June 13, 2014
A reader asks, “Where can I find electrical requirements as a homeowner to pass for a FHA home sale?”
In cases like these, the homeowner should consult with the local authority on state and local building codes. FHA loan rules don’t necessarily list out all the required electrical standards–these standards likely vary greatly from state to state.
The FHA can’t and doesn’t keep copies of all state/local electrical code requirements–the sheer volume of material from all 50 states would be impossible to maintain!
The same goes for water, sewage, etc…there are a variety of issues governed by state and local code–FHA defers to these regulations rather than trying to list out exacting standards for all locales.
FHA minimum property requirements never overrule building codes, the same way FHA regulations don’t change or alter state community property laws. All FHA regulations are subject to state and/or local law–that’s why much of what’s listed in the FHA minimum standards is more general except in certain instances; building code already has much of those issues covered.
Where the reader question goes, there may be help from a realtor or building inspector in the local area who can point the homeowner to the appropriate reference material for state and/or local code. Appraisers also may be able to help provide reference material.
Do you have questions about FHA home loans? Ask us in the comments section. You can apply or get pre-approved for an FHA loan at FHA.com, a private company and not a government website.
Joe Wallace has been specializing in military and personal finance topics since 1995. His work has appeared on Air Force Television News, The Pentagon Channel, ABC and a variety of print and online publications. He is a 13-year Air Force veteran and a member of the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association. He was Managing editor for www.valoans.com for (8) years and is currently the Associate Editor for FHANewsblog.com.
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