What is a feasibility analysis or report?

That is a great question as many, and I mean many, lenders get it confused with a consultation. Or worse yet the second half of a consultation.

Let's start with the order. A lender typically calls in with an order for a feasibility report. This product is a quick trip to the site, no more than thirty minutes on the site for a SFR and a report that is generated about an hour after we return to the office. This report is a thumbnail sketch of the work to be completed to bring the home to the FHA Minimum Property Standards. Nothing more. Not enough for a contractor to use to create a bid. This is a tool to help determine the condition of the property with regards to the Minimum Property Standards that includes health and safety issues as well as most, if not all, structural issues.

Where the break down occurs is when the lender calls everything a "feasibility report" and actually is ordering the "consultant report". The consultant report requires a much more extensive inspection of the property and a detailed scope of work, sometimes referred to as the SOR (Scope of Renovation). This report should be detailed enough for the contractor to make a bid short the final working drawings.

There may be adjustments after the final working drawings are provided, if they are necessary at all.