Do I need soil testing for a new home?
Soil testing for new homes is needed in order to determine the composition of the soil and if it can properly support a foundation. It’s usually also a necessary part of getting a building permit.
Can a home with a slab foundation pass the VA inspection?
The VA does not mandate a specific crawl space height. Hey Chris, what if it doesn’t have crawl space and it just have concrete will it passs? Thanks for writing. There isn't any kind of prohibition against homes with slab foundations. Hi Chris. I am a Realtor in Florida.
What does the VA want when buying a home?
The VA wants homes that are move-in ready. Problems with the property generally have to be corrected before a loan closes, although veterans can secure exemptions for some MPRs. In truth, these exemptions are more like extensions, as the problems will ultimately have to be corrected.
Can you build a house on bad soil in Houston?
The upside is that if the soil is deemed extremely bad for building, you’re not stuck with a property you cannot use. To learn more about the construction process for your new house and to get a quote for a new custom house on your Houston land, use our contact form or give us a call at 713-723-8850.
Who pays for termite treatment on a VA loan?
Basically, on a purchase, someone besides the Veteran must pay for the VA termite inspection. Typically, the seller pays the cost, but it may also be the listing agent, buyer's agent, or even the lender (as long as the Veteran does not pay it.) Most termite inspection invoices range from $50 – $100.
Does VA require a structural engineer report on a manufactured home?
Because a manufactured home may be mobile, FHA and VA have set standards for the structure's foundation. Therefore, we require that a structural engineer perform a foundation inspection. Basically, it verifies the home's foundation is structurally sound and is properly attaching the home with the ground.
What will fail a VA appraisal?
What will fail a VA appraisal? If a home fails to meet the VA's Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), the home will fail the VA appraisal. MPRs ensure the home is move-in ready so veterans won't face a long list of expensive repairs after closing on the home.
Does VA require a 10 year warranty on new construction?
VA requires the builder of a “new construction” property to provide the veteran purchaser with a 1-year VA builder warranty and/or a 10-year insurance backed protection plan.
Does VA require a structural engineer?
VA Loan Manufactured Home Permanent Foundation As far as the manufactured home foundation requirements go, they mirror FHA. Thus, it means that we require a structural engineer to complete a foundation certification.
Does VA require tie downs on manufactured homes?
A mobile home won't be considered for a VA guaranteed loan unless it is installed on a permanent foundation–one that meets VA requirements. Many people ask about tie-downs for mobile homes, and the VA rules are clear on the issue.
How often do VA loans fall through?
For all purchases, according to Ellie Mae, 74.3 percent of VA loans closed, compared to 74.1 percent of all mortgages. Conventional (non-government did slightly better than VA, with a 75.2 percent closure rate. In short, VA mortgages will close at a high rate and are less likely than the average loan to fail to close.
What are the minimum property requirements for a VA loan?
VA loan home requirements include:Working electric, heating and cooling systems.Adequate roofing that will last the foreseeable future.Sufficient in size for basic living necessities.Clean, continuous water supply with sanitary facilities.Free of lead-based paint.Free of wood destroying insects, fungus and dry rot.More items...
How old can a roof be for a VA loan?
Roofs that are 20 years old won't automatically lead an appraiser to recommend replacement. Borderline roofs will usually lead an appraiser to call for a professional roof inspection. Gaping holes or missing shingles, however, will probably necessitate repair.
What is a VA builders warranty?
The one-year builder's warranty must be on VA Form 26-1859, Warranty of Completion of Construction. If the builder provides a ten-year insurance –backed protection plan, then the veteran will need to acknowledge that he or she will receive no assistance with construction complaints.
How long should a builder guarantee work?
ten yearsA builder's warranty should offer homeowners and buyers peace of mind for ten years. Otherwise known as a structural warranty, this type of insurance ensures that any defects that are found, even several years after construction, will be fixed.
What is the builders warranty period?
As per Clause 14 (3) of the Real Estate Act, a builder is liable to repair or fix any damages brought to his notice by a homebuyer within five years from the date of possession, without demanding any further charges from the homebuyer.
Why Perform Soil Testing for New Homes?
Soil testing for new homes is needed in order to determine the composition of the soil and if it can properly support a foundation. It’s usually also a necessary part of getting a building permit.
What Should I Expect if I Choose to Test the Soil Prior to Buying Land?
