FHA Inspection Checklist Template

FHA INSPECTION CHECK LIST

(Prepared for use with FHA/HUD Handbook 4150.2 )

Cliff Odom, RAA Birmingham, AL

VC-1 Location Hazards And Nuisances

Inspection Check List

Yes No

a.

Subsidence/Sink holes ……………………………………………………… ______ ______

b.

Operating oil or gas wells within 300 feet of existing construction………… ______ ______

(Includes gasoline stations within 300 feet of home; however, it would not necessarily

render the property unacceptable.)

c.

Operating oil or gas wells with 75 feet of new construction………………... ______ ______

d.

Abandoned oil or gas wells within 10 feet of new/existing………………… ______ ______

e.

Readily observable evidence of slush pits ………………………………….. ______ ______

f.

Excessive noise or hazard from heavy traffic area………………………….. ______ ______

g.

New/proposed construction in airport clear zone…………………………… ______ ______

h.

High-pressure gas or petroleum lines within engineering

10 feet or property…………………………………………………………… ______ ______

i.

Overhead high voltage transmission lines within engineering

(Designed) fall distance……………………………………………………… ______ ______

(

Low voltage power lines may not pass directly over the primary living

unit , including pools, on the property being insured by HUD)

j. Excessive hazard from smoke, fumes, offensive noises or odors…………….. ______ ______

k. New/proposed construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas ………………… ______ ______

l. Stationary storage tanks with more than 1000 gallons of flammable or

explosive material…………………………………………………………… ______ ______

PROPERTY CONSIDERATIONS:

VC-2 Soil Contamination

a. On-site septic system shows readily observable evidence of system failure… ______ ______

(Visually inspect septic system and its surrounding area)

b. Surface evidence of an Underground Storage Tank (UST)…………………. ______ ______

c. Proximity to dumps, landfills, industrial sites or hazardous materials……… ______ ______

d.

Presence of pools of liquid, pits, ponds, lagoons, stressed vegetation,

Stained soils or pavement, drums or odors…………………………………. ______ ______

Inspection

Check List

Yes No

VC-3 Grading and Drainage

a. Grading does not provide positive drainage from structure…………………. ______ ______

(Proper drainage includes gutters and downspouts or appropriate

grading or landscaping to divert the flow of water away from the

foundation)

b. Standing Water proximate to structure……………………………………... ______ ______

(Note any evidence of standing water near the house that indicates improper

grading. Look for ponding of water in the yard that may enter the foundation)

VC-4 Well, Individual Water Supply and Septic

a. Property lacks connection to public water…………………………………. ______ ______

(Lender will require water testing for “yes” response. – Determine whether

connection to a public system is feasible).

If a dug well serves the property – mark “YES)

A well must be a minimum of 50 feet from a septic tank, 100 feet from the septic

Tanks drainfield and a minimum of 10 feet from any property line.

NOTE: If the property is served by dug wells, springs, lakes, cisterns or rivers

It is INELIGIBLE.

b. Property lacks connection to public/community sewer system……………. ______ ______

(Note the sewage connection – Public/community or septic)

Determine whether connection to a public system is feasible.

If connection is feasible, hookup is MANDATORY. Report to the Lender

Where the sewer line is located, distance from house and feasibility.

NOTE: If house is vacant - require septic tank service and inspection.

VC-5 Wood Destroying Insects

a.

Structure and accessory buildings are ground level and/or wood is

Touching ground…………………………………………………………. ______ ______

(If the structure is ground level or if the structure is wood and touches the ground,

a termite inspection is required)

For condominiums, termite inspections are required for first floor units only.

(Inspection of the subject property include mud tunnels running from the ground up

and the side of the house, swarms around wood structures and small piles of wings

around windows. Look for excessive dampness or large areas where the vegetation

is dead)

b.

