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Safeguard Properties Property Preservation Photos Manual
Safeguard Properties Property Preservation Photos Manual
Safeguard Properties Property Preservation Photos Manual
PHOTOS MANUAL
HOW CAN I FIND?
The Photos Manual is searchable in all of the following ways: 1. BOOKMARKS: By clicking on the bookmarks to the left of this document you can navigate through the table of contents. There are six main topics, which contain the following information: Index See information on the index provided below Securing Winterizations Debris Yard Maintenance Damages Miscellaneous Bids Miscellaneous Topics 2. INDEX: If you click on the bookmark, to the left of this document, labeled Index it will take you to an alphabetized list of photos/topics inside of this document. Each topic has a link to the page where photos (and information) on the respective topic is contained. Please be advised that the link will not take you to the exact section of the page that you are looking for. It will only take you to the respective page; therefore, you may be required to scroll to the bottom of the page to obtain your information. 3. SEARCH FUNCTION: This Manual also contains a search function that will give you a wider array of information on a particular topic. To utilize this function click on the binoculars on the toolbar marked Search. When the search menu comes up to the right of your screen, type a word or phrase in the field named What word or phrase would you like to search for? As an example, you can type in Radiant Winterization. The search defaults to checking within the current document. You can further refine your search by selecting the buttons next to options such as Case-Sensitive, Whole Words Only, Search in Bookmarks, or Search in Comments. Once you have selected your desired search criteria, click on the "Search" button to execute the search. Note: The goal of the training department is to make this document as user friendly as possible. Therefore, If you have any questions regarding using this document or if you have any feedback regarding the content (Ex. Information that needs to be revised/added/deleted), please send an email to training.department@safeguardproperties.com
INDEX
Page 1: A R Page 2: S Z
A
Alternatives to Hasps, Padlocks Antifreeze, Pouring (Correct) Antifreeze Pouring Incorrect Automobile Removing Storm Damage Structural Unfinished Renovations Vandalism Water Damage
H
Handrail Installation
Health Hazards
Battery Gas Can Infestation Risk Propane Tank Tires HUD Tags, Mobile Home
B
Barrel Bolt Battery
Debris
Common Household Waste Curbing Exterior Debris Health Hazards by Item Interior Debris Int H/H- Infestation Risk Personals Exterior Personals Interior Improper Debris Removal Dehumidifier Bids Disconnecting Water Meter
Boarding
Boarding-Florida / Carribean Bolt Boarding - Horizontal Bolt Boarding - Vertical Incorrect Boarding Reglazing Screening Visqueening
I Incorrect
Incorrect Antifreeze Pouring (Wint) Incorrect Boarding Incorrect: Disconnection of Water Meter Inspection Sign In Sheet
C
Capping Gas Line Capping Wires Cooler, Swamp Common Household Waste Coroners Seal Covering Outlets Crime/Biohazards/MethLabs Crime Scenes Curbing Debris
E
Environmental Hazards Expansion Tank Eyebolt
K
Knoblocks
F
Fascia Fence Repairing Freeze Damage Freeze Damage Thawing Freeze Damage - Repairing
L
Lawn Sprinkler System Winterize Lockboxes
D Damages
Crime/Biohazards/MethLabs Environmental Hazards Freeze Damage Mold Damage Mortgagor Neglect Natural Disaster Damage Roof Damage Patch Roof Damage Tarp
G
General Photos Rules Gas Can Graffiti Grass Cut
M
Methamphetamine Posting/Lab Mobile Home Mobile Home, HUD Tags Mold/Mildew Damage Mold/Mildew Treatment
N O
P
Padlocks Alternatives to Hasps Padlocks Garage & Outbuilding Personals Exterior Personals - Interior Photos Rules, General Pool, In-ground Propane Tank
Bracing Knoblocks Padlocks Pool Securing In-ground Reglazing Window Screening Securing Sticker Security Door Slide Bolt Slider Lock Visqueening Screening Securing Sticker Security Door Shrub Trimming Sign In Sheet Soffit Sprinkler System Winterizing Structural Damage Sump Pump Swamp Coolers
V
Visqueening
W Winterization
Antifreeze Disconnecting Water Meter Dry Heat Winterization Steps Feces Incorrect Antifreeze Pouring Pressure Testing the Lines Sprinkler System, Lawn Sump Pump Radiant Winterization RPZ Valve Utility Transfer
X Y Yard Maintenance
Grass Cut Shrub Trimming
R
RPZ Valve Radiant Heat System Reglazing Repairing Broken Pipes Repairing Fence
T
Thawing Torpedo Heaters Tires Treating/Cleaning Mold/Mildew Trimming, Shrubs
S Securing
Barrel Bolt Bolt Boarding Horizontal Bolt Boarding Vertical Utility Notice Utility Transfer
Y Z
Be sure all photos justify work completed and bids given. o If photos do not justify work completed place the order on a 400 status and DO NOT BILL the order until the appropriate photos are received to support. Be cautious of the 30-day billing guidelines, it may be necessary to cut a contractors invoice if we do not receive photos to support in a timely manner. Before and After (B/A) photos are required for all work completed. These photos should be from the same angle. o Do not charge for multiple photos of the same item taken from different angles. If a photo is unclear, too dark, or has an imaging problem, change the Image Type to Update in the Image Viewer so the client will not be able to view. However, please ensure we have all photos to support any work completed.
