Power line over detached garage

[Mr Rex]

Sounds like the garage was added after the power line to the house was installed, as the power company would not have installed it that way. They would put in another pole to jog around the garage. So you have another potential problem. The garage was likely built without permits, as the code folks wouldn't pass it with the line over the garage like that.

 

[Carnivore]

Sounds like the garage was added after the power line to the house was installed, as the power company would not have installed it that way. They would put in another pole to jog around the garage. So you have another potential problem. The garage was likely built without permits, as the code folks wouldn't pass it with the line over the garage like that.

I thought of that but did not post because I knew you would being one of the resident experts here on everything FHA.

This would be a problem with any appraisal.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

Simple answer: Does not meet FHA requirements. Simple solution: Have the utility company re-route the power line.

 

[ValueArtist]

"Service Lines" that run from the pole to the house are neither a high voltage nor distribution line, therefore it isn't an issue that a service line is running over a garage. Note the specific statement in the FHA guideline statement: "Neither high voltage nor distribution lines shall pass directly over any structure on the property (this does not include service lines that deliver power to the house)."

If there was an earthquake and a service line was to detach from a dwelling, it would retract back towards the pole; if it were to land on the garage roof, the roofing material is not conductive and the voltage in a "stepped down" service line is only 220-120volts. Now on the otherhand, if the service line was running over a swimming pool, that is another issue all together, and would be a violation of GO95 (low voltage regulations), and a safety hazard.

I was a linesman for 15years.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

And then he sings...."I am a line for the county, and I work the main line...."

Glen would be proud!

 

[CANative]

I was a linesman for 15years.

Southern California Edison?

My dad and Grampa were linemen (and foremen) for Edison.

 

[Michigan CG]

Sounds like the garage was added after the power line to the house was installed, as the power company would not have installed it that way. They would put in another pole to jog around the garage. So you have another potential problem. The garage was likely built without permits, as the code folks wouldn't pass it with the line over the garage like that.

Excellent point.

 

[Michigan CG]

And then he sings...."I am a line for the county, and I work the main line...."

Glen would be proud!

Isn't it "I am a lineMAN for the county, and I work the main line..."

I loved Glen Campbell growing up even though I was a Journey/Foreigner/Van Halen/REO fan for the most part. My dad liked country and I liked some of it including Glen Campbell and Kenny Rogers.

 

[ValueArtist]

Southern California Edison?

My dad and Grampa were linemen (and foremen) for Edison.

Negative, independent contractor with many clients in SoCal.. Linesmen work is for young men, not burly older dudes! lol

I fit the typical appraiser personality profile.

 

[Mr Rex]

"Service Lines" that run from the pole to the house are neither a high voltage nor distribution line, therefore it isn't an issue that a service line is running over a garage. Note the specific statement in the FHA guideline statement: "Neither high voltage nor distribution lines shall pass directly over any structure on the property (this does not include service lines that deliver power to the house)."

If there was an earthquake and a service line was to detach from a dwelling, it would retract back towards the pole; if it were to land on the garage roof, the roofing material is not conductive and the voltage in a "stepped down" service line is only 220-120volts. Now on the otherhand, if the service line was running over a swimming pool, that is another issue all together, and would be a violation of GO95 (low voltage regulations), and a safety hazard.

I was a linesman for 15years.

I too worked for the electric utility, and I can tell you with 100% certainty that they would not run a service over a building, with the exception of a short distance to a masthead at an eave, and the only wire above the house is the distance of the overhang.