Standing water against the foundation and/or excessively damp basements.
Hazardous materials on the site or within the improvements.
Faulty or defective mechanical systems (electrical, plumbing or heating/cooling).
Evidence of possible structural failure (settlement, bulging foundation wall, unsupported Floor joists, cracked masonry walls or foundation).
Evidence of possible pest infestation.
Leaking or worn-out roofs; if ceiling stains are noted, a roof inspection will be required.
Any other condition that in the professional judgment of the Appraiser warrants inspection.
The mortgagee/lender has final say so on any required repairs/inspections.
Lora Lamb, Branch Manager
Mortgage Investors Group
Address: 120 A South Jefferson Avenue
Cookeville, TN 38501
Email: lora.lamb@migonline.com
Office: (931) 520-0240
Mobile: (931) 526-9496
Fax: 931-526-9806
