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.

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.