Facts

• Home buyers who qualify for an FHA insured loan must have their home inspected by an FHA approved appraiser. FHA appraisers have the additional training needed to conduct detailed appraisals.
  
  

Overall Condition

• The FHA appraiser will inspect the most important aspects of the home including the roof, attic, basement or crawl space, furnace, electrical wiring and hot water heater for visible damage and to inform all parties of any required repairs.
  
  

Interior and Exterior Surfaces

• The appraiser will check the interior and exterior surfaces of homes that were built before 1978 in order to eliminate exposure to lead-based paint. The appraiser will order that any areas with peeling, cracking or chipping paint are safely repaired and repainted.
  
  

Safety

• FHA appraisers will also check to make sure that there are no safety hazards in the home such as broken doors, windows or stairways without handrails.
  
  

Sanitary Conditions

• FHA appraisers will also look for signs of pests like rodents or termites. The plumbing in the home must also be in working order.