HUD Foundation Inspections

[dowengr]

Hello All,

I’ve been receiving frequent requests to provide HUD Certification Letters for manufactured home foundations. The initial projects were manageable, as clients provided drawings, specifications, and previously stamped engineering documents. I inspected the foundations and structures, verified no modifications had been made, and confirmed their good condition.

However, I’m facing a new challenge with a potential client. They lack drawings, specifications, or original build documents and have requested I complete the certification letter within a few days. Additionally, they proposed deferring payment until the house closes escrow, which I declined.

Does anyone have advice on how to approach this situation, particularly regarding the lack of documentation and tight timeline? Any insights or best practices would be greatly appreciated.

Leaning towards declining this project.

 

[phamENG]

Couldn't you just add some language like "invoice is due and payable regardless on the outcome of the escrow"? When I work through architects, I have a clause which reads "there are no paid when/if paid provisions in this agreement." Alternatively, if the escrow is to close in xx days (30, 90, whatever), you could put that provision in your agreement, something like "Invoice is due and payable at close of escrow or 90 days, whichever comes first."
Just my two cents.

Yes, but then why deal with the escrow at all?

XR250 has relationships with realtors. If you're doing a lot of these and it's running through the realtor and you have a good relationship, I can certainly see a clause like this making sense. But Joe Scmuckahomeowner? Not worth the hassle. At least, not for me.

 

[XR250]

Yes, but then why deal with the escrow at all?

It is just a courtesy on my end because It is easier for all parties as the realtor does not have the bookkeeping to get reimbursed etc. as it comes from the buyer's (or sellers's funds)

 

[phamENG]

It is just a courtesy on my end because It is easier for all parties as the realtor does not have the bookkeeping to get reimbursed etc. as it comes from the buyer's (or sellers's funds)

Sorry - conversation split there. My comment about why dealing with escrow was aimed at the one offs that I have to deal with. Not going to bend over backward for those. In your case working with the realtor you have a business relationship it makes more sense (as long as you do have means to collect if the sale falls through).