{"id":12877,"date":"2010-04-25T10:02:45","date_gmt":"2010-04-25T16:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/renewsblog\/?p=12877"},"modified":"2023-03-29T13:51:04","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T19:51:04","slug":"2010-04-25-fha-property-inspection-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/2010-04-25-fha-property-inspection-checklist","title":{"rendered":"FHA Home Inspection Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

As any investor who has ever sold a property to an FHA buyer knows, there is at least one mandatory FHA inspection that must be completed by the lender prior to the closing of the property. Feel free to use a DIY home inspection checklist<\/a> in tandem, but understand that this is not an acceptable alternative to the mandatory FHA inspection.<\/p>\n

I often get asked what types of things do FHA inspectors\/appraisers look for during these FHA inspections, and what types of things will cause a property to fail an FHA inspection. I’ve had that same question in the past, so I asked an FHA underwriter that I have worked with on several occasions if he could clue me in on the types of things that are flagged during these inspections.<\/p>\n

He was kind enough to forward me a full list of “minimum FHA property requirements,” which essentially translates to the FHA<\/strong> home inspection checklist<\/b>. While this list is by-no-means a formal checklist followed by FHA inspectors, it’s a good set of guidelines. Just because you meet all these requirements doesn’t mean you’ll pass an inspection, and just because you may not meet one or more requirements doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll fail an inspection. That’s up to the inspector\/appraiser\/underwriter to determine.<\/p>\n

In other words, don’t put too much faith in this list, and don’t blame me if your inspector has other criteria that he uses…<\/p>\n

In fact, as the document itself explains:<\/p>\n

This list is for reference only and does not guarantee compliance with FHA Minimum Property Requirements. Minimum Property Requirements are to insure the health and safety of the occupants and\/or the marketability of the property.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n


\n*** To download this checklist<\/a> in a convenient PDF form,<\/strong>
\n please visit the BiggerPockets FilePlace<\/a>. You will need a<\/strong>
\n BiggerPockets account to download. Sign up for a free account here<\/a>.***<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

The Home Inspection Checklist & Guidelines<\/h2>\n

Site Hazards and Nuisances<\/strong><\/p>\n

Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Sinkholes<\/li>\n
  • Active or planned gas-drilling within 300 feet<\/li>\n
  • Within 75 feet of operating oil\/gas well with no visible mitigation measures<\/li>\n
  • Abandoned oil or gas well within 10 feet<\/li>\n
  • Slush pits<\/li>\n
  • Excessive noise or hazard from heavy traffic area<\/li>\n
  • Dwelling or improvements within 10 feet of easement for high-pressure gas or petroleum line<\/li>\n
  • Dwelling or improvements within fall distance for overhead towers (high-voltage, radio\/TV, cell phone etc)<\/li>\n
  • Excessive smoke, fumes, offensive noises or odors<\/li>\n
  • Stationary storage tanks with more than 1000 gallons of flammable or explosive material<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Soil Contamination<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Surface evidence of underground storage tank<\/li>\n
    • Proximity to dumps, landfills, industrial sites that could contain hazardous materials<\/li>\n
    • Presence of pools of liquid, pits, ponds, lagoons, stained soils or pavement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Grading and Drainage<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Grading does not provide drainage away from structures<\/li>\n
      • Standing water near structures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Individual Water and Sewage Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/li>\n
        • Private sewage system show evidence of system failure<\/li>\n
        • Separation between well and septic drain field less than 100 ft, (75 ft may be acceptable if local authorities allow.)<\/li>\n
        • Separation between well and property line is less than 10 ft. (If local authority requires greater distance that requirement must be met.)<\/li>\n
        • Property lacks connection to public water (Lender\/jurisdiction may require water test and connection to public water if feasible.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Wood Destroying Insects<\/strong><\/p>\n

