|
Memo #1082 Cleaning vs. Removing Appliances and Reglazing vs. Boarding Windows
To: All SPI Contractors
From: Robert Klein
Memo #1082 Cleaning vs. Removing Appliances and Reglazing vs. Boarding Windows
We have received complaints from some M&M contractors indicating that they believe some contractors may be taking inappropriate shortcuts in completing work.
One complaint has to do with excessive bids for cleaning kitchen appliances. The M&Ms believe that contractors are deliberately submitting bids to clean appliances that are prohibitively high so that the M&M will approve the simpler task of removing the appliance. The M&M also suggested that some contractors have removed appliances, been paid for the removal, and then sold the removed appliances to used appliance stores. Obviously HUD is of the opinion that if an appliance is in sufficiently salvageable condition that it can be sold to a resale shop, it should not be removed but should be cleaned and left in the property.
This is by no means an accusation against all or even most contractors, but we must make you aware of the M&Ms' remarks to us. The M&Ms have advised us that they will continue to encourage cleaning rather than removal of free-standing appliances.
When you submit a bid, whether to clean or dispose of an appliance, your bid must be accompanied by an explanation of the recommended work and photo documentation. The M&Ms will not approve removal of appliances unless absolutely necessary.
In addition, the M&Ms have commented that they suspect there is excessive reporting of window frames being too damaged to reglaze. In areas where reglazing of windows is required, if a window cannot be reglazed due to damaged frames, the contractor must provide a bid to repair the frame and reglaze along with the bid to board. These bids must also come with appropriate documentation of the need for repairs. The M&Ms will deny or return boarding bids that are not accompanied by reglazing bids, and they have indicated they will strongly favor approving bids to repair and reglaze over bids to board.
Your compliance with these requirements as explained to us by the M&Ms will help to assure that the bids you submit are the bids that receive M&M approval. We appreciate your help with our efforts to quickly and effectively safeguard our clients' interests.
If you have any questions about the requirements outlined in this memo, please contact your regional coordinator.
To view additional Contractor Alerts please link on the following:
Contractor Alert Memos |