If you want to test the soil of your new potential property prior to buying the land, you need to make it known when you place your bid for your new home site. In this instance, you’d make an offer on the land and have it put into the purchase agreement that you will be having the soil tested by a licensed soil engineer. This means that you can decline to purchase the property based on the test results without any penalties or repercussions.
Who Performs Soil Testing?
Soil engineers perform soil testing. They can be hired privately or through the architect or contractor who will be planning and building your new home. These individuals are also known as geotechnical engineers, and they must have met several criteria before working as a soil engineer. Geotechnical engineers have degrees in civil engineering. They must also be licensed in their particular state and have passed the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
What Is the Job of a Soil Engineer?
Soil engineers bore holes in the soil and take samples. These samples are then tested in order to determine the suitability of the soil. Soil engineers can test the soil before construction, during the construction process and after construction is complete to ensure ongoing compatibility. They’ll even perform soil testing on sites with existing buildings that have experienced foundation problems or may experience problems in the future.
What Are Soil Engineers Testing For?
Soil engineers test the composition of the soil in order to determine if it is strong soil or weak soil.
How deep should a soil engineer drill holes?
In some instances, the soil engineer may have to bore holes that are between seven and ten feet below the surface in order to test the water table and potentially find bedrock or harder soils.
What happens if you don't use extra foundation supports?
If extra foundation supports are not used, the expansion and contraction of the soil due to moisture content can result in cracked and crumbling foundations. When this occurs, the only fix is a costly foundation repair.
Why does the VA want to make sure a home is correctly zoned?
Obviously, the VA wants to be sure the home is correctly zoned. That’s mostly because it may be hard for you to later sell a place that’s wrongly zoned — and that could affect the value of the property.
What are VA minimum property requirements?
VA minimum property requirements are concerned that your access to all your utilities can’t be challenged. So if your electricity, water, gas or sewer lines run over other people’s land or apartments, the VA wants to know those people can’t suddenly choose to interrupt your services.
How far away from a property should a storage tank be?
The appraiser has to note the presence of any large (1,000+-gallon) storage tanks within 300 feet of the property. That applies to buried (as in a gas station, for instance) and above-ground facilities. But only tanks containing flammable or explosive materials need be reported.
How are modular homes built?
Mainstream modular homes are built in a factory, transported to the site and then assembled on traditional foundations. Once completed, you can’t tell that they weren’t traditionally constructed (“stick-built” or “site-built”) homes.
Why do you want to own a home?
You want your next home to provide a safe and healthy environment for its residents. And you don’t want it to be at risk from hazards that undermine its structural soundness or that spoil its occupants’ enjoyment of the property.
Should minor repairs be considered in appraisal?
While minor repairs should not be recommended, the appraiser should consider these items in the overall condition rating when estimating the market value of the property. The overarching objective of MPRs is to make sure the buyer is getting a home that is “safe, structurally sound and sanitary.”.
Can you request a waiver on a VA appraisal?
And, if you request a waiver on any repairs listed in your appraisal report, you stand a better chance of making your case if you include an inspection report. Finally, most VA minimum property requirements protect you every bit as much as they do the department.
What are the requirements for a VA loan?
VA loan home requirements include: 1 Working electric, heating and cooling systems 2 Adequate roofing that will last the foreseeable future 3 Sufficient in size for basic living necessities 4 Clean, continuous water supply with sanitary facilities 5 Free of lead-based paint 6 Free of wood destroying insects, fungus and dry rot 7 Safe and sanitary sewage disposal 8 Accessible from an all-weather public or private street 9 Attics and crawl spaces must be accessible and properly vented
What does the VA want?
The VA wants homes that are move-in ready.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Home inspections are typically a few hundred dollars , but vary by location, home size and features.
What are the three S's of VA loan?
When it comes to a VA loan, keep in mind appraisers are looking for potentially major issues that revolve around the three S’s: safety, sanitation and structural integrity ; and this process is in place to protect the buyer against unexpected, and usually expensive, surprises.
When will VA loan be updated?
Updated on October 6, 2020. Take a look at the VA loan process explained and 10 things veterans, service members and their families should know before starting their journey through the VA home loan program. Read More ».
Does a VA loan approve a roof leak?
But Seller says that VA won't approve loan due to age and that it has a rental home also on the property.
Is age of systems an issue?
