Exposed wiring & FHA compliance

[Dublin ohio]

Whatever. Wires runs through the thermoplastic sheathing. FHA doesn't think people are dumb enough to misconstrue the difference between wire and thermoplastic sheathing.

So what do the ceiling boxes with "exposed" wires fall under. Health, safety or soundness

 

[Timothy Hogan]

Whatever. Wires runs through the thermoplastic sheathing. FHA doesn't think people are dumb enough to misconstrue the difference between wire and thermoplastic sheathing.

The FHA reviewers will state that this needs to be addressed, they read the book and will say this is what the book states. I would say do what you feel comfortable with, and see what happens. I have been on the FHA panel for 25 years, and also call thing like this out.

 

[Mark K]

So what do the ceiling boxes with "exposed" wires fall under. Health, safety or soundness

The boxes should have covers, according to code.

The 2-4 conductor wires (white/black/bare copper ground/ occasional red) inside of the Romex house wire should not be open or exposed except in elec boxes. The Romex wire can be exposed in attics and/or crawl spaces/basements.

 

[Dublin ohio]

The boxes should have covers, according to code.

That part is true. I could cite code violations on a regular basis. Since I was an electrician years ago and the code has not changed much. But we are not code enforcement. Which raises the question. Were there permits and if so. Has the final inspection been done.

 

[RSW]

Man! I really miss REX now. He was a home inspector and was on the FHA panel.

I am an old school guy and I call these things out for repair.

 

[Mark K]

That part is true. I could cite code violations on a regular basis.

Many years ago, 40+/-, before flipping became the new rage, I used to flip ghetto houses with a buddy. Buy them for $5-10K, fix up, sell them for $30-40K.

We sold them FHA and our loan broker-buddy always used the same FHA appraiser who also happened to have had an electricians license and a plumber's license. He ALWAYS found a few little minor things, elec/plumbing issues that needed 'repair'. He also would offer to repair them at the same time he did the appraisal. We knew that it would be an extra $100 - $150, cash, but the house would always appraise at our sales price as soon as he completed his 'repairs', no problem.

Ahhh, the good old days.

 

[Fritz in NY]

Many, Many hat's we have all had at one time or another. FHA say's do this, I do this, done. Yeh, I'm a people person, I don't want to see someone loose a rate lock, a closing date or pay $ 100-$150. more for an extra drive out. Especially for such small items. It is what it is.
My mentor/trainer 30+/- years ago, carried a screw gun, long wood screws and a 2X4 in his trunk. He never used it with me. I asked why they were there, "in case a door opens to Nothing (Stairs, Deck, 3+ risers, etc). He would "Fix the problem" on the spot. of course this was in the late 1980's when LO's did higher us directly, and before almost any regulation that has come forth since.

 

[Overimprovement]

Many, Many hat's we have all had at one time or another. FHA say's do this, I do this, done. Yeh, I'm a people person, I don't want to see someone loose a rate lock, a closing date or pay $ 100-$150. more for an extra drive out. Especially for such small items. It is what it is.
My mentor/trainer 30+/- years ago, carried a screw gun, long wood screws and a 2X4 in his trunk. He never used it with me. I asked why they were there, "in case a door opens to Nothing (Stairs, Deck, 3+ risers, etc). He would "Fix the problem" on the spot. of course this was in the late 1980's when LO's did higher us directly, and before almost any regulation that has come forth since.

And while some would mis-construe this type of thing as a conflict of interest, to me it is the homeowner/buyer who misses out. 1-3 week delay, especially with the AMC middleman, and typically will cost more than the appraiser would have charged.

Things like outlet covers, hand rails, and water heaters not piped to ground are so easy to fix. We could be charging half what a 'professional' would charge. And everyone would win.

"Here is a card of a firm that could quickly repair this for you. Call them now if you like."

"...how come YOUR cell phone is ringing?"