UPCS Inspectors LLC

NSPIRE Inspection Services

NSPIRE for Voucher Training Online

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NSPIRE-Training-Online

Don’t miss your chance to take our new NSPIRE training online!

This class is designed specifically for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Continuum of Care programs to help you succeed on future inspections!

NSPIRE for Voucher 2-Day Course

Next Webinar 6/17-6/18/25 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST)

  • NSPIRE History and Background
  • NSPIRE Administrative Regulations for HCV and CoC
  • Overview of Inspector Tasks and Conduct
  • Types of Inspections and Outcomes
  • Owner and Tenant Relations
  • The HUD NSPIRE for HCV Checklist
  • All the NSPIRE deficiencies in the three new inspection areas (Inside, Outside, and Units)
  • Pass/Fail Standards and Corrective Timelines
  • How to Transition from HQS to NSPIRE
  • New Smoke Detector Requirements
  • Summary of Inspection Process
  • Online Exam is Included!

What is Included?

This live webinar will feature PowerPoint, mock exercises, group discussion, and our 2-day NSPIRE spiral workbook (which includes photographs, resources, and checklists).

In addition, the class is taught by Alejandro Dominguez, owner of UPCS Inspectors LLC and experienced inspection trainer.

UPCS Inspectors LLC is a REAC RAP Contractor up to date on all the latest changes with NSPIRE.

Online Exam

UPCS Inspectors LLC ensures the quality of the course provided. The online exam is administered by ClassMarker.com.

There is no additional charge for the comprehension exam at the end of the course.

After the class, all registered attendees will be provided an online link to take the exam.

Students that pass the exam will be able to download and print a course certificate.

Who Should Attend?

Anybody who is involved in Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) or Continuum of Care (CoC) should take this class.

Above all, we don’t just think of ourselves as trainers.  UPCS Inspectors LLC strives to support our clients with their goals, help solve their problems, and get them where they want to be.

Testimonials from Our Inspection Classes

  • “It was a great and very informational class. The instructor was amazing!” – Minnesota
  • “It was a pleasure taking this class. It provided great clarity for the inspections that I will be doing.” – New York
  • “I think this course was very informative and essential to complete a thorough inspection.” – Maryland
  • “The mix of lecture with opportunities for interaction was great. Slides and book serve as great resources to use later to apply knowledge. Thank you!” – Florida
  • “Very well informed. The instructor answered all questions and was very understandable.”- Texas
  • “This class was great. My instructor made the class fun and there was never a dull moment. I would recommend this course for anyone wanting to learn how to do Section 8 Inspections.” – Kentucky

Registration

$425 per attendee. $375 per attendee for group of five or more. PLUS ONLINE EXAM IS INCLUDED!

Please register seven days before the class date to receive your materials on time.

Any late registrants will be emailed digital copies of the PowerPoint, but we cannot guarantee the course binder will arrive on time.

After you indicate your preferred payment option you will be emailed a separate online invoice.

You can download a printable version of the registration form here if you prefer.

Questions? Contact us at education@upcsinspectors.com or 512-653-6999.

    Cancellation Policy: If you are not able to attend this NSPIRE training, you must notify UPCS Inspectors LLC via email seven calendar days before the class date to receive full refund.

    Substitutions are accepted.

    Cancellations less than seven days before the class date will be billed for any course materials that were shipped and processed, along with any credit card processing fees.

    UPCS Inspectors LLC reserves the right to cancel the webinar at any time.

    If a webinar is cancelled, registration fees will be refunded in full.

    Breaking News 2/3/25: HOME Final Rule Delayed

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    HUD’s new final rule for the HOME Program was delayed to April 2025. 

    What You Need to Know

    The “HOME Investment Partnerships Program: Program Updates and Streamlining” Final Rule, published by HUD on 1/6/25, was set to become effective on 2/5/25.

    However, on 2/3/25, HUD announced the rule would be delayed till 4/20/25.

    The delay complies with a presidential memo that pauses pending rules in the Federal Register by at least 60 days.

    What is in the Final Rule?

