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The Body of Knowledge for Residential Real Estate Appraisal
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#1 VA Minimum Property Requirements (Ch. 12) Page 33
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Requirements 12-33 26. Roof Covering Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Requirement The roof covering must: • prevent entrance of…
VA Minimum Property Requirements (Ch. 12)  ·  Ch12_Minimum_Property_Requirement_NEW 2022 02 17.pdf  ·  Page 33  ·  View at official source (VA.gov — Construction and Valuation) →
Requirements 12-33 26. Roof Covering Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Requirement The roof covering must: • prevent entrance of moisture, and • provide reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance. b. Multiple Shingle Layers When a defective roof with three or more layers of shingles must be replaced, all old shingles must first be removed. c. Appraiser Expectation The appraiser is not required to climb onto the roof. d. Appraisal Considerations when the Roof is Not Visible When the appraiser is unable to view the roof, the appraiser must explain why the roof is unobservable and report how the condition of the roof was determined. For example, a roof may be covered with snow yet the appraiser observed no evidence of leaks and documentation was provided to the appraiser verifying the age of the roof. If available, other methods such as drones could be utilized to show the area.
#2 VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7) Page 444
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Minimum Property Requirements 12-33 26. Roof Covering Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Requirement The roof covering must: • prevent…
VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7)  ·  VA-Lender-Handbook.pdf  ·  Page 444  ·  View at official source (VA.gov — Appraisers/Staff Appraisal Reviewer) →
Minimum Property Requirements 12-33 26. Roof Covering Change Date March 28, 2019 • This chapter has been revised in its entirety. a. Requirement The roof covering must: • prevent entrance of moisture, and • provide reasonable future utility, durability, and economy of maintenance. b. Multiple Shingle Layers When a defective roof with three or more layers of shingles must be replaced, all old shingles must first be removed. c. Appraiser Expectation The appraiser is not required to climb onto the roof. d. Appraisal Considerations when the Roof is Not Visible When the appraiser is unable to view the roof, the appraiser must explain why the roof is unobservable and report how the condition of the roof was determined. For example, a roof may be covered with snow yet the appraiser observed no evidence of leaks and documentation was provided to the appraiser verifying the age of the roof. If available, other methods such as drones could be utilized to show the area.
#3 UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA) Page 106
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Dwelling Exterior Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 106 of 375 Version 1.3 Foundation Type (Choose all that apply) Allowable Answer Definition / Additional Guidance Basement…
UAD 3.6 / URAR (FNMA)  ·  Appendix F-1 URAR Reference Guide v1.3.pdf  ·  Page 106  ·  View at official source (fanniemae.com/uad) →
Dwelling Exterior Appendix F-1: URAR Reference Guide Page 106 of 375 Version 1.3 Foundation Type (Choose all that apply) Allowable Answer Definition / Additional Guidance Basement Fully or partially below grade structural foundation style consisting of walls that bear weight on foundation footings running along the perimeter of the structure. Crawl Space A foundation style consisting of unfinished, typically narrow space between the building and the ground or the improved surface. Post and Pier A foundation style that consists of a series of posts connected to a frame that supports the structure above ground level. Runner A foundation style that consists of rows of concrete footings poured into the ground intended to support the structure. Slab A foundation style that consists of a slab of concrete that sits directly on grade supporting the structure. Other (Describe) Select Other to enter an answer that is not in the above list. Roof The Roof row always displays in the Exterior Features table. Dwelling Exterior: Quality and Condition - Exterior Features - Roof Report Field ID Report Label When to Include Allowable Answers / Format Definition / Additional Guidance 8.033 Detail Always required Yes | No Roof Observable: Indicates whether the majority of the roof is observable from ground level. • Yes • No (the individual performing the inspection was unable to make an informed determination on the condition status of the roof, such as when the roof is snow-covered) Notes: • If No, “(Unobservable)” displays. When the appraiser is unable to view the roof, explain why the roof is unobservable and report the results based on the assessment of the ceilings in Dwelling Exterior Commentary (8.061). • For government agency appraisals, reference the appropriate guidelines. 8.033 Detail Always required Choose one or more allowable answers from the Definition / Additional Guidance column Roof Material • Asbestos • Asphalt • Ceramic Tile • Clay • Composition • Concrete • Copper • Metal • Rubber • Slate • Solar Shingles • Synthetic • Tar/Gravel • Wood • Other (Describe) 8.033 Detail (Estimated Age) Always required Choose an allowable answer from the Definition / Additional Guidance column Estimated Age: The appraiser’s estimate of when the roof was last replaced. • Less than 1 year • 1-10 years • 10-20 years • More than 20 years Note: If there are varying ages for the roof, choose the one that best explains the Exterior Condition Rating.
Chief Appraiser Picks  ·  Related Video Appraisal — Inspecting the Roof Over the Home
Chief Appraiser Says Reading the actual guideline text below — never a general AI guess
Here's what the guidelines say about roof condition: We require that your roof must keep moisture out and be in shape to last a reasonable amount of time with normal maintenance costs. VA and FHA both say appraisers don't have to climb on the roof to inspect it, but they do have to look at it from the ground and report what they find—and if they can't see it (like if it's covered in snow), they have to explain why and find another way to check it, like looking at the attic or ceiling. FHA also requires that if a roof has less than two years of life left, a professional roofer must inspect it further before the loan can close. Straight from VA Minimum Property Requirements (Ch. 12), VA Lenders Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7), UAD 3.6/URAR (FNMA), and HUD/FHA Single Family Handbook 4000.1 — nothing added.
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