Age of systems isn't an automatic issue, and it's more about the shape it's in. The roof could be an issue, and guidelines on remaining economic life can vary by lender. You can talk with a Veterans United loan specialist in more detail at 855-870-8845. see more.
How many windows per bedroom must have a quick release mechanism?
If a property has burglar bars, at least one window per bedroom must have a quick-release mechanism, unless there is an exterior door from the bedroom providing rapid egress.
Is a shed included in VA appraisal?
Detached sheds or other improvments on the site may be included in value if the improvement meets VA’s MPRs. If the improvement does not meet MPRs it must be excluded from value. If the improvement presents a health or safety hazard, the appraisal must be completed subject to the removal of the improvement.
Can an appraiser determine if a pool is in good working order?
If the pool water contains algae or if the pool has been winterized, and the appraiser cannot determine if the pool equipment is in good working order, the appraiser may complete the appraisal under the extraordinary assumption that the pool and its equipment can be repaired at minimal cost without recommending any repairs.
Does an appraiser have to include leased equipment in the estimated market value?
The appraiser must not include the value of any leased mechanical systems or any other leased equipment in the estimated market value as leased items are not suitable security for a loan. This includes, but is not limited to, fuel or propane storage tanks, solar or wind systems (including power purchase agreements), and other alternative energy equipment.
Do appraisers have to test mechanical systems?
While the appraiser is not required to test the operation of any mechanical systems, the appraiser should recommend the completion of any repairs that are readily apparent.
Do appraisers need to sketch or note distances between wells?
The appraiser must be familiar with the minimum distance requirements between private wells and sources of pollution. The appraiser is not required to sketch or note distances between the well, property lines, septic tanks, drain fields, or building structures.
Do you have to turn on utilities when you appraise a property?
Since the appraiser does not perform any operational checks of mechanical systems or appliances, the utilities are not required to be turned on when the appraiser visits the property.
What is a veteran purchaser's written acknowledgment?
The veteran purchaser’s written acknowledgment that he/she understands that the well water serving the property must be continuously treated by the homeowner, as required by the local health department, to be considered safe for human consumption.”
Does Ohio Regional Loan Center approve cisterns?
I was just notified by the Ohio Regional Loan Center that the va does not approve cisterns under any circumstances. My cistern is 1 year old and the township is in the process of running water lines on our road. My va loan was otherwise approved. In my opinion this is a cold decision for a disabled veteran.
Is a cistern regulated by local law?
The cistern issue may be regulated by local or state law, in which case that law would apply--you'll need to check with the local authority to see what regulations might apply. A cistern system that doesn't comply with the applicable code would be unacceptable to the VA. to Joe Wallace" aria-label='.
Can you use a cistern for a VA loan?
VA loan rules state the following: "Springs or cisterns are permitted where such facilities are customary and the only feasible means of water supply, provided they are installed in accordance with the recommendations of the local health authority, and the veteran purchaser acknowledges in writing his/her awareness of the situation."
Which states do not allow pest inspections?
VA loan rules state that borrowers are not allowed to pay the pest inspection on a home purchase in all but nine states: Alabama. Arkansas. Arizona. California. Florida. Louisiana. Mississippi. Oklahoma.
Can you pay pest inspection fee on VA loan?
On a VA purchase loan, borrowers in all but nine states are not allowed to pay the pest inspection fee. VA borrowers can pay this fee on any VA refinance loan.
Can you waive termite inspection in condo?
There are some situations that allow the termite inspection to be waived in second-story or higher condo units. Before starting your house hunt, speak with your nearest VA Regional Loan Center to learn if your area requires termite inspections.
Do you need a termite inspection to buy a home?
If a borrower wants to buy a home in a region where termite problems are considered light or where such problems rarely occur, there is no requirement to have a termite inspection performed. Borrowers concerned about the home they want to buy would have to schedule a home inspection, or contact the VA for assistance.
Can you spot termites on a VA loan?
To the untrained observer, termite infestations are very difficult to spot unless there is obvious damage. Fortunately, VA loan rules are designed to protect the buyer and the property the VA borrower wants to purchase.
Do I have to get a pest inspection with a VA loan?
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, "Termite inspections are required on existing properties if they are located in an area where the probability of termite infestation is ‘very heavy’ or ‘moderate to heavy’ according to the Termite Infestation Probability Map published in the International Residential Code."