Lately, FHA appraisers have been doing all kinds of stuff they never did before.  Like, they might ask the agent to get them copies from the owner for permits - which is scary in DC because until about 10-years ago, almost nobody got them!

Parked and waiting for comments from knowledgeable FHA appraiser or loan officer.

If you can't get an appraiser to open an electrical box and check it out, I doublt if they will research permits.

NO. 

No, but the do stick their 2 cents in on the roof which I still believe it out of their knowledge sphere.

I agree with Patricia Kennedy - they have jumped down into crawl spaces in recent years & have never done that or gone into attics for a peek.

Gene Mundt used to be an appraiser.

Do not expect the appraiser to check for permits.

I've never seen permits in an appraisal so I don't think they do in my area.

i have never encountered an appraiser that did this as part of his job or evaulation of the property. The selelrs are to disclose that informatin and it is usually online in MLS.

I have never seen them do that not even years ago when they were more strict

You let big brother in the door, expect them to reach for all they can.

Learned long ago to avoid all the govt handouts, they all come with strings attached.

Waiting for an answer from an FHA appraiser!

I am not an appraiser but I would say no

The issue usually comes in to play when the tax records don't represent the improvements. For instance, if I research the house and it's 1200 sq/ft according to the tax rolls but when I get there, the garage has been enclosed and now it's 1600 sq/ft, we have an issue. FHA will not lend on unpermitted additions and so if we notice it, we have to mention it. 

I am parked and reading too

It is NOT the job of any appraiser to do that!  The buyer can go to the city and check the permits if they so desire.

No.

Bingo..  Kenneth J. Jones, SRES, SFR, SCGREA has a great answer. We were just asked this question in one of sales meeting.

Not sure if it's included in the "job description" of an appraiser, I look forward to learning more in your blog post next week.  

They do and I can't figure out when they got their home inspector's license.

I don't think one is needed to pave a driveway .... but it's not the job of the appraiser...

Think Ken Jones nailed this one!

As a former appraiser who also did FHA appraisals, I can only say that yes the appraiser can ask for permits and if the home owner did not have a permit for the addition built, then the lender would NOT include the unpermitted square footage as livable area.   FHA appraisers also look at the roof, foundation, lot grade, ventilation, mechanical systems, heating, electricity and crawl spaces (when present).

HUD's primary concern is the health & safety of the homebuyer who is going to live in the house.   I know a common problem in our area for FHA appraisals is any peeling paint on the home and outbuildings.   If reported by the appraiser, the seller cannot just paint over these areas - they must be scraped, appropriately prepared and then painted or the appraiser may not sign them off.  

HUD handbook 4150.2 is a good research tool and in a nutshell says the home "must be free of all known hazards and adverse conditions that may affect the health and safety of the occupants."  Here's the link regarding FHA appraisals that may help: 

http://www.fhahandbook.com/docs/41502ch3.pdf

I would have to say no on this question.

I am not familiar with the job description or legal requirements of such appraisers.  They do not operate in my great nation.

As far as I know, it is not. I believe it's the job of the listing agent to ensure their client had appropriate permits and the job of the buyer to verify.

Mary Yonkers nailed this one!

I would say no, but will bookmark to read further comments.

Scott Godzyk - FHA appraisals go 'above and beyond' - so I am not surprised if they ask for the permits for finished basement!

No, that's our job as listing agents to provide that information to the buyers' agents.  If I'm the buyers' agent and the LA doesn't have that information, it is my responsibility to obtain the information for my buyers.  The appraiser doesn't do this but, oftentimes the inspector will ask.

I will give the apprasier all that documentation on the improvement with permit on all if I was the listing agent.

I didn't think so

That type of diligence would not come under a standard appraisal methinks