Investor · Orlando, FL · Member since 2015 · 86 posts · 6 votes
Hello!
I am trying to get this property ready for an FHA inspection.
It seems like it's geared toward safety issues. I have a shed that is a foot too close to the property. Will that be a huge problem? Do they look for coding issues or are nitpicky about these sort of things?
Hi, I've had FHA inspections scuttle more than one creative deal! That being said, as long if it is a conventional deal and they can tick all the boxes it shouldn't be too much of an issue, they will also give you the chance to fix and issues they do find, and often sending them a picture of the fix is enough.
From your personal experience, do you think tables and an outdoor shower up against the outer wall of the home be a problem? We just don't want to put in tons of work thinking that they were nitpicky, only to see that they cared bout primarily big safety issues.
That shouldn't be an issue unless it is not allowed by the code enforcement in your town and the FHA inspector is aware of that. They are big on things like old wooden stairs without railings, chimneys in need of repointing, lack of heat or electricity, commercial units in residential buildings (even though it is allowed it is really hard to convince them of that).
By inspection are you referring to an FHA approved appraiser coming through? It somewhat depends on who you get. If you are showing them around it never hurts to be nice and offer refreshments and crack a few appraisal jokes, we're all human.
From your personal experience, do you think tables and an outdoor shower up against the outer wall of the home be a problem? We just don't want to put in tons of work thinking that they were nitpicky, only to see that they cared bout primarily big safety issues.
Is that outdoor shower of yours set up such that it could cause damage from water accumulating, or is there clearly adequate drainage?
Hey Chris! The shower drains through a thick layer of shells, that goes down the slope towards our garden (away from our house). However, it is right up against the corner of the house.
From your personal experience, do you think tables and an outdoor shower up against the outer wall of the home be a problem? We just don't want to put in tons of work thinking that they were nitpicky, only to see that they cared bout primarily big safety issues.
Is that outdoor shower of yours set up such that it could cause damage form water accumulating, or is there clearly adequate drainage?
Haha, it collects in a low spot near some exposed wiring on the corner of the house where the main breaker is located. I've seen it before lol!
Hey Chris! The shower drains through a thick layer of shells, that goes down the slope towards our garden (away from our house). However, it is right up against the corner of the house.
Is there some sort of barrier between the shower and the side of the house, like a curtain or something?
Outside paint can obviously withstand rain, so logically it shouldn't matter, but I'd be concerned that an FHA appraiser might be like "oh we need a licensed paint expert to come out and certify that this is OK" which would be a waste of time/money.
If there is no curtain thing, go to the dollar store and spend $1 on one. :)
I'm just trying to think of what stupid things FHA appraisers might write in an appraisal and getting in front of that. $1 is cheaper than $1 + a paint expert + an appraisal re-visit.