FHA subject to inspection?

[J Grant]

I’m thinking this needs to be flagged and go subject to inspection for an FHA appraisal, but was hoping to get some other opinions. Although it’s probable, this is cosmetic staining, it is also possible this could be a health and safety issue related to the fireplace itself. Since there is some uncertainty there and I’m not an expert in this area, leaning towards subject to third-party inspection.

When I look at the photo, it also looks like that black soot/staining is on the lower concrete base to dirt along the side of the house.
I agree with you about asking/relying on homeowner information. They are a vested party, so they can make up a story, but even if they tell us the truth, how do we know that is the only issue or cause at hand?

The lenders and stakeholders go on about risk management, yet its an environment where we hesitant about asking for an inspection - but it's our name on the report.

 

[Sadie]

I've seen a lot in my years of appraising, but this is a first. Remediation depend on what the black stuff is. Is it soot and how did it get there? Is it mildew, and why is it there? What is the material of the outer part of the chimney? Maybe flaw in the materials? I would definitely call for something, even if its just an inspection because it could be nothing or it could be something big.

 

[Surf Cat]

To me..... it appears to be an excessive amount of soot coming up the chimney and then floating down on the roof. Then subsequently rinsed off by the rain and draining on the chimney. Seems as if they're burning wet wood or other improper materials in the FP. Was there signs of a faint, black haze at the top of the fireplace on the interior?

Additionally, it appears the inhabitants dgaf. Dirty, yes.....a health and safety issue? IMO no. I'd wager based on the soot, condition of the fascia, aluminum windows, etc ....it's a C4 on the interior as well.

 

[soucat]

Update: The initial photo was from a recent MLS sale (2023) of the property. I inspected today. It’s still like that and there is actually black staining as well on the top of the chimney and on the other side And in the Fp interior, so worse than anticipated. Definitely going subject to inspection.

 

[Sadie]

Update: The initial photo was from a recent MLS sale (2023) of the property. I inspected today. It’s still like that and there is actually black staining as well on the top of the chimney and on the other side And in the Fp interior, so worse than anticipated. Definitely going subject to inspection.

Keep us posted if you find out what cause it. Inquiring minds and all that. Its either they are burning something weird-creosote soaked wood? or there is a problem with the fire box materials and the construction of the fireplace and chimney. Of both?

 

[Surf Cat]

After seeing the updated photos especially the interior fire box, I change my mind from my post number 13.

It appears to be improper drafting.... look at all that soot in the top of the Firebox! This accumulation suggests that smoke and exhaust gases are not rising efficiently into the chimney, instead lingering and depositing carbon particles in the upper firebox area. Which then.... could possibly spill carbon monoxide into the living area as well as a high risk of fire.

The chimney will have to be cleaned of all that soot and possible replacement of the damper. Subject to inspection.

What the heck are they burning!? Pine tree branches?

 

[Sadie]

After seeing the updated photos especially the interior fire box, I change my mind from my post number 13.

It appears to be improper drafting.... look at all that soot in the top of the Firebox! This accumulation suggests that smoke and exhaust gases are not rising efficiently into the chimney, instead lingering and depositing carbon particles in the upper firebox area. Which then.... could possibly spill carbon monoxide into the living area as well as a high risk of fire.

The chimney will have to be cleaned of all that soot and possible replacement of the damper. Subject to inspection.

What the heck are they burning!? Pine tree branches?

Improper drafting would create lots of smoke in the house, setting off the alarms. Maybe that's their entertainment? It looks like it has been ongoing for quite some time. It could be something simple like a really dirty chimney that could be cured by a cleaning.

Or, was it cured for the sale in 2023 and never cleaned up? We see that sometimes, fix the problem but don't fix the mess that it created.

 

[Vermonter]

Weird. Almost like whatever they're burning is landing on the top of the chimney and surrounding surfaces and then staining when wet. Maybe newspaper?

Had a neighbor growing up that used to roll up newspapers into tight bundles with wire and would burn them in the fireplace instead of wood. Betting that would do it.