couple of FHA questions

[moekelly24]

is there a limit to ceiling height.. this one has a 6 1/2 foot ceiling, will that be considered deficient? It is a farm house out in the country.

will a window unit ac installed thru the wall be considered a/c? What is acceptable for heat?

 

[Anthem]

Is 6 1/2 feet the lowest point? Or the ceiling height for the entire home?

ANSI standard is 7'

This is from the HUD Handbook 4150.2
4-4 UNIQUE PROPERTY APPRAISALS
Appraisers are sometimes faced with unique properties: a log home, an extra small home, lower than
normal ceiling heights, etc. Eligibility of these properties depends on whether or not the property is
structurally sound and readily marketable. If a property meets these criteria, the appraiser estimates
market value. However, depending on the uniqueness of a property, the final determination to accept or
reject the property is made by the lending institution's underwriter.

 

[Rufus]

Also from 4150.2:

14. Heating

Heating must be adequate for healthful and comfortable living conditions: Dwellings that use wood-burning stoves or solar systems as a primary heat source must have permanently installed conventional heating systems that can maintain a temperature of at least 50 degrees F. in areas containing plumbing systems. These systems must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Properties with electric heating sources must have an acceptable electric service that meets the general requirements of the local municipal standards.

All water heaters must have a non-adjustable temperature and pressure-relief valve. If the water heater is in the garage, it must comply with local building codes.

All non-conventional heating systems - space heaters and others - must comply with local jurisdictional guidelines.

 

[moekelly24]

Thanks for the help.. the room I am talking about with the heat is an add on without a/c running to it.. rest of house has cha and the owners use a window unit..

 

[Mike Boyd]

Cooling is not a requirement for FHA loans.

 

[moekelly24]

so just heat is a requirement? Is that true for all states ? This is in Alabama. They could just get a permanent heat source then and be ok to consider it as square footage?

 

[Mike Boyd]

so just heat is a requirement? Is that true for all states ? This is in Alabama. They could just get a permanent heat source then and be ok to consider it as square footage?

Yes, yes and yes.

 

[moekelly24]

thank you so much.. we checked into the ceiling height some more, the amount of room my husband can reach to touch and he thinks it is closer to 6ft 10.. maybe this will be close enough... thank you all for the help