The Windows Are Painted Shut

[Ron in AR]

Just did an FHA appraisal on a 70 y/o house. Most of the windows are painted shut. Seller says they've been that way for years and are afraid of damage in getting all of them open.

Surely many of you have run into this. They were wondering if we could get by on freeing up one window per room.

Any ideas?

 

[Ghost Rider]

I'd consider it the same way as you would an egress window with metal bars on it......call it a health and safety hazard, make them correct the issue.....

 

[Carnivore]

Ron,

Check your code. In my area you must have two forms of egress from a bedroom.

 

[hal380]

Hello Ron;

HUD/FHA HANDBOOK 4150.2 states, page 3-15 Para 16.

".... the appraiser must operate a representative number of windows, interior doors and all exterior and garage doors...."

Since most of the windows are painted shut, you cannot operate a representitive No. of windows can you? You can only operate a few of them. I would VC this item and require the fix.

By the way the fix is not that hard. Someone can take a razor knife and cut the paint at the sash and jamb and at the sill and head. Probably wont take 20 mins per window. I realize it is not our place, nor should we, recommend proceedures for repairs, just call for the outcome. The reason I mention how easy the fix is, is to ease your feelings about being a bad guy.

One of my life philosophies

"Don't let someone else's problem become your problem"

Hope this helps

Hal

 

[Ben Vukicevich SRA]

Ron,

VC 11G it as "Make all windows fully operational throughout the dwelling."

Guarantee you that in addition to being painted shut... that on a 70 year old home, the sash cords are probably broken so if they just free them up, the windows still won't stay up if a kid has to get out during a fire.

Ben

 

[Pamela Crowley (Florida)]

The 'representative' number is to insure the windows work. If none work, call for all to be full functional. As Ben said:

VC 11G it as "Make all windows fully operational throughout the dwelling."

 

[Farm Gal]

I have been repeatedly told by the horses mouth that despite the "need to check a representative number", that the requirement was INTENDED to insure at least one working egress window in all living areas.

I would therfore not require that ALL windows be restored to functionality, but rather note that NONE appeared functional and require at least ONE in each living or sleeping room.

after calling the HOC and getting a name number and time fo call to put in the file

of course.

 

[Ben Vukicevich SRA]

Lee Ann,

Hmm.... that sounds like a HUD tap dance explanation from them....and HUD logical to boot.

Let's see, using HUD's logic, I guess that since HUD requires only one electrical outlet per room, they all don't have to work???...which would be a signal to me that something is definitely wrong with the electrical system, if some work and some don't. Or if there are two garage doors and one works and one doesn't???? What to do......

Personally, if it's there/installed and it's real estate (not personal property), it should perform its function, that goes for installed storm windows also-they should open.

If they're are two windows in a room, they're usually there for a reason which would be light and ventilation. So not being an expert on light and ventilation, I make them fix them all.... to restore the intended functionality????

Anyway, who cares? The appraiser is the king when they complete an FHA appraisal. I VC. They obey, or else. :yellowblack: :yellowblack:

It's good to be the king....Hey, what movie was that from?????

Glad to hear your dad's doing much better....he's in our prayers out here in NJ.

Ben

 

[Wally Jones]

History of the World - Part I.

Mel Brooks

 

[Larry Lyke]

It's a very simple procedure to open a painted window.

Somebody described part of it above.

Take a very sharp box cutter and score the areas that are sealed. Cut through.

Then, take a thin putty knife and tap it as gently as is effective with a light hammer along the score line.

Open window.

If it doesn't stay open, spend 79 cents at the hardware store for the clips.

Forget replacing ropes. That's a big deal. Easy, but very time consuming.