FHA Step Situation

[Susie Seibert]

Hiya everyone...

Happy heatwave to you mid-west folks!

I did an FHA appraisal the other day and the folks had a new addition on the house. There were 2 new entrances that had only concrete blocks stacked up for steps. They intend to add decks but are outta cash. I stated it needed at the very least permanent steps for safety reasons...the owner called just now and said he was told if he screwed the doors shut so that they could not be used for entry and exit purposes, that this would be okay. There are 2 other 1st floor entrances with regular porches plus a screened porch with a 3rd exit.

Is this correct? Would FHA approve this solution?

Many thanks as always.

 

[George Ellerman]

Hiya everyone...

Happy heatwave to you mid-west folks!

I did an FHA appraisal the other day and the folks had a new addition on the house. There were 2 new entrances that had only concrete blocks stacked up for steps. They intend to add decks but are outta cash. I stated it needed at the very least permanent steps for safety reasons...the owner called just now and said he was told if he screwed the doors shut so that they could not be used for entry and exit purposes, that this would be okay. There are 2 other 1st floor entrances with regular porches plus a screened porch with a 3rd exit.

Is this correct? Would FHA approve this solution?


Many thanks as always.

If the entrance is permanently sealed so as to deny ingress or egress you would be ok.

 

[Susie Seibert]

Not to beat a dead horse...but do you think screwing the door shut at the top would qualify it for "permanently sealed"? Do you think they should removed the concrete blocks as well to show that intent?

 

[Webbed Feet]

Ms. Seibert,

Ahhhhhhhh ... gosh.... How many steps? What is the exact height from grade to door sill that is being discussed? Why won't a good safety railing work? While we are at it, please supply, or find, a definition of "permanent" regarding steps for me? Why are you not asking the jurisdictional authority for that location these questions?

Webbed.

 

[Kevin A. Spellman]

I experienced a similar situation with three doors only for my subject. Here are the before and after shots. I called for it to be repaired, a VA assignment.

 

[Mr Rex]

Stacked concrete blocks are personal property and not part of the Real Estate.

 

[stefan olafson]

I agree with webbed! Have them put up a good quality sturdy hand rail. I don't think there is any specifics in FHA docs spelling out what a set of steps has to be made our of? I've seen metal mobile home type steps that have worked just fine, no problems with safety and you can use them.

 

[The Bob]

So the doors are sealed and if there is a fire they can't use that door for an exit? Brilliant!!

 

[JSmith43]

Stacked concrete blocks are personal property and not part of the Real Estate.

Sometimes, just sometimes, you're a friggen genious, Rex. I'm serious.
He got in a good joke and pointed out the frivolty of the situation.

A hand rail, duck?? Below par performance for our fine feathered friend.

Mortgagee letter 2005-ML-48 has the answer. Report what you see, don't make judgements, don't make railing work orders, basically, don't make trouble. Let the UW and home inspector make the trouble.

I personally would say how high the pile of blocks are and say that a practical solution might be to block off that exit until hell freezes over, until the owner adds real finished stairs, or until after funding of the loan

Seriously, a good question, Susie. Some good answers. I just happen to feel my answer is best, this time, so far

 

[Jim Onderisin]

Sometimes, just sometimes, you're a friggen genious, Rex. I'm serious.
He got in a good joke and pointed out the frivolty of the situation.

A hand rail, duck?? Below par performance for our fine feathered friend.

Mortgagee letter 2005-ML-48 has the answer. Report what you see, don't make judgements, don't make railing work orders, basically, don't make trouble. Let the UW and home inspector make the trouble.

I personally would say how high the pile of blocks are and say that a practical solution might be to block off that exit until hell freezes over, until the owner adds real finished stairs, or until after funding of the loan

Seriously, a good question, Susie. Some good answers. I just happen to feel my answer is best, this time, so far

I agree...just report the facts and let the UNDERWRITER make the determination of what they want done. Don't we have anything more important to think about? God bless us all.