TOPIC: GFCI In the garage

OK, I have been inspecting for a little over 3 years now, I did a home built in 2005, There was 1 NON GFCI controlled receptacle in the garage, an FHA inspector called it out and said ALL receptacles had to be GFCI controlled, I was under the impression you were allowed only 1 non GFCI controlled receptacle for large items that were not easily moved such as a refrigerator, have I been wrong this WHOLE time???
THANKS GUYS!!!

For 2002/2005 Code Cycle... you are correct.

The most recent changes to the codes call for ALL garage receptacles to be GFCI protected.  My guess is the appraiser read it somewhere so they are calling it out.  Nothing you can do about that.

I keep the following wording in a General Notes section of my reports:

State and Local building codes contain a number of requirements for construction. However, these codes are not retroactive. Thus, once a building is built, the building owner generally does not have an obligation to comply with subsequent revisions to the building code, absent a significant renovation or change in use.  Safe Haven Inspections performs the home inspection based on the latest building standards.  When we call out a defect or safety upgrade, it is based on these standards and not those at time of construction. There is no requirement for the seller to repair or upgrade any item. In fact many times when we make a recommendation for upgrades, the seller will bring in a licensed specialist that will state the item met the building codes at time of construction. That is not our concern. Our
concern is that you, our client, has information on the latest standards, and can make an informed decision on whether you want those items repaired as part of the purchase and sales agreement, or you will have them repaired after the sale. It does not change our recommendation that the item should be repaired, replaced or upgraded.

When the FHA Compliance Inspector call out a requirement it is a health or a safety issue as a minimum HUD requirement, it is not a local building code issue.

It is the buyers responsibility to comply with the FHA inspection if they want an FHA loan (not the sellers).

Good write-up Steve!

hello
i am from Ontario. in Ontario garage is not require to be protected with GFCI plugs.
Although i personally always recommend my client to upgrade the system.