The gray area in FHA regarding room heating

[CANative]

The 50 degrees is just an FHA requirement for rooms with plumbing. Obviously to keep the pipes from freezing.

 

[Deleted member 128537]

First I would call the FHA hotline about it and get their opinion. Second I would mention it in the appraisal that there is a functional obsolescence issue. Third if you really feel squirmy I would call for an inspection to at least verify there would be enough heat flow to keep pipes from freezing. CYA.

 

[prasercat]

The 50 degrees is just an FHA requirement for rooms with plumbing. Obviously to keep the pipes from freezing.

Thanks CaNative, I totally agree with that, although, FHA/HUD having a one size fit's all recommendation has its limitations in this regard. I've lived, owned a home and appraised at 7,000 to 10,000 feet elevation in Utah and Colorado and keeping a house at 50 degrees is generally too low to prevent pipes from freezing. A more typical recommendation is at the very minimum 55 degrees during the winter months, although during cold snaps, 60 to 65 is generally recommended for a typical mountain home in my experience. I always kept my mountain home at a minimum of 60 degrees when away from home, and it was new construction.

 

[prasercat]

First I would call the FHA hotline about it and get their opinion. Second I would mention it in the appraisal that there is a functional obsolescence issue. Third if you really feel squirmy I would call for an inspection to at least verify there would be enough heat flow to keep pipes from freezing. CYA.

I agree with your recommendations and that there is a functional obsolescence issue at 8,000 feet elevation with plumbing going up to the second floor at the back end, which can be cut-off from most of the heat by closing a few interior doors.

I've already submitted my list of minor property conditions and those requiring automatic repair to the client; however, I will also notify them that I'm pursuing a further confirmation and recommendations from FHA regarding this unusual matter - Thanks.

 

[mark hurlock]

Let us know how it works out.