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- Appraisal and Property Requirements

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Roofs &
Attics

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Chapter 1
Appraisal & Property
Requirements
Page 1-24

1: Roofs: The
covering must prevent moisture from entering and provide reasonable
future utility, durability and economy of maintenance. The appraiser
must visually examine the roof to determine whether deficiencies
present a health and safety hazard or do not allow for reasonable
future utility. (4905.1
REV-1, 2-12.)

Life Expectancy: The appraiser must exercise sound
judgment when evaluating roof condition. The roof should have a
remaining physical life of at least two years. If the roof has less
than two years remaining life, then the appraiser must report this
condition in the appraisal report.

Snow Covered Roofs:

A. In areas where the snow is likely to lay for more
than a few days:

1: The appraiser is required to make an extra
thorough inspection of the attic and all visible roofing areas for
signs of failing roofing materials.

2: If there is evidence of damage and/or leaks the
appraiser is to condition for further inspection.

3: If there is no evidence of damage and/or water
leaks. The borrower must be informed that the roof was snow
covered at the time of the appraisal and that it is acceptable to
the purchaser without any warranty or guarantees from
HUD-FHA.

B. In areas where the snow is not likely to lay for
more than a few days a clear roof inspection is to be obtained prior
to closing.

1: The appraiser is required to make a thorough
inspection of the attic and all visible roofing areas for signs of
failing roofing materials and report all roofing deficiencies in
the appraisal report.

2: If the Underwriter determines, due to unusual
weather conditions, it is not possible to obtain the clear
inspection prior to closing, then the purchaser and seller are to
sign an acknowledgment that indicates:

i: The roof was covered with snow at the time of
the appraisal inspection,

ii: The snow is likely to continue to cover the
roof for several more days and that the roof cannot be inspected
prior to loan closing

iii: HUD-FHA makes no guarantees or warranties as
to the roof’s condition.

3: A clear roof inspection must then be obtained
prior to submission for FHA Insurance or an escrow account equal
to 1 ½ times the cost of a new roof is to be established in the
event repairs or a new roof is found to be needed when the
inspection takes place. (Certification is to be in the insuring
package.)

C. Re-Roofing: FHA will accept a maximum of 3
layers of existing roofing. If more than 2 layers exist and repair
is necessary, then all old roofing must be removed as part of the
re-roofing. (4905.1
REV-1, 2-12)

D. Inspections: A person determined to be qualified by
the lender should make a certification as to the condition of the
roof and the completion of work requirements.

E. Flat Roof: FHA no longer mandates automatic
inspection of flat and/or unobservable roofs. The appraiser must
note in the appraisal that he/she could not adequately observe the
entire roof area and state which area(s) were unobservable. As with
any other type of roof the appraiser is to look for signs that would
indicate a possible roof problem. Based on the information reported,
either the appraiser or underwriter may call for a roofing
inspection.
2: Attics:

A.
It is
the homeowner/seller’s responsibility to provide clear access to
these areas. FHA appraisers are required to observe the attic area.

B. Inspection:The attic must be examined whether
access is by pull-down stairway or scuttle. At a minimum, the
appraiser must enter head and shoulders into the attic.

C. When there is no safe access to the attic the
appraiser is to note the inaccessibility in the appraisal
report.

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