"Wing walls need railing," was on the FHA appraisal, and the client was mystified.

Since it was an FHA appraisal and it involved a railing, I knew the appraiser was talking about a wall or ledge off of which someone could fall. I had never heard the term "wing wall." The house did not have an open stairwell, so I asked the client if there were any photos. "Only of the outside of the house," she said.

Wing Wall

That was the clue I needed, as I realized the appraiser was talking about the retaining walls on either side of the walk-out basement.

A retaining wall at the corner of the house is a wing wall. While remembering that term is not important for homeowners, knowing that those walls can be cited as a safety hazard is important.

A retaining wall anywhere on the property may be a target for an FHA predication, even those retaining walls that separate yard from driveway when a raised ranch or split foyer house has a basement level garage. Sellers need to know that they may be asked to erect railings in those areas.Wing wall with railing

 

 

 

 

The photo at right shows the same house as the photo above, but the railings have been installed. The retrofitted railings satisfied the FHA predication, and the house sale concluded successfully.

 

 

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2 Comments on Wing wall? And it needs a railing?

FEB
09
2011
166,545 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I never would have imagined those retaining walls to be in need of railings since they had all the shrubbary and such . . .  thanks for the GREAT informative post!
8:15pm • #1
217,695 Points 13 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

I agree, Brenda. I even argued that point with the appraiser.
8:19pm • #2


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Liz Lockhart,GRI, Cape Girardeau Real Estate

Liz Lockhart, Riverbend Realty broker/owner

Cape Girardeau, MO

More about me…

Riverbend Realty, Cape Girardeau, MO

Address: 303 N. Fountain, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701

Office Phone: (573) 651-0777

Cell Phone: (573) 450-0777

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