The house and/or other structures within the legal boundaries of the

Property show obvious evidence of active termite infestation……………. _______ _______

(Inspect all buildings/structures located on the subject site)

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Page 2 of 8 Pages

Inspection Check List

Yes No

VC-6 Private Road Access and Maintenance

a. Property inaccessible by foot or vehicle…………………………………………. ______ _______

(All roads must have vehicular and pedestrian access)

b. Property accessible only by private road or drive……………………………….. ______ ______

REAC FAQ Note: The title search should reveal recorded easements. However, it is the DE

Underwriter's responsibility to determine if the title policy shows sufficient evidence of a

Permanent recorded easement.

c. Property is not provided with an all-weather surface (gravel is acceptable). …… ______ ______

FHA Note. FHA defines all-weather surface as a road surface over which emergency

Vehicles can pass in all types of weather. Provide a detailed description of the roads

Condition.

VC-7 Structural Conditions

Floor Support Systems.

a. Significant Cracks……………………………………………………………….. ______ ______

(Examine the flooring/joists for any signs of water leakage or damage, holes, large cracks in

Concrete slabs, leakage and readily observable evidence of rodent or termite infestation/

Damage, temporary supports or jacks or piers).

b. Evidence of water/leakage or damage………………………………………….. _______ ______

c. Rodent infestation……………………………………………………………… ______ ______

Framing/Walls/Ceiling

d. Significant Cracks………………………………………………………………. ______ ______

e. Visible holes in exposed areas that could effect structure………………………. ______ ______

f. Significant water damage………………………………………………………. ______ ______

Attic

g. Evidence of holes………………………………………………………………. ______ ______

h. Support structure not intact or damaged……………………………………….. ______ ______

i. Significant water damage visible from interior………………………………… ______ ______

j. No ventilation by vent, fan or window…………………………………………. ______ ______

REAC FAQ Note: The attic must be examined whether access is by pull-down stairway

Or scuttle. At a minimum head and shoulders entry. However, size and accessibility

Dictates the level of entry.

Enter the attic and observe the interior roofing for insulation. Deficient materials, leaks or

Readily observable evidence of significant water damage, structural problems, previous fire

Damage exposed or frayed wiring and adequate ventilation by vent, fan or windows.

NOTE ON INSULATION: Make every effort to determine if insulation is present and the type.

Enter the R factor or show depth and location. This is required on the URAR under insulation.

Page 3 of 8 Pages

Inspection Check List

VC-8 Foundation Yes No

Foundation/Basement

a. Inadequate access……………………………………………………………….. ______ ______

(Examine the foundation/basement for inadequate access).

b. Evidence of significant water damage…………………………………………. ______ ______

(Examine the basement and crawl space for water damage)

c.

Significant cracks or erosion in exposed areas that could effect structural

Soundness…………………………………………………………………….. ______ ______

(Examine the foundation for cracks, erosion and items, which could effect structural

Soundness).

Crawl Space

d. Inadequate access………………………………………………………………. ______ ______

(Examine the crawl space for inadequate access, distance from floor joists to ground,

Insulation, ventilation and any other structural problem).

e. Space inadequate for maintenance and repair………………………………….. ______ ______

f. Support beams not intact……………………………………………………….. ______ ______

g.

Excessive dampness or ponding of water……………………………………… ______ ______

REAC FAQ Note: The minimum distance is 18 inches from the bottom of the joists. The

Appraiser will enter the crawl space (at a minimum entry of the head and shoulders) to

Observe conditions. The appraiser will examine the crawl space for inadequacies.

a.

There must be adequate access to the crawl space.

b.

The floor joists must be sufficiently above ground level to provide access.

c.

The crawl space must be clear of all debris and trash and must be properly vented.

d.

The crawl space must not b excessively damp and must not have any water ponding.

e.

If dampness is noted, a vapor barrier is required.

VC-9 Roofing

a. Does not cover entire house…………………………………………………… ______ ______

(Note if the roof covers the entire home, if the roof has been repaired, or patched

Substantially, if material used on the roof was suitable for the subject property)

b. Evidence of deterioration of roofing materials………………………………... ______ ______

(Look for evidence of shingles curling up and breaking off).

