Full charge for second appraisal just to look at handrail??

[Nicole Heasley Beitenman]

Hi BP! 

My boyfriend is purchasing his first home with a VA loan through Veterans United. Appraisal was $525, and he gave them his account number as he was instructed so they could withdraw that amount. The VA appraiser's only gripe was a missing handrail. Sellers fixed it, and a second appraisal was ordered.

Another $525 was withdrawn from his account. He was told the appraiser was going to have to come back, but the financials of that were never discussed with him. I've been through this with FHA but not VA, and I don't recall being charged for a second full inspection when the FHA inspector requested repairs/improvements and went back to ensure they were completed. It seems outrageous that he would be charged full price just to look at a handrail. I'm also a little peeved that they didn't even have the courtesy to say, "Head's up, you're going to see another charge on your account, just FYI." I

s this normal? TIA!