Estimating FHA repairs possible mold, uneven walkway

[Kelly S]

My apologies if these items have been discussed numerous times. I did some searches and couldn't find a similar situation. Not sure if this impacts things, but the borrower has been approved for both conventional and FHA loans and if there are any significant repairs needed, they will use the conventional.

Bathroom has defective paint and what might be mold on the ceiling. Should I estimate the cost to repair the paint only, with a caveat that possible mold might affect the cost? With the usual "not an expert" disclaimers?



Same property has a pretty pronounced uneven walkway due to tree roots. The stairs appear to be impacted but not the foundation. I found several situations with cracked sidewalks but not a walkway actually on the property. Would you note and move on, or include this in the repairs? I have NO idea how to go about estimating a cost since it's not just concrete repair and will likely involve dealing with the tree in some way.



Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

I would note the sidewalk thing and move on. It could be mitigated by grinding the high side of the edges, or using asphalt or something to make a little ramp to mitigate the trip hazard. That's what the city does here, anyway.

I would recommenrd inspection by mold or approriate expert, how can I estimate cost to cure if I don't know what is the disease?

 

[Kelly S]

I would note the sidewalk thing and move on. It could be mitigated by grinding the high side of the edges, or using asphalt or something to make a little ramp to mitigate the trip hazard. That's what the city does here, anyway.

I would recommenrd inspection by mold or approriate expert, how can I estimate cost to cure if I don't know what is the disease?

Thanks! Does it change your mind that it's not a city sidewalk? It's the walkway on the property leading to the front doors.

 

[CGinMN]

Thanks! Does it change your mind that it's not a city sidewalk? It's the walkway on the property leading to the front doors.

I’d say no. If it were a city sidewalk I wouldn’t mention it. I might not mention it either way. If you do, be prepared to say that it does not constitute a health and safety issue.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

I say no as well. Don't care who's sidewalk it is. There is a small trip hazard though.

 

[Mike Ault]

HUD removed the sidewalk issue from the inspection protocol in 2005 with Mortgagee Letter 2005-48

https://www.HUD.gov/program_offices/administration/hudclips/sfhsuperseded/mltrs_full#2005

* Trip hazards (cracked or partially heaving sidewalks, poorly installed
carpeting)

 

[James Micozzi]

HUD removed the sidewalk issue from the inspection protocol in 2005 with Mortgagee Letter 2005-48

25red-Superseded Mortgagee Letters - Full | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

www.HUD.gov

* Trip hazards (cracked or partially heaving sidewalks, poorly installed
carpeting)

doesn't matter. still a safety hazard. note it and move on.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

I'd note the conditions and recommend an inspection. I would flag the potential for unseen damage to the foundation and note it is beyond your expertise.

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

I'd note the conditions and recommend an inspection. I would flag the potential for unseen damage to the foundation and note it is beyond your expertise.

Call it the Sgt Schultz addendum.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]