NOTE: An excellent tool for inspecting the roof is a pair of binoculars when observing the

Roof from the ground.

c. Roof life is less than two years………………………………………………… ______ ______

(HUD requires that the roof have at least 2 years remaining life) The condition must clearly

state whether the roof is to be repaired or re-roofed. FHA will accept a maximum of 3

layers of existing roofing. If more than 2 layers of existing roofing, and repair is necessary,

then all old roofing must be removed as part of the re-roofing.

d. Holes…………………………………………………………………………… ______ ______

e. Signs of leakage observable from the ground………………………………….. ______ ______

(Observe ceilings when inside the house. A stained or darkened ceiling inside the home is

an indication that the roof is leaking. When inspecting the attic, look for leaking roof, and

be observant around chimney flashing, pipe flashing and where guttering is backing up water).

f. Flat Roof………………………………………………………………………… ______ ______

(All flat roofs require inspection)

Page 4 of 8 Pages

Inspection Check List

Yes No

VC-10 Mechanical Systems

The Appraiser must examine ALL mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems in the subject

Property to ensure that they are in proper working order. This examination entails turning on

The applicable systems and observing their performance.

Furnace/Heating System

a. Unit does not turn "On"……………………………………………………… ______ ______

b. Warm air is not emitted………………………………………………………. ______ ______

c. Unusual or irregular smell is emitted………………………………………… ______ ______

d. Smoke or irregular smell is emitted …………………………………………. ______ ______

e. Unit shuts down prior to reaching desired temperature………………………. ______ ______

f. Significant holes or deterioration on the unit(s)……………………………… ______ ______

(Determine if there is an installed heat or cool-air source in each room by using the

system's normal operating controls).

Air Conditioning (central)

g. Unit does not turn "On"……………………………………………………… ______ ______

h. Cold air is not emitted……………………………………………………….. ______ ______

i. Irregular noises are heard…………………………………………………….. ______ ______

j. Smoke or irregular smell is emitted………………………………………….. ______ ______

k. Unit shuts down prior to reaching desired temperature……………………… ______ ______

l. Significant holes or deterioration on the unit(s)……………………………… ______ ______

Electrical System

m. Electrical switches do not turn "on" or "off"………………………………… ______ ______

n. Outlets do not function (check representative sample)………………………. ______ ______

o. Presence of sparks or smoke from outlet(s)…………………………………. ______ ______

p. Exposed wiring visible in living areas………………………………………. ______ ______

q. Frayed wiring………………………………………………………………... ______ ______

REAC FAQ Note: For multiple identical components such as windows and electrical

Outlets, one such component per room. For multiple identical exterior components,

One such component on each side of the building.

(Examine the electrical box to ensure that there are circuit breakers with no visible

frayed wiring or exposed wires in living areas and that there is adequate amperage

for the appliances present in the property).

(If the appliances present at the time of the inspection do not appear to be reasonable

(undersized), determine if there is adequate amperage to run "standard" appliances,

as per municipal code. (Require an electrical inspection by a licensed electrician).

Page 5 of 8 Pages

Inspection Check List

Yes No

Plumbing System

Toilet

r. Toilets do not function………………………………………………………. ______ ______

(Observe how quickly the water flushes from the toilet - if slow, check septic tank)

s. Presence of leak(s)………………………………………………………….. ______ ______

(Flush toilets and turn on ALL faucets to determine that the plumbing is intact).

(Check immediate flooring around toilet - look for weakness in floor when applying

weight directly to the floor).

Leaks

t. Structural damage under fixtures…………………………………………. ______ ______

(Inspect plumbing under kitchen and bathroom sinks/lavatory)

u. Puddles present…………………………………………………………… ______ ______

Sewer System

v. Observable surface evidence of malfunction…………………………….. ______ ______

(Check to see if toilet flush quickly and properly).

