VA Appraisal Checklist

VA Appraisal vs VA Inspection

A VA appraiser has two objectives: to establish a fair market value of the property and to ensure it is safe, structurally sound and free of health hazards. However, they’re not obligated or trained to report every potential problem or recommend repairs.

A home inspection is much more thorough than an appraisal. A home inspection is meant to be a complete top-to-bottom evaluation of the property. Home inspectors will enter crawl spaces and attics, and will report more specifically on any defect in a home’s structural, plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.

VA Appraisal Checklist

As you’re shopping for homes, you might be wondering: What does a VA home inspection look for? VA appraisers look for compliance with a set of basic health and safety standards set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you’re considering purchasing a home, you can use the VA appraisal checklist to get an idea of whether or not it will pass muster.

Here are some general questions a VA appraiser will be looking to answer:

  • Is the property primarily residential?
  • Is there enough space to live, cook and sleep?
  • Does the home have clean drinking water, a water heater and working sewage systems?
  • Does the home have a heating system capable of warming the interior to 50 degrees Fahrenheit?
  • Are the heating, cooling, electric, water and other systems in good working order?
  • Is the roof in good enough condition to last for a reasonable amount of time?

What Will Fail a VA Appraisal?

In general, any visible health or safety concerns will pose an issue on a VA appraisal report. You won’t be able to close on a home until these issues are resolved. In some cases, sellers are willing to cover the cost of essential repairs rather than lose the sale.

Some common issues include:

  • Insufficient HVAC system
  • Pest damage or active infestation
  • Roof damage
  • Peeling or chipping paint
  • Missing staircase handrails
  • Broken windows
  • Rotting wood
  • Water stains
  • Exposed wiring and other electrical issues
  • Utilities are shut off

You’ll need to provide your own input on the condition of the property and make sure it’s up to your standards before signing the VA loan agreement. If it’s not, you’ll need to negotiate further before agreeing to purchase the property. This is where a home inspection can pay for itself.

Home Inspection Checklist

Unlike the VA appraisal, a home loan inspection focuses on a home’s problems areas in a much more granular and detailed process. Home inspectors are professionally trained to evaluate every detail of a home and make recommendations for improvements or highlight potential future issues.

Here are a few of the areas the inspector will examine:

  • Roof
  • Foundation
  • Structural components
  • Basement/crawl space
  • Attic
  • Walls
  • Ceilings
  • Floors
  • Windows/doors
  • Central air conditioning system
  • Electrical systems

A final home inspection report can often reveal many existing and potential issues a VA appraisal may overlook.  By getting a VA home appraisal and a home inspection, you’ll ensure that you have a complete picture of the condition of your future home before closing.