What is a “Head and Shoulders”
inspection?
HUD Rules for inspections are used throughout the United States including Ocean City MD. Understand what should take place and protect yourself when applying for an FHA loan. Susan@ShoreFun4U.com
When
doing an FHA appraisal inspection the appraiser is required to make a “Head and
Shoulders” Inspection. I received a question this week about a topic that I think most
homeowners and many real estate agents are not aware of regarding FHA appraisal
inspections. Appraisers are required to report on what they see in the attic of
a home, and in order to do this they have to physically inspect the attic by
making a “Head and Shoulders” inspection, which means they are only required to
enter the attic to the extent that their head and shoulders are in the attic
space. Some homes have drop down stairs that make entry into the attic easier,
however other times the only access is a scuttle in which case the appraiser
must have a ladder or other means to view the attic. It is also handy to have a
flashlight in case there is no other light source available. According to HUD
Handbook 4150.2 the appraiser must:
Enter the attic and
observe the interior roofing for insulation, deficient materials, leaks or
readily observable evidence of significant water damage, structural problems,
previous fire damage, FRT sheathing, exposed and frayed wiring and adequate
ventilation by vent, fan or window.
If any
of the above conditions exist the appraiser is required to report on what they
see and make the appraisal “subject to” repairs. Check out this attic I
inspected per HUD/FHA guidelines.
The
lender should inform the owner of the home, or real estate agent if the home is
listed for sale, that the attic access should not be blocked and that entry is
possible. If it is not possible for the appraiser to get in the attic because
there is something in the way they must notify the lender and make arrangements
to come at another time when access is possible. HUD notes that it is the responsibility
of the lender to make sure access is possible. If a return visit is
made it will be necessary to charge an additional trip fee, which increases the
cost to the borrower. The appraiser is not required to move furniture or any
other items that may be blocking access to the attic.
As
noted above the following are items which the appraiser should look for
and report on if noticed and pictures should also be taken to provide proof to
the lender:
§ Evidence of water damage-
Have recent rains caused leaking due to faulty roof shingles?
§ Evidence of fire damage- Is
there any black charring or smoke damage caused by a previous house fire?
§ Exposed or frayed wiring-
Exposed wires can be an electrical shock hazard and/or contribute to house
fires.
§ Structural problems- Are
there any roof trusses that are cracked or warped and that could cause the roof
to collapse?
§ Adequacy of ventilation-
lack of proper ventilation can result in higher than normal heating and cooling
bills.
In addition
to the above items the appraiser must look for and report any other items
that can pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants or adversely
impact the value and marketability of the property. Do you have any other
appraisal related questions pertaining to either attics or FHA requirements? If
so leave me a message below and I will be sure to get back with you.
Read more http://birminghamappraisalblog.com/appraisal/head-and-shoulders-inspection/
Read more http://birminghamappraisalblog.com/appraisal/head-and-shoulders-inspection/
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