Amy Parker - Appraise it Today Blog

Do you have a home in escrow that doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector installed?

Don’t be surprised if the appraiser calls this out.   Many banks locally and in other parts of California are aware that the building code was updated 7/1/2011 to include that all homes must have Carbon Monoxide Detectors (except for in a few cases).     So now appraisers have to check to see if homes have these devices installed .  This is just like the appraiser noting whether the water heater is strapped.

That being said,  many banks have even sent communications out to appraisers about the need to look for these devices.    If a home does not have a carbon monoxide detector when the appraiser is onsite do not be surprised if the report is written” subject  to re-inspection”.  That means your buyer  will be paying for the appraiser to re-inspect the home once the device is installed.   In the last three weeks I’ve seen all types of versions of these devices -

• Home built in Natomas in 2006 where the builder included this as a feature.

• Home in Carmichael where the security company installed one of these detectors along with the alarm system.

• New detectors installed in the ceiling next to smoke detectors.

• Plug in detector in the hallway by bedrooms.

• Combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector all in one unit.

So my tip for the day is -

Get those detectors installed when you list the home and don’t wait to do it before the home inspector or appraiser shows up.

Amy