    “This final rule revises the current HOME regulations to update, simplify, or streamline requirements, better align the program with other Federal housing programs, and implement recent amendments to the HOME statute.”

    This notice also makes changes for the implementation of NSPIRE. 

    All CPD programs must switch to NSPIRE property standard for inspections by 10/1/25.

    For the HOME Program, this means UPCS will be replaced by NSPIRE as the new inspection standard.

    How Should We Switch to NSPIRE?

    NSPIRE has been effective since 2023 for several programs, such as Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Multi-Family, and Public Housing. 

    As such, UPCS Inspectors LLC has already trained hundreds of students on NSPIRE!

    Once the final rule becomes effective, we will announce the dates of our NSPIRE for the HOME program class.

    This class will replace our UPCS for the HOME program class some of you have taken.

    It will educate you on the NSPIRE inspection, the HOME Final Rule, and Participating Jurisdiction’s responsibilities.

    All CPD Programs Must Switch to NSPIRE by 10/1/25

    Please stay tuned for the announcement of the NSPIRE for the HOME Program Class.

    You can visit our website at any time to look at class schedules for other programs.

    Questions? Contact us at education@upcsinspectors.com or 512-653-6999.

    UPCS Inspectors LLC celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary in 2025.

    Thank you for your support.

    NSPIRE News: Extension for CPD Till 10/1/24

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    NSPIRE-Training-Online

    Today HUD posted in the Federal Register an extension for Community and Planning Development (CPD) programs on NSPIRE compliance.

    NSPIRE Extended to 10/1/24

    This notice will allow Community Planning and Development programs to switch from Housing Quality Standards (HQS) or Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) to NSPIRE anytime between 10/1/23 and 10/1/24.

    What Programs Does This Apply To?

    HUD is extending the compliance date for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Housing Trust Fund (HTF), Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), Emergency Solution Grants (ESG) and Continuum of Care (COC) programs (“CPD programs”) until October 1, 2024.

    When Should I Switch to NSPIRE?

    Today’s notice allows you to wait to take NSPIRE training and transition to NSPIRE inspections.

    Per the notice, HUD still plans to post additional guidance for CPD, especially the HOME program, sometime in the future.

    At the same time, the participating jurisdictions are allowed to switch to NSPIRE whenever they choose after 10/1/23.

    For now, we recommend the HOME program wait to transition from UPCS to NSPIRE, but that CoC can begin to covert to NSPIRE from HQS whenever convenient.

    Source: Federal Register Notice Date Published: 9/18/23

    NPSIRE Training Online

    Don’t miss your chance to take our new NSPIRE training online!

    This class is designed specifically for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Continuum of Care programs to help you succeed on future inspections!

    We have classes in November, December, and January for your convenience!

    Visit our NSPIRE for HCV Training Online page to find out more.

    UPCS For The HOME Program Training

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    Don’t miss your chance to take our UPCS training for the HOME Program online!

    From rehabilitation projects to acquisition of standard housing to rental housing, this is a UPCS class tailored specifically for the HOME program.

    NSPIRE for CPD Training Coming Soon. This class is closed.

    Day 1 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST)

    • UPCS and the HOME Final Rule
    • HUD local jurisdictions requirements and property standards for the HOME program
    • Pass/Fail Standards and Corrective Actions
    • Overview of Inspector Tasks and Conduct (how to maintain control of the inspection)
    • UPCS definitions and the five inspected areas (site, units, exteriors, common areas, and systems)

    Day 2 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST)

    • UPCS definitions continued
    • Notice of Industry Standard Repairs (with examples of what is no longer acceptable)
    • Health and Safety deficiencies
    • Summary of Inspection Process
    • How to prepare for the NSPIRE 10/1/23 deadline.
    • UPCS Exam (Online on your own)

    This class is designed for housing professionals that want to be successful in this industry.

    What is Included?

    This live webinar will feature PowerPoint, mock exercises, group discussion, and our spiral two-day UPCS workbook (which includes photographs of all deficiencies and checklists).

    In addition, the class is taught by Alejandro Dominguez, a REAC certified UPCS contractor and experienced HOME Program trainer and inspector.