If a contractor submits a photo that is upside down or sideways, the biller will have to correct the image by using the rotate buttons and pressing save once the image has been properly adjusted.
Securing
Securing Sticker Lockboxes Knoblocks Padlocks-Outbuildings & Garages Padlocks Alternatives to Hasps Slide bolts Barrel bolts Slider Locks Boarding a Window - Horizontal Boarding a Window Vertical Incorrect Boarding Boarding Door Reglazing Screening Visqueening In-ground pool Above Ground Pool
Securing
General Information
Securing Sticker
An SPI Securing Sticker must be placed on a door or window if one of SPIs contractors perform securing at a property.
Lockboxes
Lockboxes are not installed for all clients on all loan types. These are by client request only. Please review the client parameters to see what the client lockbox requirements are. Before Lockbox Installation After Lockbox Installation
Securing
Locks
Knoblocks
Fair Market Value = $40 FHA, Non-FHA may vary. Knoblocks are generally installed on Front and/or Rear doors and Garage Man Doors. Note: Be sure the contractor places the SPI securing sticker on the door also.
Securing
Locks
Padlocks
Fair Market Value = $40 FHA, Non-FHA may vary. Padlocks can be installed on garage doors, outbuildings, pool gates, and crawl spaces. They may also be installed on front and rear doors as a variation due to damage or antique style locks.
Outbuilding Before
Outbuilding After
Garage Before
Garage After
Securing
Locks
Padlocks Alternatives to Hasps (Eyebolts)
Contractors have started using alternative mechanisms when installing padlocks as a substitute for a hasps. This is not acceptable. The guidelines require hasps be used and until the guidelines are changed hasps are what should be installed. If you notice alternate mechanisms (an example can be found in the Photos Manual) we do not need to send the contractor back to install a hasp at this time. We do however need to send them an email notifying them to use hasps going forward. The contractor's regional manager should also be notified so they can address the issue with them.
Securing
Locks
Slide bolts
Fair Market Value = $25 FHA, Non-FHA may vary Slide bolts are installed on secondary doors.
10
Securing
Locks
Barrel bolts
Fair Market Value = $25 Barrel bolts are installed on secondary doors.
11
Securing
Locks
Slider Locks
Fair Market Value = $20 Slider Locks are generally used to secure sliding glass doors. Contractors are advised to doublelock. If a slider lock already exists, they can just add one slider lock. If one does not, they can add two (and get paid $20 for both).
12
Securing
Boarding
Boarding a Window - Horizontal
Before (Required) After (Required)
Although the Interior View of window boarding (as shown below) is not a required photo, it is beneficial for the contractor take to ensure that no damage was done to the window and that all glass shards were removed prior to boarding, per HUD guidelines. *The securing can be done with one board (as shown in the photo to the left) or two boards (as shown in the photo below).
13
Securing
Boarding
Boarding a Window Vertical
Although the Interior View of window boarding (as shown to the left) is not a required photo, it is beneficial for the contractor take to ensure that no damage was done to the window and that all glass shards were removed prior to boarding, per HUD guidelines.
