TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

SUBTITLE B - REGULATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

CHAPTER XVIII - RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS - COOPERATIVE SERVICE, RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

SUBCHAPTER H - PROGRAM REGULATIONS

PART 1980 - GENERAL

subpart d - RURAL HOUSING LOANS

1980.341 - Inspections of construction and compliance reviews.

  (a) Qualified inspectors. Inspections will be made during construction by a construction inspector deemed qualified and approved by the Lender.

A qualified inspector is one that a reasonable person would hire to perform an inspection of his/her own dwelling.

  (b) Inspections. Inspections shall be done by a party the Lender determines to be qualified, such as a HUD approved fee inspector. The sale agreement shall identify which party (i.e., purchaser or seller) is responsible to obtain and pay for required inspections and certifications. In connection with inspections involving construction contracts, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination compliance reviews must be made as required by 1980.317.

  (1) For existing dwellings, inspections must be made to determine that the dwelling: (i) Meets the current requirements of HUD Handbooks 4150.1 and 4905.1 (available from the HUD Ordering Desk 18007677468).

  (ii) Meets the thermal standards per 1980.313(f).

  (2) For a newly constructed dwelling, when construction is planned, the Lender must see that the following inspections are made in addition to any additional inspections the Lender deems appropriate: (i) When footings and foundations are ready to be poured but prior to back-filling.

  (ii) When shell is closed in but plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work are still exposed.

  (iii) When construction is completed prior to occupancy.

  (iv) Inspections under paragraphs (b)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section are not required when the builder supplies an insured 10 year warranty plan acceptable under the requirements of exhibit L of subpart A of part 1924.

  (c) Water and water/waste disposal. The Lender will see that the water and water/waste disposal systems have been approved by a state or local government agency.