    Testimonials

    We don’t just think of ourselves as trainers. 

    Above all, we strive to support our clients with their goals, help solve their problems, and get them where they want to be.

    • “Great examples and format of class. Having paper materials sent to have ahead of the virtual class was so helpful! Thank you! “ – Florida
    • “The instructor was very friendly and knowledgeable!” –Alaska
    • “Outstanding instruction and information!”– North Carolina
    • “Class was very informative and our instructor was awesome!!–Washington D.C.
    • “The class was set up well and was a wealth of information!” – Oklahoma

    Online Exam

    UPCS Inspectors LLC ensures the quality of the course provided.

    There is no additional charge for the comprehension exam at the end of the course.

    After the class, all registered attendees will be provided an online link to take the exam.

    Students that pass the exam will be able to download and print a course certificate.

    Who Should Attend?

    Whether you are new or have completed a UPCS course in the past, there are several reasons to attend this class. For instance:

    • This UPCS class specifically addresses the HOME program
    • Someone in your organization requires UPCS training
    • You are a veteran inspector that wants a refresher
    • You are curious about the proposed NSPIRE requirements

    Registration

    $425 per attendee. $375 per attendee for group of five or more. PLUS ONLINE EXAM IS INCLUDED!

    Please register below by 4/6/23 to receive your materials on time.

    Any late registrants will be emailed digital copies of the PowerPoint, but we cannot guarantee the course binder will arrive on time.

    After you indicate your preferred payment option you will be emailed a separate online invoice.

    You can download a printable version of the registration form here if you prefer.

    Questions? Contact us at education@upcsinspectors.com or 512-653-6999.

      Cancellation Policy: If you are not able to attend this UPCS training, you must notify UPCS Inspectors LLC via email by 4/6/23 to receive full refund.

      Substitutions are accepted.

      Cancellations after 4/6/23 will be billed for any course materials that were shipped and processed.

      UPCS Inspectors LLC reserves the right to cancel the webinar at any time.

      If a webinar is cancelled, registration fees will be refunded in full.

      2013 HOME Final Rule

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      The 2013 HOME Final Rule establishes Uniform Physical Conditions Standards (UPCS) as the inspection standard for the HUD HOME Program.

      This applies to the acquisition of standard housing (down-payment assistance) along with ongoing rental housing.

      UPCS Standards

      Property standards for the HOME Program were established in CFR Title 24 / Subtitle A / Part 92 / Subpart F / 92.251 Property Standards.

      Specific language from the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), along with direct links to these passages, are below.

      (c) Acquisition of standard housing

      (3) “Existing housing that is acquired for homeownership (e.g., down-payment assistance)… At minimum, the standards must provide that the housing meets all applicable State and local housing quality standards and code requirements and the housing does not contain the specific deficiencies proscribed by HUD based on the applicable inspectable items and inspected areas in HUD-prescribed physical inspection procedures (Uniform Physical Condition Standards).”

      (f) Ongoing property conditions standards: Rental Housing

      (1)(i) “At a minimum, the participating jurisdiction’s ongoing property standards must include all inspectable items and inspectable areas specified by HUD based on the HUD physical inspection procedures (Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS))”.

      How We Can Help

      Our company, UPCS Inspectors LLC, provides in-person and online UPCS training specifically tailored for the HOME Program.

      We have provided training for various planning and development departments in city governments across the United States.

      In addition, we perform annual UPCS inspections of various HOME rental projects, along with file audits for rental calculation, median family income, and max rent compliance.

      Please contact us if your organization requires any assistance with inspections, file audits, or training for the HOME program.

      Meet Our Founder

      Founded in 2015 by owner Alejandro Dominguez, UPCS Inspectors LLC is a full service inspection company that specializes in annual inspections, NSPIRE training, and REAC consultation for the housing industry. In addition, UPCS Inspectors LLC is a contract vendor for the US … Read More

      Updates

      Connect With Us

      UPCS Inspectors LLC
      2027 Coats Circle
      Austin, TX 78748

      P: 512-653-6999
      E: alejandro@upcsinspectors.com