When you purchase a home, you should always include in your contract that the sale is contingent upon results of a home inspection. Doing this will allow that when you get an inspection completed, you can back out of the contract if some big red flags come up such as structural issues, mold or pest infestation, cracks in the foundation or a new roof being needed.
If you are purchasing property with an FHA-insured loan, you may be required by the loan company to get an FHA home inspection. These appraisers will determine the current market value of the home to report to The Department of Housing and Urban Development and also complete a home inspection to ensure that the property meets the minimum standards for health and safety as set by HUD.
What Problems Does an FHA Home Inspection Mandate Be Repaired?
The home inspector is concerned with the safety, security, and soundness of a home, as well as the value. Minor defects and wear and tear are not required to be fixed if they do not affect the safety, security or soundness of the home. Some of the major defects that do require repair include:
- Frayed and exposed wires in electrical boxes
- Heat source must function in all habitable rooms
- Attic must be dry
- Roof must be expected to last an additional 3 years minimum
- No more than two layers of roofing
- Water heaters to code
- Soil contamination
- Oil and gas wells on property
- Hazardous waste near property
- Near transmission towers, high pressure petrol lines or high voltage power lines.
Some of these conditions are not ones that can be fixed by the property owner and may result in the FHA not being able to insure your home loan. It is important to arrange for your FHA home inspection early on in the home buying process. Call Beryl Engineering and Inspections to arrange your inspection today.