Do you guys inspect garage door opener safety sensors?

[Elliott]

So, the garage door closing on a 5 year old kid and not reversing is ok? I don't think so. I have always operated garage doors when doing FHA appraisals. I had one of our cats get stuck in our garage door because it would not reverse. Never again.

Cat's only have nine lives, so it had apparently used them up. I went to a seminar where the then head of Oregon's HUD residential program told us all the stuff that was no longer of concern (which included garage door openers) and that they were trying to be more like the conventional market.....however there were still some differences. I think some lenders were pissed that they had to pay for a re-inspect on garage door openers. You should be able to find the reg in 4000.1 if they have included it again.

 

[ramrcdk]

Cat's only have nine lives, so it had apparently used them up. I went to a seminar where the then head of Oregon's HUD residential program told us all the stuff that was no longer of concern (which included garage door openers) and that they were trying to be more like the conventional market.....however there were still some differences. I think some lenders were pissed that they had to pay for a re-inspect on garage door openers. You should be able to find the reg in 4000.1 if they have included it again.

YES ! not sure who does or does not, what year, or in Regs' or not ...just something I do check because in my book it is a safety concern...personal choice.
AND probably stuck in my mind because many years ago, a little girl got suck under one, it was on the News. She did live.

 

[James Mpls]

No.

 

[Tom Woolford]

I check every one in a HUD deal. Its fairly east to get from the button to the sensor before the door comes all the way down. Or or course you could just use the remote that's usually in a kitchen drawer.

 

[sputnam]

Yep

 

[Rlong]

What other "not required" things do you check and reject properties for (sincerely), do you guys have a list of "personal" or "peer" or "industry" safety items you go through but not required by HUD in 4000.1? I might have a concern that one would be on the stand one day "Mr Appraiser" you required them under your own volition to add sensors to their old garage door, but you didn't (whatever) "check every GFI, or make them add guard rails on a 10" drop of deck etc. I'm again sincerely wondering if your possibly actually exposing yourselves to MORE risk by "picking and choosing" your personal or desired "safety" features you deem a homeowner should have as opposed to following HUD regulations (a published industry, peer list might provide additional safe harbor)

Interesting discussion

 

[TMG]

What other "not required" things do you check and reject properties for (sincerely), do you guys have a list of "personal" or "peer" or "industry" safety items you go through but not required by HUD in 4000.1? I might have a concern that one would be on the stand one day "Mr Appraiser" you required them under your own volition to add sensors to their old garage door, but you didn't (whatever) "check every GFI, or make them add guard rails on a 10" drop of deck etc. I'm again sincerely wondering if your possibly actually exposing yourselves to MORE risk by "picking and choosing" your personal or desired "safety" features you deem a homeowner should have as opposed to following HUD regulations (a published industry, peer list might provide additional safe harbor)

Interesting discussion

Yesterday, I read through the 4000.1, and did not see the words "garage door" "opener" or "safety sensors" anywhere. Only a broad "safety, security, soundness" regarding the whole house. If FHA tries to get specific with us, then we could get specific with them. The 4000.1 works both ways.

 

[ramrcdk]

What other "not required" things do you check and reject properties for (sincerely), do you guys have a list of "personal" or "peer" or "industry" safety items you go through but not required by HUD in 4000.1? I might have a concern that one would be on the stand one day "Mr Appraiser" you required them under your own volition to add sensors to their old garage door, but you didn't (whatever) "check every GFI, or make them add guard rails on a 10" drop of deck etc. I'm again sincerely wondering if your possibly actually exposing yourselves to MORE risk by "picking and choosing" your personal or desired "safety" features you deem a homeowner should have as opposed to following HUD regulations (a published industry, peer list might provide additional safe harbor)

Interesting discussion

MY POST:
What I SAID Was: I check the operation of the garage door which is a safety concern = personal choice. **And SINCE my clients request photos OF open & closed...I'd rather have the owner press the opener.
I do follow guidelines. Garage Door Operation is no longer (for a while) been a concern of HUD.
However, I am suppose to DO an Inspection & report on observations.
SO, in doing so I have never found "1" that did not function per the respective intent.
SO, if I did find "1" I would likely point-out to the owner that it did not function properly and document my work file "that I did in fact inform the homeowner", date/time.
So, then in the least, I have done my due diligence. Diligence is a personal choice.

 

[Overimprovement]

I personally do not inspect ANY garage doors. Had a door one time on a vacant FHA that opened halfway and got stuck. Garage was full of belongings. Not a great neighborhood. It was my last item to do. Had to wait over an hour for someone to come by so I could leave. Was fortunate I didn't get a bill for breaking their door.

Likewise, I will never turn on or off any utility. Agent or owner can do it, but I never will. Too much can go wrong that I don't need to be blamed for. Agent told me one time she was at a house that had not been winterized, she turned the water on, didn't know there was a bad leak, and the entire house got flooded--$25K in damages I believe she said.

So if agent/owner there, I will have them check door. I have never checked sensor. Don't plan on it unless 4000.1 changes.

 

[Mark K]

What other "not required" things do you check and reject properties for (sincerely), do you guys have a list of "personal" or "peer" or "industry" safety items you go through but not required by HUD in 4000.1?

Some appraisers think they know enough about Codes to be experts when, in reality, they know just enough to be dangerous. Some have pet peeve 'safety' items because they 'heard about 'one time, somebody did something' blah, blah, blah.

Follow the guidelines, appraise the property, leave the home inspecting to the inspectors.