FHA / VA / USDA Loan Inspection Requirements
Know exactly what your lender requires before you schedule an inspection — and what the appraisal does and does not cover.
Loan Type
Property Type
FHA Summary: FHA appraisal covers lender-required minimums only. Get a buyer's inspection — the appraiser won't catch everything.
Single Family note: Standard FHA rules apply. Full inspection of all accessible systems recommended.
Inspection Requirements at a Glance
Appraisal Required
Required by lenderBuyer Inspection Required
Not requiredBuyer Inspection Recommended
Strongly recommendedWhat the FHA Appraiser Checks (MPR / MPS)
- ✓Roof must have 2+ years of remaining useful life
- ✓No exposed or frayed wiring
- ✓No active pest infestation visible
- ✓Functional utilities (water, electric, heat, sewer)
- ✓No health or safety hazards in accessible areas
- ✓Adequate drainage away from structure
- ✓All rooms must have a heat source
Common Issues That Kill a FHA Loan
- ✗Peeling or chipping lead paint on pre-1978 homes
- ✗Broken or missing windows
- ✗Inadequate heating system
- ✗Missing handrails on stairs
- ✗Standing water in basement or crawlspace
- ✗Roof with less than 2 years life remaining
- ✗Inoperable mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
Important Notes
- ›The FHA appraisal checks Minimum Property Standards (MPS) — it is for the lender, not for you
- ›A separate buyer's inspection is not required by FHA, but is strongly recommended
- ›The appraiser is NOT a home inspector and does not do the same job
- ›FHA does not require a separate home inspection — but it is your best protection
Get a buyer's inspection regardless of loan type. The appraisal is for the lender, not for you. It checks minimum livability standards, not the full condition of the home. An independent inspector works for you — not the bank, not the seller.
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