FHA And Tandem Bedrooms

[Chase UW]

I am an UW reviewing an FHA appraisal. There is a tandem bedroom and a tandem den (meaning the only access to the 3rd bedroom is through the through the 2nd bedroom and the only access to the den is through the 3rd bedroom). Does FHA allow this? I cannot find anything in the handbook.

 

[nstanbru]

There are people on this forum who have a greater knowledge of FHA issues than I do. So, FWIW, unless there is a safety problem (emergency exit, e.g.), to me this is a functional issue, not an FHA issue.

 

[Randolph Kinney]

I am an UW reviewing an FHA appraisal. There is a tandem bedroom and a tandem den (meaning the only access to the 3rd bedroom is through the through the 2nd bedroom and the only access to the den is through the 3rd bedroom). Does FHA allow this? I cannot find anything in the handbook.

What you are describing is a functional problem and lack of privacy of a bedroom. Because of that, the second bedroom has lost its utility as a bedroom. The same for the third bedroom when accessing the den.

 

[RSW]

Why not call the den the bedroom?

 

[Rlong]

I concur it is a funcional issue, and i never describe those as a bedroom. In addition i believe it also does not meet building code for egress, occupant needs direct egress to a hall that does not pass through another room. (I still maintain an ICC A test/ contracting license, but don't remember it in detail because mine is primarilly in Commercial)
Bob in CO

 

[glenn walker]

Call your HOC and get some guidance. No hard fast rule but a Functionally obsolescent floor plan and lack of bedroom privacy may be enough for HUD to recommend you "reject" the property ?

 

[Howard Klahr]

I am not an appraiser but I have been an UW and have reviewed appraisals for over 30 years.

I review appraisals for a major lender

Could you please tell me what qualifies you with your 30 years of appraisal review experience and your current position as a reviewer for a major lender to perform these reviews and yet not have a firm grasp on functional obsolescence and what FHA will or won;t accept?

I can appreciate your continuing to come here to an appraisal forum asking valuation questions, however, you continue posting underwriting questions to appraisers. You are not asking valuation questions.

 

[Mr Rex]

FHA does not prohibit functional issues but expects the appraiser to describe, determine market reaction, and report the facts.

 

[glenn walker]

The OP stated he/she was an underwriter NOT a reviewer *** FHA/HUD does hold the DE Underwriter responsible for reviewing the appraisal BUT either he-she has no in-house support or is not a DE Endorsed Underwriter and working files for others. No matter what I am not hear to beat him-her up but personally I would just call my appraisal division at HOC and tell them the situation. The Hoc is very helpful to FHA/HUD De-Underwriters because they are the last line in the sand .

 

[Howard Klahr]

The OP stated he/she was an underwriter NOT a reviewer

I didn't know you wanted to join the conversation Mr. Helper. Contrary to your statement, I can actually follow more than one thread at a time and the OP did in fact state that they're not only an underwriter but also a reviewer for OVER 30 yrs. I find it interesting that someone with such tenure performing these functions has the need to keep coming to a group of appraisers for conformation on how to address underwriting functions.