14
Securing
Boarding Florida and Caribbean Variation
Boarding in the Florida/Caribbean Area: Variation Exterior surface and edges of all plywood must be painted with one coat white primer and one coat white finish
Before (Required) After (Required showing white primer/finish)
15
Securing
Incorrect Boarding
# 1 Glass not removed, boarded from inside.
# 2 Use of Screws
16
Securing
Boarding
Door
Before Door
After Door
17
Securing
Miscellaneous
Reglazing
Reglazing is the preferred method of securing windows and should be handled within the MASF for FHA.
Before
After
Before
After
18
Securing
Miscellaneous
Screening
Fair Market Value = *FHA: see each states boarding section for a screening price
19
Securing
Miscellaneous
Visqueening
20
Securing
Pool Securing
In-ground pool
Fair Market Value = $2.05 Per Square Foot up to a Maximum of $1050. Securing information: Generally In ground pools are not drained completely. They are usually shock treated with chlorine, covered or boarded (the cover must support 50 lbs of pressure per square inch). Note: If there is a pool gate to the property, it must be secured with a padlock. Supports should be added every 16 inches on center for added support.
21
Securing
Pool Securing
Above Ground Pool
Fair Market Value = *FHA: Contractors should be securing above ground pools in the same manner as in ground pools. If this is not possible the pool will be drained, dismantled and removed. Note: If there is a pool gate to the property, it must be secured with a padlock.
22
Winterization
SPI Winterization Stickers Dry Heat System Steam Heat System Incorrect Antifreeze Pouring Radiant Winterization System Winterizing Sprinkler Systems Feces Sump Pump Utility Transfer
23
Winterization
Winterization General Information
SPI Winterization Sticker:
Anytime a winterization is performed a property, SPI winterization stickers/tags should be fastened to the items winterized (faucets, toilets, hot water heater, etc.). There should never be any loan or other confidential mortgagor information on the stickers. There are three types of systems that are winterized by SPI: Dry Heat System Steam Heat System Radiant Heat System
Note: Winterization stickers should be filled out with the date the property was winterized. It is not a requirement that the date be visible in the contractors winterization tag photos, however, this is recommended as a good photo.
24
Winterization
Dry Heat System Winterization Steps with links to photos
1. Clean toilets and put anti-freeze in all toilets and traps (sinks, bathtubs, etc). Contractors should use only non-tox RV antifreeze (low-tox antifreeze is not permitted).
Note - Cleaning Toilets: The FHA guidelines state that toilets must be cleaned prior to winterizing. SPI does not accept bids to remove feces. There may be extreme cases where bidding is acceptable; these will be handled on a per item basis, and must have photo documentation to support. If the contractor is reporting that they cannot winterize due to feces, or only partially winterized due to feces, please reference the feces section.
2. Affix tags/stickers showing date of winterization, and name/address/phone number of firm that performed the work to all items winterized. 3. Use air pressure to remove water from lines, and check for damages 4. Drain the hot water heater. (Properties with wells must be drained.) 5. Utilities should be turned off see Memo 1125 for importance of shutting of circuit breakers. 6. Water off at the curb, if not possible, shut of main interior water supply (Flush all toilets first).
25
Winterizations
Dry Heat System Winterization
Step 1: Pouring Antifreeze in the drains/traps
The following photos show proper Antifreeze pouring for drains/traps. Please see the next page for Incorrect antifreeze pouring photos.
26
Winterizations
Dry Heat System Winterization
Incorrect Antifreeze Pouring
Incorrect # 1: Antifreeze should not be poured into tubs, sinks and toilets that are full of water. The photo below shows a bathtub that should have been drained prior to the antifreeze being poured in.
27
Winterizations
Dry Heat System Winterization
Step 2: Affix tags/stickers showing date of winterization, and name/address/phone number of firm that performed the work to all items winterized.
28
Winterizations
Dry Heat System Winterization
Step 3: Use air pressure to remove water from lines, and check for damages (Photo MUST show the air compressor and hose hooked up to the line in the same picture)
29
Winterizations
Dry Heat System Winterization
Step 4: Drain the hot water heater. (Properties with wells must be drained.)
30
Winterizations
Dry Heat System Winterization
Step 5: Utilities should be turned off see Memo 1125 for importance of shutting of circuit breakers. (Photo of circuit breakers, recommended but not required)
31
Winterizations
Dry Heat System Winterization
Important: Water meters can be disconnected. However, the photos are not required. The photos below show a disconnected water meter.
