Comment On Co & Smoke Detectors

[timindp]

Here is a stip I got.,...

1. Appraiser must comment the CO/Smoker detector are functioning

As far as I know, we do not test if these are working. All we do as appraisers is to observe and report. Correct?
I am about to tell them that this is not part of my scope of work and job. All I do is locate them, take photos and report that they were present at time of inspection. Correct?

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Another fine reason...

Posted before...I can indicate those are present but it's not my job, nor do I want to, say those are working.

 

[bart nathan]

If its FHA you gotta test. If they didn't say you need to test in the engagement letter then that their fault.

 

[Walter Kirk]

We estimate the value of real estate. We are not building or code inspectors, unfortunately the idiots at HUD don't understand this. That's one of the reasons why I stopped doing FHA work.

 

[Mike Ault]

If its FHA you gotta test. If they didn't say you need to test in the engagement letter then that their fault.

I just searched the new 4000.1 HUD Handbook and didn't find any reference to these particular testing requirements with the exception of the 203K program. Is this a local HOC appraisal inspection requirement for existing dwellings?

 

[Marty Boone]

If its FHA you gotta test. If they didn't say you need to test in the engagement letter then that their fault.

Bart, how do you test a CO detector? Pressing the 'Test' button on the detector will only tell you whether the device has adequate electrical power from an outlet or batteries. Do you bring a carbon monoxide detector test kit with you to a property that requires an FHA level viewing (notice I didn't write inspection)? Maybe it is a California thing that I have no knowledge. Timindp, call your HOC and get an appraiser there to give you an answer in writing. I would never comment the CO/Smoke detectors are functioning, way more liability than I am willing to take on for an appraisal fee.

 

[Mr Rex]

Bart, how do you test a CO detector? Pressing the 'Test' button on the detector will only tell you whether the device has adequate electrical power from an outlet or batteries. Do you bring a carbon monoxide detector test kit with you to a property that requires an FHA level viewing (notice I didn't write inspection)? Maybe it is a California thing that I have no knowledge. Timindp, call your HOC and get an appraiser there to give you an answer in writing. I would never comment the CO/Smoke detectors are functioning, way more liability than I am willing to take on for an appraisal fee.

Pressing the test button is how 99.9% of the manufacturers recommend as the proper test method.

 

[Marty Boone]

What do the other .1% recommend?

 

[Mr Rex]

Do they matter? FWIW, the only time a CO detector or smoke detector should be "tested" with one of the aerosol spray products is when they do not have a test button. Most commercial systems and some residential systems installed as part of a security system do not have test buttons on each device. They can be tested via the central control panel, just like using a test button. Using an aerosol is like the real thing and most manufacturers recommend replacement of smoke detectors after an actual fire and have specific limits on how often they can be tested with an aerosol spray before they require replacement. FWIW, I really don't see what the problem is with pushing the button and reporting the results. Pushed button, made noise, As Is. Pushed button, did not make noise. Subject to replacement.

 

[bart nathan]

Bart, how do you test a CO detector? Pressing the 'Test' button on the detector will only tell you whether the device has adequate electrical power from an outlet or batteries. Do you bring a carbon monoxide detector test kit with you to a property that requires an FHA level viewing (notice I didn't write inspection)? Maybe it is a California thing that I have no knowledge. Timindp, call your HOC and get an appraiser there to give you an answer in writing. I would never comment the CO/Smoke detectors are functioning, way more liability than I am willing to take on for an appraisal fee.

Yes to test I hit the "test button".

Every smoke and Co detector I have seen has a labeled test button. Go to the store and read the instructions "how to test a smoke/co detector". Its printed pretty clear.

I would say the liability lays on the manufacturer of the smoke/co detectors based on the button labeled as "test" and the directions describing how to test.

FHA's biggest concern health and safety. I would say testing smoke and co detectors is probably number one on the list if that's required by code for the area.

When you test a microwave do bring a tv dinner and make sure that it gets nuked?
Do bring dishes to test for the dishwasher and wait to make sure they get clean?