Open Mechanicals

[KJLhoxtrot]

I have an FHA order of a SF home on a slab. The home uses natural gas. The furnace and water heater are new, although they are located in a hallway closet WithOUT a door. It's a large closet which extends the entire hallway, approx. 10'-12'.

I feel like the absence of a door could be a safety hazard for kids or pets, so I'm making this 'subject-to' a louver door, or any type of enclosure which allows for proper air flow.

However, does the entire closet door(s) need to have a grill? Or just the portion covering the furnace?

 

[Dublin ohio]

I have an FHA order of a SF home on a slab. The home uses natural gas. The furnace and water heater are new, although they are located in a hallway closet WithOUT a door. It's a large closet which extends the entire hallway, approx. 10'-12'.

I feel like the absence of a door could be a safety hazard for kids or pets, so I'm making this 'subject-to' a louver door, or any type of enclosure which allows for proper air flow.

However, does the entire closet door(s) need to have a grill? Or just the portion covering the furnace?

What would you do if the furnace and water heater were in the basement. Require a locked door so the kids and pets couldn't get into the basement. Most high efficiency furnaces have their own source of combustion air. Is the water heater gas.

 

[Mark K]

What would you do if the furnace and water heater were in the basement. Require a locked door so the kids and pets couldn't get into the basement. Most high efficiency furnaces have their own source of combustion air. Is the water heater gas.

Exactly. Or in the garage, common here. Unless the building codes prohibit this type of installation, stay in your lane. Appraise the house.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

My heater and water heater are in my utility room - no door needed.

 

[Tom D]

maybe a curtain at worst. a 10x12 closet. are the heaters in an enclosed area, like the end of the closet, but is there a door to the overall closet. if there is a door to the general closet, good enough. if the heaters are in the back part of the entry section, gotta go thru closet to see them, still no door needed.

 

[Zoe]

I guess if it gets real hot, you could. The heater probably has a cover on it. I guess a small toddler might could get burned on the hot water tank . I don't know.

Just state you don't know and disclose it. You could call code enforcement and see if they have requirement.

 

[KHS445]

As others have said, it is more of an aesthetic issue than a safety concern. I would mention it in the report and definitely show a picture or two in order to provide your client with a visual. Let the client decide if it is an issue and what sort of remedy they want to require, if any.

 

[Zoe]

As others have said, it is more of an aesthetic issue than a safety concern. I would mention it in the report and definitely show a picture or two in order to provide your client with a visual. Let the client decide if it is an issue and what sort of remedy they want to require, if any.

Yeah, client is FHA and the lender, but yeah if you explain it to them and take pictures like you suggested. FHA and lender may have their own opinion. FHA is big as lender too in that situation. At least they would be spreading the liability.

Personally, I would pick up phone and call FHA and make notes in workfile on what FHA told me. Lender too. I would still note in the appraisal if FHA and lender said carry on "as is".

 

[Zoe]

I have never really seen a closet that big in a hallway without like vented door on it. It helps block noise for one thing. I don't really know why it was done that way.

I have seen like free standing hot water tank in a like a laundry room but the laundry room had a door to it.

When that air controller kicks on with the HVAC, it gives off noise. The hot water tank does too on gas fired when it kicks on.

 

[Tom D]

this thread is goibg nowhere because we get an odd question without a photo. my crystle ball is a lttle bit foggy and i can't see what it looks like. i just had a shoe repair guy tell me how can i tell you i can fix it, if i don't see it. so here unseen, the answers fly all over the place. buy yet we have no photo to look at. he probable didn't take one. mystic answers for a vague situation.