Common Repairs Required Under FHA

The FHA requires that the property site be free of hazards that could affect the health and safety of the occupants or the structural soundness of the improvements. A common site repair involves grading; the ground must slope away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling against the home, which can cause basement leaks or foundation damage. Other site hazards that may require remediation include trip hazards on walkways, exposed underground storage tanks, or stationary storage tanks with flammable materials located too close to the dwelling. Correcting drainage issues is essential for preserving the property’s structural integrity over the life of the loan.

Broken windows and doors are considered defective conditions that affect the safety and security of the property. Cracked or broken window glass can be a safety hazard and may need to be replaced. Exterior doors that do not shut or lock properly compromise the security of the home and typically require repair to meet FHA standards. The appraiser will check that windows open and close as intended and that doors function correctly. These repairs ensure the home is secure against intruders and protected from the elements, satisfying the “secure” aspect of the FHA’s “Safe, Sound, and Secure” mandate.

For a room to be classified and valued as a bedroom, it must provide safe ingress and egress in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. This typically means there must be a window large enough for an occupant to escape and for emergency personnel to enter, or a door leading directly to the exterior. If a bedroom has security bars on the windows, they must have a quick-release mechanism that functions from the inside without a key or special tool. If these safety features are missing or non-functional, the appraiser may require their removal or repair.

Safety is a primary pillar of the FHA appraisal process, and slip or fall hazards are frequently flagged for repair. Missing handrails on staircases or missing safety railings on elevated decks and porches are common issues that must be addressed. Generally, if a staircase has three or more risers, a handrail is required to comply with safety standards. This requirement applies to both interior and exterior stairs. Installing or securing loose railings ensures the property meets the FHA’s goal of being “safe” for the occupants, protecting the lender’s interest in the collateral by mitigating liability and injury risks.

The FHA appraiser is required to observe the foundation and perimeter of the buildings for evidence of wood-destroying insects, such as termites. If the appraiser finds evidence of an active infestation, prior damage, or past treatment, the lender will require a specialized inspection by a qualified pest control professional. If that inspection confirms an active infestation, the property must be treated to eliminate the pests. Additionally, any structural damage caused by the insects must be repaired to ensure the home’s soundness. In certain geographic areas prone to termites, a termite inspection may be mandatory regardless of the appraiser’s observations.

Crawl spaces and basements are critical areas for FHA appraisals because they often hide structural or moisture problems. To meet FHA guidelines, these spaces must be free of standing water and excessive dampness, which can damage the foundation or lead to mold growth. The area must be adequately ventilated and allow for access to maintain mechanical systems. If the appraiser observes puddles, inadequate ventilation, or evidence of structural failure in the foundation walls within these spaces, repairs will be required. The appraiser must be able to visually observe these areas; if they are inaccessible, access must be created.

Yes, the plumbing system must be fully operational and provide a continuous supply of safe, potable water under adequate pressure. Common repairs required include fixing leaks under sinks, repairing toilets that do not flush properly, or addressing low water pressure. The water heater must be equipped with a temperature and pressure-relief valve to safely divert escaping steam or hot water if necessary. If the appraiser observes structural damage due to water leaks or non-functional fixtures, these items must be repaired. Furthermore, if the property is on a private well, water quality testing may be required to ensure safety.

Mechanical systems, including heating and electricity, must be safe to operate, protected from destructive elements, and have adequate capacity for the home. The heating system specifically must be capable of automatically heating all living areas to a minimum of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Space heaters or wood stoves are generally not sufficient as the primary heat source unless they meet specific code and safety criteria. Regarding electricity, the system must not have exposed wires, frayed wiring, or open junction boxes. The amperage must be adequate to run typical appliances and lighting without disruption, ensuring the system is safe for occupancy.

The FHA guidelines mandate that a roof must serve as a barrier against moisture and have a reasonable future utility. Generally, the roof must have at least two years of remaining physical life to pass appraisal. If the appraiser determines the roof has less than two years of life left, or if there is evidence of leakage or significant moisture intrusion, the lender will likely require a professional inspection by a roofer. Based on that inspection, spot repairs or a full roof replacement may be mandatory before the loan can close to ensure the home remains watertight

One of the most common repairs required during the FHA appraisal process involves defective paint surfaces. For any home built prior to 1978, the FHA presumes that chipping, peeling, scaling, or cracking paint constitutes a lead-based paint hazard. To comply with safety standards, these defective surfaces on both the interior and exterior of the property must be thoroughly scraped, primed, and repainted. This requirement extends to outbuildings, fences, and other structures on the property. If the home was built after 1978, the appraiser generally only requires repair if the defective paint exposes the subsurface to the elements, threatening the siding’s longevity.