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b. Consultant Duties (04/18/2023)
The assigned Consultant must perform the following duties in accordance with the requirements set forth below.
i. Feasibility Study
If requested by the Borrower or Mortgagee to determine if a project is financially feasible, the Consultant must prepare a Feasibility Study.
ii. Consultant Inspection
The Consultant must personally conduct an on-site property inspection to ensure:
• there are no rodents, dry rot, termites and other infestation on the Property;
• there are no defects that will affect the health and safety of the occupants;
• there exist adequate structural, heating, plumbing, electrical and roofing systems; and
• there are upgrades to the Structure’s thermal protection (when necessary).
The Consultant must prepare a report on the current condition of the Property that categorically examines the Structure utilizing the 35 point checklist. The report must address any deficiencies that exist and certify the condition of all major systems: electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing and structural.
The Consultant must determine the repairs/improvements that are required to meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPR), Minimum Property Standards (MPS) and local requirements.
iii. Architectural Exhibits
The Consultant is responsible for identifying all required architectural exhibits. The Consultant must prepare the exhibits, or, if not qualified to prepare all of the necessary exhibits, must obtain the exhibits from a qualified subcontractor.
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II. ORIGINATION THROUGH POST-CLOSING/ENDORSEMENT A. Title II Insured Housing Programs Forward Mortgages
9. 203(k) Consultant Requirements
iv. Work Write-Up and Cost Estimate
The Consultant must prepare an unbiased Work Write-Up and Cost Estimate without the use of the contractor’s estimate. The Work Write-Up and Cost Estimate must be detailed as to work being performed per the project proposal, including the necessary reports described in the Architectural Exhibit Review section.
v. Draw Request Inspection
The Consultant must inspect the work for completion and quality of workmanship at each draw request.
vi. Change Order
At the Borrower’s or Mortgagee’s request, the Consultant must review the proposed changes to the Work Write-Up and prepare a change order.
vii. Work Stoppages or Deviations from the Approved Write-Up
The Consultant must inform the Mortgagee of the progress of the rehabilitation and of any problems that arise, including:
• work stoppages of more than 30 consecutive Days or work not progressing reasonably during the rehabilitation period;
• significant deviations from the Work Write-Up without the Consultant’s approval;
• any issues that could affect adherence to the program requirements or property eligibility; or
• any issues that could affect the health and safety of the occupants or the security of the Structure.