Free-standing appliances, such as a range or refrigerator, are not required for an FHA mortgage. But any built-in appliances that have been removed or not yet installed must be in place. So, if the built-in cooktop and oven in the kitchen above was missing, it would need to be replaced. But if, instead, there was simply a gap along the counter and base cabinets for a a free-standing range to slide into, then it would not be required by FHA.

    A missing dishwasher, because it is also a built-in appliance, would be a red flag for the FHA appraiser. If a home has a defined location for a dishwasher, with plumbing and electrical in place, then a dishwasher must be in it. Also, any appliances that are present in the home must be functional and safe to operate.

    The FHA requirements are intended to make sure than any home loan with an FHA guarantee is both livable and safe, without requiring any additional work or investment. The things they do require are outlined their Handbook 4905.1, Rev. 1, “Requirements for Existing Housing - One To Four Family Living Units,” and includes:

• Safe and potable water
• Sanitary facilities and a sewage disposal system
• Adequate heating
• Domestic Hot Water
• Electricity for lighting and equipment in the home

    To read the FHA Handbook, click on the link below to download it as a pdf document:

FHA4905.1.pdf

    Also, see our blog post What is the difference between an FHA inspection and a home inspection?

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  To learn more strategies for getting the best possible home inspection, here’s a few of our other blog posts:

• How can I make sure I don't get screwed on my home inspection? 

• How thorough is a home inspector required to be when inspecting a house?

• Should I trust the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement?

• Can I do my own home inspection?

• How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole? 

• The seller gave me a report from a previous home inspection. Should I use it or get my own inspector? 

    To read about issues related to homes of particular type or one built in a specific decade, visit one of these blog posts:

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1940s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1960s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1990s house?

• What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property? 

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved?

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been vacant or abandoned?

• What are the most common problems with older mobile homes?

• What do I need to know about a condo inspection?

• What are the "Aging In Place" features to look for when buying a retirement home?

     Visit our APPLIANCES and HOME INSPECTION pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.