          Presence of the following will require a termite inspection and treatment if infestation is present:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Structure is ground level and wood is touching ground<\/li>\n
          • House or other structure show obvious evidence of infestation<\/li>\n
          • Local jurisdiction requires inspection<\/li>\n
          • Inspection is customary to the area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Private Road Access<\/strong><\/p>\n

            Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • Property inaccessible by foot or vehicle<\/li>\n
            • Property accessible only by private road without permanent recorded easement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Floor Support Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Significant cracks<\/li>\n
              • Evidence of water damage<\/li>\n
              • Evidence of spongy\/weak\/rotted flooring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Framing\/Walls\/Ceiling<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Significant cracks<\/li>\n
                • Visible holes in exposed areas that could affect structure<\/li>\n
                • Damaged plaster, sheetrock, or ceiling materials in homes constructed before 1978<\/li>\n
                • Significant water damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Attic<\/strong><\/p>\n

                  Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  • Inadequate access<\/li>\n
                  • Evidence of holes<\/li>\n
                  • Support structure damaged<\/li>\n
                  • Significant water damage visible from interior<\/li>\n
                  • No ventilation by vent, fan, or window<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    Basement<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Blocked or inadequate access<\/li>\n
                    • Evidence of significant water damage<\/li>\n
                    • Significant cracks or erosion in exposed areas that affect structural soundness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Crawl Space<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Blocked or inadequate access<\/li>\n
                      • Space inadequate for maintenance (recommended 18 inches)<\/li>\n
                      • Support beams not intact<\/li>\n
                      • Excessive dampness or ponding of water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Slab<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Significant cracks that could affect structural soundness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Roof<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          Presence of the following will require a roof inspection and possible repair:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Missing tiles, shingles, flashing etc<\/li>\n
                          • Signs of leakage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            Furnace\/Heating System<\/strong><\/p>\n

                            Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Unit does not turn on<\/li>\n
                            • Heat is not emitted<\/li>\n
                            • Unusual noise<\/li>\n
                            • Smoke or irregular smell<\/li>\n
                            • Significant holes or deterioration on unit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Electrical System<\/strong><\/p>\n

                              Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Electrical switches don\u2019t work<\/li>\n
                              • Outlets don\u2019t work<\/li>\n
                              • Presence of smoke or sparks from outlet<\/li>\n
                              • Exposed, frayed or unconnected wiring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Plumbing System<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Significant drop or limitation in water pressure<\/li>\n
                                • No hot water<\/li>\n
                                • Toilets don\u2019t function or have been removed<\/li>\n
                                • Toilet leaks<\/li>\n
                                • Sinks\/bathtub\/shower leaks (very minor leaks may be acceptable)<\/li>\n
                                • Sinks\/bathtub\/shower does not work or have been removed<\/li>\n
                                • Swimming pools not operational, in bad repair or not maintained<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  Paint<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                  Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Chipped or peeling paint on interior or exterior of home and\/or structures and improvements if home built before 1978.<\/li>\n
                                  • Chipped or peeling paint on exterior surfaces if finish is unprotected (ie, bare wood) if home built after 1978.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    Other<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                    Presence of the following may indicate unacceptable property condition:<\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    • Missing or inoperable exterior doors<\/li>\n
                                    • Broken or missing stairs<\/li>\n
                                    • Absence of built-in appliances<\/li>\n
                                    • Absence of free-standing stove (Santa Ana HOC only)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                      Related: There are various DIY home inspection checklists<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                      As any investor who has ever sold a property to an FHA buyer knows, there is at least one mandatory FHA inspection that must be completed by the lender prior […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2444,"featured_media":75577,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5525],"tags":[1206,3100,3101,4473,108],"class_list":["post-12877","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flipping-houses","tag-fha","tag-fha-inspection","tag-fha-property","tag-home-inspection-checklist","tag-rehabber"],"acf":[],"comment_count":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12877","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2444"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12877"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12877\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/75577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12877"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12877"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12877"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}