How strict are you when performing FHA appraisal inspections

[Marty Boone]

In PA every FHA appraiser that is also not a home inspector is guilty of completing a Home Inspection without a license.

As defined in the Home Inspection Law, a home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of two or more of the following components of a residential dwelling: mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural. The term excludes an investigation of specific issues or components, specifically excluded are separate inspections for “wood destroying insects, underground tanks and wells, septic systems, swimming pools and spas, alarm systems, air and water quality, tennis courts and playground equipment, pollutants, toxic chemicals and environmental hazards.” So, an inspection of a home’s plumbing, electrical and alarm system by the same inspector is a home inspection; an inspection of only the septic system is not a home inspection.

 

[andrew81]

Public water hook-up is stated "at a reasonable cost"....
What is a "reasonable cost"?

the old 4150.2 said it was 3% or less of the property value

the new 4000.1 does not require connection to public water system

 

[Tom4value]

Public water hook-up is stated "at a reasonable cost"....
What is a "reasonable cost"?

If property uses heat oil but natural gas is available do you require hook-up to the gas line?

Reasonable cost is specified by FHA as a percentage (3% but going by memory here, could be wrong) of the value of the property. For practical application, if the sewer line runs in front of the house on the street, it is a “reasonable cost”.

FHA cares about sewer hook up because they know private systems can fail, not a concern with a oil fired system.

 

[ucbruin]

FHA or conventional....

"subject to" ?

 

[bnmappraisal]

IMO, UC, your pic above I would call out safety issue (hand rail) for FHA assignment ("Subj To")

CONV I would contact the client and HIGHLY suggest hand rail, but leave it up to them to decide

 

[ucbruin]

I am going to take a step on the slippery slope and let common sense dictate passing a 1004D....
Not regarding the basement stairs I post because that is a random photo I found online....

 

[Mr Rex]

In PA every FHA appraiser that is also not a home inspector is guilty of completing a Home Inspection without a license.

As defined in the Home Inspection Law, a home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of two or more of the following components of a residential dwelling: mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural. The term excludes an investigation of specific issues or components, specifically excluded are separate inspections for “wood destroying insects, underground tanks and wells, septic systems, swimming pools and spas, alarm systems, air and water quality, tennis courts and playground equipment, pollutants, toxic chemicals and environmental hazards.” So, an inspection of a home’s plumbing, electrical and alarm system by the same inspector is a home inspection; an inspection of only the septic system is not a home inspection.

You might want to call your Appraisal Board and the Home Inspection Board as your premise and opinion is dead wrong and Ignorance of the Law is never an excuse when the hammer falls.

 

[Marty Boone]

You might want to call your Appraisal Board and the Home Inspection Board as your premise and opinion is dead wrong and Ignorance of the Law is never an excuse when the hammer falls.

I am posting Home Inspection Law in PA, I have no need to call anyone. FHA protocol is an overreach no matter how many times I include the "Get A Home Inspection" in my reports. I am not ignorant of the law as I have posted it for information purposes.


The appraiser is not a Licensed Pennsylvania Home Inspector and only makes observations as to evidence of deterioration per FHA 4000.1 guidelines.

"Home inspection" means the examination and evaluation of the exterior and interior components of residential real property, which includes the inspection of any 2 or more of the following components of residential real property in connection with or to facilitate the sale, lease, or other conveyance of, or the proposed sale, lease or other conveyance of, residential real property:
(1) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system;
(2) plumbing system;
(3) electrical system;
(4) structural composition;
(5) foundation;
(6) roof;
(7) masonry structure; or
(8) any other residential real property component as established by rule.

It is illegal for a person, including an entity, to act, engage, develop, practice or advertise as a home inspector without a proper home inspector license issued under the Pennsylvania Home Inspector License Act.

I don't want the hammer to fall on me Rex, please tell me how I am dead wrong. I respect your opinion.

 

[jay trotta]

I am posting Home Inspection Law in PA, I have no need to call anyone. FHA protocol is an overreach no matter how many times I include the "Get A Home Inspection" in my reports. I am not ignorant of the law as I have posted it for information purposes.


The appraiser is not a Licensed Pennsylvania Home Inspector and only makes observations as to evidence of deterioration per FHA 4000.1 guidelines.

"Home inspection" means the examination and evaluation of the exterior and interior components of residential real property, which includes the inspection of any 2 or more of the following components of residential real property in connection with or to facilitate the sale, lease, or other conveyance of, or the proposed sale, lease or other conveyance of, residential real property:
(1) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system;
(2) plumbing system;
(3) electrical system;
(4) structural composition;
(5) foundation;
(6) roof;
(7) masonry structure; or
(8) any other residential real property component as established by rule.

It is illegal for a person, including an entity, to act, engage, develop, practice or advertise as a home inspector without a proper home inspector license issued under the Pennsylvania Home Inspector License Act.

I don't want the hammer to fall on me Rex, please tell me how I am dead wrong. I respect your opinion.

Marty,
Just Curious, how the appraiser License Inspection/Observation reads (noted differences between the two - my bold ) some States may offer similarities OR distinctive differences between Observation and/or Inspection; examination and evaluation. (IMO) Like; " The appraiser is not..." part

 

[Marty Boone]

Marty,
Just Curious, how the appraiser License Inspection/Observation reads (noted differences between the two - my bold ) some States may offer similarities OR distinctive differences between Observation and/or Inspection; examination and evaluation. (IMO) Like; " The appraiser is not..." part

"The appraiser is not a Licensed Pennsylvania Home Inspector and only makes observations as to evidence of deterioration per FHA 4000.1 guidelines."
is my text, the rest is just what I have researched and copied because I wanted to know what constitutes a Home Inspection per PA Law. I try to CYA as much as possible but the way I figure it, the line is being crossed. I keep doin' FHA and I'm not crying, that's how it happened, living life by the drop.