FHA and the "Head and Shoulders" Test
What the real estate appraiser needs to see
Real estate appraiser and ActiveRain blogger Michael Bolton provides some very good information for real estate professionals and their clients that have ordered FHA appraisals. Among the items on the list to cover before the appraiser arrives are clear access to the attic area and the crawl space.
If you wish to make comments on this information, please go to the original post so that Michael will see the feedback.
Yuletide at Winterthur IMG_3121
Photograph by Roy Kelley
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
When doing FHA appraisals the appraiser is required to do what is called the “Head and Shoulders” test. The appraiser is required to inspect the attic and basement/crawl space to at least the head and shoulders level. The appraiser should use a flashlight or similar device to illuminate the space being inspected; photographs are required for any deficiencies to document any needed repairs, or other required inspections by a third party.
Things appraiser's look for:
- Proper ventilation of the roof or attic area.
- Hazards (missing/loose duct work, wiring, etc.)
- Hole in the fire barrier wall between the house and garage.
- Leaking roof, and/or any water or moisture damage to sheathing or roof trusses.
- Standing or pools of water (crawl space).
- Structural problems.
Appraisers must have access to the attic and crawl space. If this area is blocked then the lender will have to be contacted and reschedule an inspection. This would most likely result in an unwanted re-inspection fee. It’s not the responsibility of the appraiser to move homeowner’s personal belongings and furniture to gain access (can you say major liability issues). Some attic spaces do have more than one access entry point, and depending on the area that the appraiser is able view, both may have to be made available.
If the appraiser is unable to gain access:
- Lender will be contacted to reschedule the inspection.
- If access isn’t feasible, then the appraisal is conditioned upon a satisfactory inspection by a qualified third party.
- If the design is such that an inspection isn’t possible (flat roofs, vaulted ceilings, etc.) then the appraiser will indicate that within their report.
It’s important to note that FHA requires that the attic and/or crawl space to be inspected; sealed scuttle doors, clutter/furniture blocking entry doesn't qualify as reasons that an inspection can’t be done.
If you have any concerns about any of the above issues please feel free to contact me for clarification.
If you have any questions, or Minnesota real estate appraisal needs (divorce, bankruptcy, tax appeal, or estate planning) please contact Michael at 612.599-2581, or use the form on the contact page.
Comments(2)