VA Requirement For A Sketch On New Construction

[DonRico]

Does the VA require an actual CAD Sketch ? Or is scanning in the Builder's Brochure enough for New Construction ?

I always measure the Perimeter on site and if there is no change to the footprint of this Model, like a bump-out Kitchen or such -- I've just scanned in the Brochure showing room placement. Always been sufficient before. Trying to save a step here.

Is there a written VA requirement that I do my own CAD Sketch in the Report ?

 

[Riick]

Add in measurements of perimeter in pencil, on appropriate exterior walls, *then* scan in the drawing.
You may also want to add up the space and "show your work" on how you got GLA
No one cares if you draw it yourself or not

 

[Fritz in NY]

I was told the VA now requires stairs and doors to be on the sketch, along with the basement (which I never did until 6/2017)
How far shall we go? Our software has Tubs, Fireplaces, bidet's etc. We really could go wild, have no effect on our opinion
of value, but looks nice.
Any strange requests out there?

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

How do you show you verified the GLA?

 

[DonRico]

I put in a statement with words to this effect -- "measured the Perimeter on Site and there is no change to the footprint of this Model." This has always been sufficient for every other Lender. Lennar Corp changed their In House Lender Name to Eagle Home Loan, and there's some new "reviewer" in their Miami Office. She's sent her missives on the last 2 "Reviews" asking for a CAD Sketch.

At this point, it's easier to do the damn Sketch than to fillibuster this thing. I was just looking for a pointer to the Chapter & Verse in the Handbook.

 

[Riick]

As a lender requirement (not VA) I guess she can ask for appraiser's sketch, but CAD, no.
"Sorry, but I don't do 'em that way, here's my pencil sketch, on graph paper, with dimensions of the perimeter walls."
She can also ask for front + rear + interior photos of the comparables, which I would be happy to provide, at my base rate for special requirements - only $95/hr - same as auto mechanic charges.

At this point, it's easier to do the damn Sketch than to fillibuster this thing. I was just looking for a pointer to the Chapter & Verse in the Handbook.

You might want to send a private message to: DON CLARK
He knows the VA protocols at least as well as most VA appraisal employees.

 

[DonRico]

My Handbook says this about Sketches....
"Building perimeter sketches showing the “footprint” of all improvements, including floor plan layout of residential spaces. "

Builder's Brochure has all that and more. But this particular Lender says "Please Provide per VA Guidelines" Whatever.

But the Poster who said VA now wants "stairs, doors and tubs" is asking for trouble.....I'm not going there. Perimeter and Room Placement only.

I may send Don Clark a PM later, just to get his thoughts on the matter.

 

[Don Clark]

I was told the VA now requires stairs and doors to be on the sketch, along with the basement (which I never did until 6/2017)
How far shall we go? Our software has Tubs, Fireplaces, bidet's etc. We really could go wild, have no effect on our opinion
of value, but looks nice.
Any strange requests out there?

Never heard of such a thing. Maybe in New York doors are the exception.M RLC assumes thee re doors since I tell gem wht kind on ghe form.

 

[Don Clark]

My Handbook says this about Sketches....
"Building perimeter sketches showing the “footprint” of all improvements, including floor plan layout of residential spaces. "

Builder's Brochure has all that and more. But this particular Lender says "Please Provide per VA Guidelines" Whatever.

But the Poster who said VA now wants "stairs, doors and tubs" is asking for trouble.....I'm not going there. Perimeter and Room Placement only.

I may send Don Clark a PM later, just to get his thoughts on the matter.

Just posted my thoughts.If there were no doors I would note thagt. I am an appraiser, not a sketch atist.

 

[Don Clark]

How do you show you verified the GLA?

Good question.I always include my own sketch.Many builders plans are not all gthat accurate and they may n,I do a sketch.ot include rounding, etc. Sknce I have to know if the square footage is correct