FHA Home Loan Appraisals - Roofs and Attics

The following are the general guidelines required for a property.  Any condition not met by the list below may require the property to be repaired in order to meet FHA appraisal guidelines.  Refer the HUD handbook 4150.2 for more information.

Roofs and Attics:

The roof must prevent moisture from entering the home and provide reasonable future utility, durability and economy of maintenance.  The roof should have a remaining physical life of two years.  If the roof has less than two years remaining life, the appraiser must call for re-roofing or repair.  

FHA will accept a maximum of three layers of existing roofing.  If more than two layers exist and repair is necessary, all of the old roofing must be removed as part of the re-roofing. 

Roofing on slopes of 2.5/12 pitch or less must be installed by a licensed roofer using built-up roofing that meets the Uniform Building Code.

All flat roofs require a roof inspection.  If the subject property is part of a large multifamily building (i.e. condo), no roof inspection is needed.  If the building is a small 4 unit building or townhouse type unit covered by a condo association with the subject property having its own roof, then a roof inspection is required.

The FHA appraisers are required to inspect the attic area unless the property is a mobile home or dwelling with little or no attic (due to the interior roof slope).

The appraiser will note any evidence of holes in the roof/ceiling, the condition of the support structure, any significant water damage that is visible from within the interior and evidence of ventilation by vent, fan or window.