Bare Wood Question

[Duke 73]

I was wondering if the fence and deck that is made of wood can be bare wood? Or do they need to be painted or stained? Also, can there be earth to wood contact on the fence or deck? Or does it need to be cleared away, just like on the siding of the home? Thank you.

 

[Meandering]

The wood to ground contact thing is because wood boring insects can enter the wood from the ground and travel through the building eating the structure. On attached decks, yes, you must comment.

Here is what HUD says.

http://portal.HUD.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=p_mpr_qa_05-22-13.pdf

I believe you will find the answer to your question at the third "Q". Appraisers are mandated to report certain things in certain ways. It's up to the lender to decide.

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[Mr Rex]

Is it bare wood or has it been treated?

 

[Bill Streep]

If the wood deck and fence have contributory value, they must either be painted, or in some other way resistant to the elements. Woods such as cedar and redwood are naturally rot resistant, so they are OK. Pressure treated lumber is OK.

Here, we are semi arid and we have lots of unpainted cedar privacy fences.

See the attached flow chart. I ran it by appraisers at the Denver HOC for validation.

 

[Vermonter]

Cedar is common for fencing and really doesn't need to be painted or stained. Decks can be made of mahogany, teak, ipe, redwood and don't need it either. Helps to know the species you're dealing with.

HOC here is ok with pt deck in contact with grade and unfinished cedar siding (so imagine they wouldn't care about a fence) but you should check with yours.

 

[Duke 73]

Thank you! Where do I get more of those FHA webinar Q&As at? Those are very handy.

 

[TxArmadillo]

See the attached flow chart. I ran it by appraisers at the Denver HOC for validation.

Nice chart, Bill!

 

[Mr Rex]

Thank you! Where do I get more of those FHA webinar Q&As at? Those are very handy.

Google FHA FAQ appraisal.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Another fine reason. No, a fence does not have to be painted or stained. But if it was and has chipping and peeling paint now you have a problem.

 

[sputnam]

Treated wood does not have to be painted or stained.