UPCS Inspectors LLC

NSPIRE Inspection Services

REAC News: NSPIRE Scoring Finalized

by

NSPIRE-Training-Online

On 7/7/23, HUD published the final NSPIRE Scoring Notice in the Federal Register.

The notice addresses:

  • Explanation of the new REAC scoring model
  • Public comments from the March 2023 proposed notice
  • Comparisons between NSPIRE and UPCS scoring
  • The “Unit Threshold of Performance” that will cause an automatic fail
  • The new unit sample size
  • Duplicate defects inside the units
  • Which of the NSPIRE deficiencies will have zero point values
  • NSPIRE deficiencies that will have a grace period till 10/1/24

You can read the notice in the Federal Register.

Learn NSPIRE Scoring

Don’t let the new score changes catch you by surprise on your next REAC!

The new scoring system will be covered in our new NSPIRE for REAC Online Training.

This two-day course will teach you all the NSPIRE deficiencies and help you succeed on future NSPIRE inspections!

Anybody who is involved in Public Housing and Multi-Family Housing should take this class.

We Will Prepare You For NSPIRE

UPCS Inspectors LLC is a REAC RAP Contractor and we have stayed up to date on all the latest changes.

Above all, we strive to support our clients with the transition to NSPIRE and to be successful in this industry.

Visit our NSPIRE Online Training page for more information.

Questions? Contact us at education@upcsinspectors.com.

Breaking News: NSPIRE for HCV Deadlines

by

On February 28, 2023 HUD hosted their last NSPIRE “Get Ready” Session in San Antonio, TX.

In this session, HUD stated they will soon finalize NSPIRE as the new inspection for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) units.

NSPIRE for HCV inspections are expected to begin on 10/1/23 and will replace HQS.

The NSPIRE inspection will be conducted on an updated HUD-52580, the same form used for HQS inspections now.

Inspectors can use the paper HUD-52580 form or software on a tablet.

Housing authorities can elect to start NSPIRE on 10/1/24 and keep HQS for another year (this choice must be reported to the field office).

HUD must publish the administrative rules for a 90-day comment period before all these changes can be finalized.

We Will Prepare You For NSPIRE

UPCS Inspectors LLC will continue to teach the entire HUD-52580 inspection form in all HQS classes, the same form that will be used for NSPIRE.

We will provide further details on all the NSPIRE requirements discussed in this article in all HQS classes.

Last, we will provide a “NSPIRE for HQS Inspectors” class this fall for experienced HQS inspectors that want to learn the new inspection standards.

HQS Training Online

Don’t miss your chance to take our highly-rated HQS Training online.

This two-day course will increase your knowledge of the inspection protocol and help you succeed on future HQS and NSPIRE inspections!

The next class is on 5/10-5/11/23.

Click here to learn more.

Questions? Contact us at education@upcsinspectors.com.

UPCS Training Online

by

UPCS Training Online

Don’t miss your chance to take our highly-rated UPCS training online!

This two-day course will prepare you for UPCS inspections and help you succeed!

Webinar Schedule

Day 1 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST)

  • UPCS History and Background (why a good inspection matters)
  • Explanation of UPCS Scoring
  • Overview of Inspector Tasks and Conduct (how to maintain control of the inspection)
  • UPCS with NSPIRE definitions and the five 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
  • New Updates & NSPIRE (all the latest changes)
  • Summary of the Inspection Process
  • 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 UPCS 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.

  • “We should have taken your class from the start!” – Texas
  • “Awesome class and we learned so much! Very fun and educational!” – Washington
  • “We received so much more information than any other classes we’ve taken!” – Arizona
  • “This is the most thorough UPCS class I have ever taken!” – Arkansas
  • “The training course was great! All questions are addressed perfectly!” – Louisiana

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.

Registration

$395 for registration and exam. $325 per attendee for group of five or more.

Please register a week 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.

Download Paper Registration Form Here

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 a week before the class date to receive full refund.

    Substitutions are accepted.

    Cancellations less than seven days from the class date 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

    by

    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.

    Safety Management & PPE Training Online

    by

    3/3/21 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM CST

    This 3-hour webinar introduces property management professionals to safety management, emergency plans, common hazards, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

    Topics to Be Covered

    • Introduction to Work Safety
    • Common Types of Work Hazards
    • Costs of Injuries
    • Handling Safety and Health Issues
    • How to Write Safety / Emergency Action Plans
    • Personal Protective Equipment
    • How to Deal with COVID-19
    • HUD Guidance and CARES Act Funding

    In addition, the webinar includes PowerPoint handouts, group discussion, and checklist exercises.

    The course will be taught by Alejandro Dominguez, a nationally recognized trainer and affordable housing consultant.

    Alejandro is OSHA 30-Hour General Industry licensed by the US Department of Labor.

    Why Safety Management Training?

    This class is designed for housing professionals that care about safety at the work place. Reasons to attend include:

    • You want to learn how to write safety and emergency plans.
    • Staff is interested in the use of personal protective equipment.
    • A COVID-19 plan will help protect staff, partners, and residents.
    • Learn how to meet CARES Act fund requirements.

    Above all, everyone is responsible for work place safety!

    “This information is going to help us with our CARES Act funds!” – Executive Director, Texas PHA

    Registration

    ONLINE SALE! $99 per attendee. $79 per attendee for groups of three or more.

    Please register by 2/26/21 to receive your digital materials on time. An online invoice will be emailed to the point of contact.

    For your convenience, credit card payments can be processed online. Please mail checks prior to the deadline to ensure registration.

    Download Paper Registration Form Here

      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 48 hours prior to the webinar to receive full refund. Substitutions are accepted. Cancellations less than 48 hours prior will be assessed a $25 fee. 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.

      Safety Consultation

      Are you part of an organization that requires safety management consultation? We can provide custom services to match your needs. Please contact us to discuss your goals and needs.

      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