Smoke and CO Detectors

[Ivory]

First post here...
As far as I understand, Smoke detectors and CO detectors are not a requirement for FHA. In Colorado, it is a requirement for them to be installed for a Sale. However, I did a FHA refinance appraisal about 2 months ago..... today I received a revision request stating "Please verify Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors are present and working properly" ???? Because it wasn't a sale, I didn't check during my inspection.... Suggestions on how to handle this? 1. Make a comment since it was a refi they were not noted/tested. 2. Do a 1004D, but my report was 'as-is'. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[CANative]

If you didn't notice any then tell them you didn't inspect for them. Offer to go back for $100. I would.

If you made notes on your inspection sketch and you're confident that you did notice them then just add a line to your report, resign and re-date the report. You don't need to charge for that. I wouldn't

 

[glenn walker]

Most major lenders and banks In the USA now require smoke detectors and some states require 1 Co detector per floor conventional or FHA . It's a health and safety issue and no matter what your state law is the client may require them. Think (health and safety) both on a purchase or refinance and take photo's if they are installed. If none are installed just report the facts. The lender will determine if their investor requires them or not and will simply have you reinspect the property when the owner has installed them. In California both are required and it's just part of the process.

 

[glenn walker]

P.S. Even though you completed the appraisal "AS IS " The FHA DE-Underwriter can condition smoke and co detectors to be installed. ( health and safety issue) No offence but it sounds like you assumed they are not required on a refinance and you did not look for them. If the homeowner had them installed at time of your original inspection I would have a hard time charging for my error. If the owner had no smoke or co detectors at time of original inspection I would complete the 1004-D and charge for it. Remember digital photo's cost nothing so take photo's of hot water heaters,smoke detectors ,Co detectors , appliances and anything some crazy UW may ask for two weeks after the appraisal was completed.: ) LOL

 

[Mountain Man]

$200 inspection fee, that's how I'd handle it. I'm not a code enforcement officer and the house was built under the code at the time. GA has a similar law requiring CO detectors, went round and round with a UW on ALL ELECTRIC house in a rural area.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

how do you know those things work? Not your job! Do smoke and monoxide monitors affect the value?

 

[CANative]

P.S. Even though you completed the appraisal "AS IS " The FHA DE-Underwriter can condition smoke and co detectors to be installed. ( health and safety issue) No offence but it sounds like you assumed they are not required on a refinance and you did not look for them. If the homeowner had them installed at time of your original inspection I would have a hard time charging for my error. If the owner had no smoke or co detectors at time of original inspection I would complete the 1004-D and charge for it. Remember digital photo's cost nothing so take photo's of hot water heaters,smoke detectors ,Co detectors , appliances and anything some crazy UW may ask for two weeks after the appraisal was completed.: ) LOL

There's no MPR for Smoke and CO detectors, it's not a an issue of safety, and the lack of them does not represent an illegal use of the land. I'm proactive about it now days just so this situation does not come up but if the client did not ask about it in advance I would not return to the property for free.

 

[Ivory]

Thanks for all the ideas/thoughts! I do take alot of pictures while I am at the inspections, water heater, furnace, electrical box..... I guess I should include the Smoke and CO detectors too! I have had only one client require it recently, which I thought was odd. I agree with most, how do I know they work????? Should not be part of an Appraiser's job description!
Thanks!

 

[Mike Kennedy]

"In 2009, the State of Colorado and City and County of Denver passed ordinances requiring Carbon Monoxide(CO) alarms in residences—a new facet added to governmental requirements for home safety.
This document outlines the requirements for smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and CO alarms and explains your responsibilities for home fire safety."
Requirements:
•
State of Colorado and City and County of Denver requirement:
Every residence with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage must be equipped with at least one UL-listed carbon monoxide alarm.

http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/678/documents/Home Fire Safety handout - 8-17-10.pdf

State Law

"Colorado’s new law concerning carbon monoxide alarms was signed by Governor Ritter on March 24, 2009 and applies to sales, rentals and remodels of single family and multi-family residences on and after July 1, 2009. The definition of “multi-family dwelling” in the new law specifically includes condominiums, and therefore, subject to certain limitations, would apply to units in condominium associations."
http://www.denvergov.org/NewColoradoCarbonMonoxideLaw/tabid/436157/Default.aspx


Carbon Monoxide detector Requirements FAQS

On March 25, 2009, Governor Bill Ritter signed into law Colorado House Bill 1091 requiring the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in residential properties.

What does this new law do? – A Summary
•This law requires homeowners and owners of rental property to install carbon monoxide alarms near the bedrooms (or other room lawfully used for sleeping purposes) in every home that is heated with fossil fuel,has a fuel-fired appliance, has a fireplace, or has an attached garage.
•This requirement applies to every home that is sold, remodeled, repaired, or leased to a new tenant after July 1, 2009.

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellit...goBlobs&blobwhere=1251811662754&ssbinary=true

 

[CANative]

What does all that have to do with a market value opinion (the cost of these things is probably less than $100 for the entire house)?