VA Inspection Safety Issue Question

9 years ago

Hi,
I've often used the forums for lawn and garden, looking forward to the same info here.

I'm trying to buy an FHA foreclosed home in Kentucky. The only issue preventing me from making an offer is a second story deck that was unsafe and torn down. The door to the deck is 15 feet off the ground. Could I board up this door (I'm going to rebuild the deck), or make a railing attached to the house that meets deck codes(3.5inches baluster spacing, rail bolted to house. The bank that owns the home has already put a new roof and new dual zone HVAC in the house and doesn't want to spend any more money. I think if this solution works, it could be accomplished for less than $100.

Appreciate your help.

Comments (5)

lazy_gardens
9 years ago
I'd buy it and board up that door until you can replace the deck.

Or are you saying that the VA won 't issue a mortgage unless it's "fixed"?
kirkhall
9 years ago
Yes, that is what he is saying. It was the case also for my sister/BIL in TN with a VA loan. Their sellers were willing to put up a temporary decking though.

Hopefully you can figure out an option!
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ncrealestateguy
9 years ago
Ask your lender to tell you SPECIFICALLY if the condition would hold back funding approval or not. And then go from there.
c9pilot
9 years ago
Just checking that the 2nd story deck did NOT have stairs outside.
A house we built in CA required straight stairs for the 2nd story deck because the only inside stairs were circular and that did not meet fire safety regs.
Probably doesn't apply in this case, but just something to know.
peegee
9 years ago
If needed, could you not build a temporary deck just big enough to step out on so it's not a door to nowhere?