Fire wall in the garage for FHA?

[Mark K]

So my question is What needs to be done in the garage for a FHA loan???

Thanks for all of the replies.......

The OSB needs covered with drywall on the wall common with the living area.

If the ceiling is open, i.e., open joists up to the roof deck and this area is open to the living area attic, the ceiling needs covered in drywall, ...or the drywall on the common wall must extend to the roof deck; frame in the common open area and extend the drywall up.

Also, I find it hard to believe that local construction is not covered by codes. If none local I'd bet that the control defaults to a state code system.

No zoning, yeah. No codes, I'm skeptical.

 

[RSW]

We are not code enforcers. However, in the instance of the wall between the house and attached garage, if the residence attic is open and exposed to the garage area, it is a safety issue, IMHO. Just ask any home inspector. Installation of a firewall (5/8" drywall, taped) installed from the top of the concrete foundation wall up to the roof sheathing, will correct it. I have recommended this correction in the past, and will continue to do so.

No, the HUD handbooks do not address garage firewalls, just as they do not spell out each and every residential health and safety issue known to man.

It's not code enforcement. It's common sense.

OP: Your forum status indicates you are a real estate agent. Is your question related to a sales transaction, and are you representing the seller, or the buyer? Just curious...

That’s right! We are not code enforcers. As for it being a safety concern? I live in a subdivision of approximately 300 homes. Many of these homes have garages in the basement. The garages are unfinished and there is no firewall in the ceiling or the wall connecting to the finished basement area. No code violations there are they were built before codes were in effect. Now, let say there is a newer home built in the last 10 years that is a basement ranch home. The basement is unfinished and has a two car garage in it. No firewall is required. Is there a safety concern there?

 

[Mike Kennedy]

We do not have any codes here.
We are in Southern Illinois.
What is required for FHA?????

So if you have no codes does that make a difference?????

Location and Governing Municipality?

 

[Buzzz]

The appraiser called back today. Yes we need 5/8 drywall on walls and the ceiling.
I still can't believe all of the different answers. Even when he called he was not sure if the walls need to be covered with drywall.

I would still like to know, Does this have to be done for FHA???? or for the Appraiser????????

I know that it is for safety, but if it is NOT required why make someone be out the $$$$$$$ and possibly even kill a deal??????

Thanks again for all of the replies.........

 

[Mr Rex]

Why is someone pointing out a potential life safety item so abhorrent to you? Do you understand the FHA Charter and what it's original. and current intent was/is? Or are you just entitled to a FHA insured loan?

 

[Buzzz]

Not required for FHA unless local code requires it.

Then why does it have to be done?

And no I am not mad about any of it. I am just trying to understand why I would get so many different answers to the same problem.

So if I have another house to sell and there is not a firewall in the garage and I have a different appraiser it may be OK.....

 

[Proactive]

That’s right! We are not code enforcers. As for it being a safety concern? I live in a subdivision of approximately 300 homes. Many of these homes have garages in the basement. The garages are unfinished and there is no firewall in the ceiling or the wall connecting to the finished basement area. No code violations there are they were built before codes were in effect. Now, let say there is a newer home built in the last 10 years that is a basement ranch home. The basement is unfinished and has a two car garage in it. No firewall is required. Is there a safety concern there?

In my market, yes, it is a safety concern and I will continue to recommend correction. Apparently it is not a concern in Tennessee.

Vivre et laisser vivre.

 

[Proactive]

Then why does it have to be done?

And no I am not mad about any of it. I am just trying to understand why I would get so many different answers to the same problem.

So if I have another house to sell and there is not a firewall in the garage and I have a different appraiser it may be OK.....

Why not check with FHA? They'll give you one answer... the one that counts.

Good luck!

 

[Buzzz]

Why not check with FHA? They'll give you one answer... the one that counts.

Good luck!

That is what I wanted.... FHAs answer. You would think there would only be 1 answer, but I do understand the saftey issue.
I did call FHA but they said either the appraiser or lender would have to call. The lender said if it was on the appriasal report it would have to be fixed. I was surprised when I asked the appraiser what needed to be done and he said that he did NOT know.....

 

[Proactive]

I was surprised when I asked the appraiser what needed to be done and he said that he did NOT know.....

I hear you, brother. We can't ALL be swans...