Sinks

w. Basin or pipes leak………………………………………………………. ______ ______

x. Water does not run………………………………………………………. ______ ______

Water

y. Significant drop or limitation in pressure………………………………. ______ ______

z. No hot water……………………………………………………………… ______ ______

(Turn on hot water to ensure that the hot water heater is operating appropriately).

(Turn on several cold water faucets in the house to check water pressure and flow).

Page 6 of 8 Pages

Inspection Check List

Yes No

VC-11 Other Health and Safety Deficiencies

(Provide a description of yes responses on Page 4 of VC Sheet)

a. Multiple Broken windows……………………………………………………… ______ ______

REAC FAQ Note: ALL broken windows should be repaired or replaced, as necessary.

(even if there is only one broken window).

b. Broken or missing exterior stairs………………………………………………. ______ ______

(Look for broken or missing steps on stairs and steps to porch and decks - if broken or

missing make a requirement for repair or replacement of the missing steps).

c. Broken or missing exterior doors……………………………………………… ______ ______

d. Inadequate/blocked entrances or exits…………………………………………. ______ ______

NOTE: All exterior doors should be operated to determine if they would open and close)

e. Steps without handrails………………………………………………………… ______ ______

REAC FAQ Note: When is a handrail necessary? "Usually three or more risers. However,

If situation poses a safety issue for the occupants, a condition requirement should be made

Regardless of the number of risers.

f. The mechanical garage door does not reverse or stop when meeting reasonable

resistance during closing……………………………………………………….. ______ ______

g.

Please identify location of all health and/or safety deficiencies, and note others

Not included in this or any other VC on the comment page. …………………. ______ ______

NOTE: Other health and safety items.

a.

Bedroom Egress: Occupants must be able to get outside the home if there is a fire. If

An enclosed patio (solid walls) covers the bedroom window, it is possible that the

Bedroom won't qualify as a habitable bedroom.

b.

All water heaters must have a non-adjustable temperature and pressure-relief valve.

If the water heater is in the garage, it must comply with local building codes.

c.

All non-conventional heating systems - space heaters and others - must comply with

Local jurisdictional guidelines. Heating must be adequate for healthful and comfortable

Living conditions.

d.

The appraiser must operate a representative number of windows, interior doors, and all

Exterior and garage doors, as well as verify that the electric garage door operator will

Reverse or stop when met with resistance during closing.

VC-12 Lead Based Paint Hazard

For any home built prior to 1978, check for evidence of defective paints surfaces, including: peeling,

Scaling or chipping pant. Both exterior and interior surfaces must be inspected.

Provide a description of yes responses on Page 4:

a. Evidence on interior…………………………………………………………….. ______ ______

b. Evidence on exterior……………………………………………………………. ______ ______

(Inspect the interior and exterior surfaces - walls, stairs, deck porch, railing,

windows and doors - for defective (chipping, flaking or peeling). Exterior

surfaces include those surfaces on fences, detached garages, storage sheds

and other outbuildings and appurtenant structures.

Page 7 of 8 Pages

Inspection Check List

Yes No

VC-13 Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments (PUD)

a. This project is not on FHA's approval list………………………………………. ______ ______

b. The property does not meet owner-occupancy standards………………………. ______ ______

c. This property does not meet completion standards……………………………… ______ ______

NOTES FOR CONDOMINIUM AND PUD DEVELOPMENTS:

a.

Verify that the CONDO/PUD approval number exists. (The Lender must supply the approval

Number on the appraisal). If the number is not supplied by lender mark the item "YES" and

Condition the appraisal on obtaining approval of the condominium or PUD.

b.

If the project is not approved mark "YES" in the VC and condition the appraisal on this

Information.

c.

The project must be at least 51% owner-occupied.

Description of Responses and Related Comments

VC# Section Comments

_____ _____ ___________________________________________________________

_____ _____ __________________________________________________________

_____ _____ _________________________________________________________

Page 8 of 8 Pages

Fillable Printable FHA Inspection Checklist Template

Fillable Printable FHA Inspection Checklist Template