Smoke Detectors

[jhornet88]

What is the latest FHA requirement for some detectors in an existing home ? A link would be awesome - I find mixed info online and can’t find an exact handbook definition /explanation as of Dec 24.

 

[jhornet88]

*Smoke

 

[sputnam]

What is the latest FHA requirement for some detectors in an existing home ? A link would be awesome - I find mixed info online and can’t find an exact handbook definition /explanation as of Dec 24.

Don't know. I do know that state and local requirements have to be met. A quick internet search should give you more information than you actually want. The same is true if you really want to know what HUD has to say about the issue. I can tell you that the life expectancy of a smoke detector is 10 years. If they are near or older than that, replace them.

 

[jay trotta]

There are quite a few, most require pre-test requirements; for health & safety this is one.

Double your detection with a smoke and carbon monoxide detector from Kidde.
These combination alarms quickly alert you to both the presence of smoke hazards and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas found in many homes. CO is generated by heating and fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces, water heaters, gas ovens, and generators, and a CO alarm should be installed on every level of your home. A combination smoke and CO detector can alert your family to both dangers, in one discrete, space-saving alarm. Choose from battery powered and hardwired smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector devices, including alarms with voice warnings to alert you to the type of danger being detected. Help protect your family with a Kidde combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

 

[Tom D]

We have a lot of basements with part garage. Here it's smoke and co detectors by code.
Been smoke forever. A lot has to do with code. Just like hand rails. Is something a safety hazard by not being there.

 

[Tom4value]

To my knowledge, FHA does not have an opinion on that and I am confident they don’t. The reason is because it is up to local jurisdictions. Here in MA, smoke detectors are only an issue when the property transfers. For appraising, a refi it is not an issue at all. For a purchase, the fire department comes very soon before closing to verify and issues a certificate. The underwriter will not issue a clear to close without it. Of course, this is well after the appraisal is done so it is an underwriter’s job, not the appraiser’s.

 

[chad hampton]

How do smoke detectors impact value? Do we adjust $20 if there isn’t one? I’ve never cared.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I love it when all-electric homes have to have a CO detector. Makes perfect sense to government.

 

[Bobby Bucks]

How do smoke detectors impact value? Do we adjust $20 if there isn’t one? I’ve never cared.

Paired sales, cost doesn’t equal value.

 

[Non Sequitur]

I love it when all-electric homes have to have a CO detector. Makes perfect sense to government.

It's state law in Louisiana, (yeah I know, what about 3-4?):

"Effective January 1, 2023, Act 458 of the 2022 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature (“Act”) changes the fire and life safety requirements of one or two-family residential homes, relating to the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. In addition, the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Council amended the International Residential Building Code (“IRC”) with those changes also becoming effective on Jan. 1, 2023."

See attached.

After Hurricane Ida the state fire marshal pushed the legislation because of several deaths and the danger of generator use even in the case of an all electric dwelling.