Do appraisers look under sinks?

[Jacob Coleman]

When you're doing an appraisal, do you look under kitchen and bathroom sinks? If so, what do you look for? (Water leakage?)

How will that affect the appraised value?

Thanks.

 

[Fernando]

As an appraiser, I do not look under kitchen sinks unless I want to see if there's a garbage disposal. I'm not a building inspector.
As a realtor, I always look under the kitchen and bathroom sinks. If there's something wrong, it will need to be repair.

 

[JeffSH]

No. I don't touch anything except doors. I take notes on what is readily observable, and in the appraisal I briefly state the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection. "A home inspection is recommended in every case." The only time I've ever heard of a competent appraiser getting sued is for inspection issues.

Edit: FHA is different obviously.

 

[Charles West]

I always did.

 

[spittman]

Only for FHA.

 

[Bob Ipock]

I do. Just out of habit. Sometoimes the sinks are full of dishes and can't tell if there is a garbage disposal or not. Years ago we started doing every inspection as if FHA. Photos of lights, water, smoke detectors, test a few outlet, measure outbuildings and photo inside and out all the other minor things. . It takes only a few minutes and keeps us from switching from one type of inspection to another.

 

[andrew81]

Only for HUD/FHA/USDA/VA to check for leaks or structural damage under fixtures.

 

[Fernando]

I do. Just out of habit. Sometoimes the sinks are full of dishes and can't tell if there is a garbage disposal or not. Years ago we started doing every inspection as if FHA. Photos of lights, water, smoke detectors, test a few outlet, measure outbuildings and photo inside and out all the other minor things. . It takes only a few minutes and keeps us from switching from one type of inspection to another.

With this Covid thing around, you should do as much as needed and get out of the house quickly. Then take your time outside around the house. measuring
If need further inspection, go back in after getting some fresh air.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I check for leaks- Garbage disposals are notorious for rusting out at the top because builders install the cheapest ones, not the ones with stainless steel necks.

 

[Fernando]

I check for leaks- Garbage disposals are notorious for rusting out at the top because builders install the cheapest ones, not the ones with stainless steel necks.

That's good to know but are you a building inspector.
Why do you care.
I never understood why the 1004 ask for small details like disposal, microwave, and such which doesn't really affect appraised value.
Well here homes over $2 million, they're irrelevant.