32
Winterizations
Dry Heat System Winterization
Step 6: Shut water off at the curb, if not possible, shut off main interior water supply (Flush all toilets first). (Photo of water off at the curb, not needed, unless work is done per bid)
33
Winterizations
Radiant Winterization System Steps with links to photos
FHA Complete all dry steps plus: Fill entire system with antifreeze.
34
Winterizations
Radiant Winterization Completion Steps
RPZ Valve Installation (only to be completed if required by local code)
Before
After
Before
After
35
Winterizations
Miscellaneous Winterization Topics
Winterizing Lawn Sprinkler Systems
Lawn sprinkler systems must be winterized, similar to other systems. The contractor must drain and blow the lines, the meter and other additional piping/hardware will also need to be drained and the system disconnected. If a specialist gets a lawn sprinkler system or an interior sprinkler system, please forward a message to SMM (Steve Meyer) to review the photos to ensure you have everything to update and bill the order. Again, please send a message to SMM, due not attempt to bill the order without someone reviewing the photos first. Below are a few examples of what a sprinkler system winterization might look like (they are not all inclusive).
Blowing/ Draining the Lines
36
Winterizations
Miscellaneous Winterization Topics
Feces
Contractors have been advised to remove feces in toilets along with completing the winterization. There are exceptions in which the contractor cannot remove the feces and must submit a bid. Review the photos before submitting a bid to remove feces (the photos must justify the bid).
DO NOT BID FECES** If a winterization was ordered, the contractor should not be bidding feces in this case (since there is such a small amount).
37
Winterizations
Miscellaneous Winterization Topics
Sump Pump
Per Memo 1131, contractors are required to submit a receipt for the purchase of a new sump pump (labeled as an "Update," not a Photo or Document), along with the necessary photos (1. Before of the old pump; 2. Old pump removed and laying next to the crock; 3. New pump lying next to the crock; 4. After of new installed pump). Below is a diagram of a typical set-up for a sump pump, and example photographs:
38
Winterizations
Miscellaneous Winterization Topics
Utility Transfer
For a utility transfer, we need a photo to verify that the utilities were indeed transferred. At times, contractors will meet the utility company at the property, in which case they may provide a photo of the utility vehicle or utility personnel. Otherwise, they can provide a photo of a working light,\ or sump pump, or just a Front of the House photo showing that they returned to check the utilities. Utility Vehicle on Site
39
Debris
Curbing Debris Interior Debris Common Household Waste Exterior Debris Debris By the CYD Debris & Health Hazards Mixed Health Hazards by item Batteries Gas Cans Propane Tanks Tires Heath Hazards Infestation Risks Exterior Personals Interior Personals Auto Removal
40
Debris
Improper Debris Removal
CURBING: Contractors should completely remove debris from the property, and shouldn't curb it for the local trash service to pick up (we cant verify if/when it will be picked up). All debris removed from a property should be taken to a dump facility its never acceptable to curb the debris. If there are no other photos to support that the debris was physically removed from the property, question the contractor.
41
Debris
Interior Debris
Debris is defined as trash, junk, items of no value. Interior debris does not need to be removed per FHA guidelines. Interior debris should be reported to the client, however, although we are not bidding it. Please see the P&P Manual for further details on how to handle this reporting.
42
Debris
Interior Debris
Common Household Waste
Sometimes labeled as poisons or hazards by contractors, common household products and chemicals are not considered to be hazardous by Safeguard (except in very excessive quantities). These items are instead considered debris and are not removed or bid to be removed from the property. These items need to be listed in the description of Interior Debris (although we would not submit a bid).
43
Debris
Exterior Debris
44
Debris
Debris & Health Hazards Mixed
Moldy Debris
45
Debris
Health Hazards by item
Batteries
Bids for these types of automobile batteries should not exceed $20 per battery.
Gas Cans
Bids for these types of gas cans should not exceed $20 per can.
46
Debris
Health Hazards by item
47
Debris
Health Hazards by item
Tires
BIDS: Bids for these types of tires should not exceed $15 per ML 2007-03. Bids for larger, tractor tires may exceed this amount (larger bids will have to be submitted under miscellaneous bids.
48
Debris
Heath Hazards Infestation Risks
H/H Bagged Raw Garbage
49
Debris
Exterior Personals
The following items are personals and are not to be considered debris if in good condition.
50
Debris
Interior Personals
Personals Stereo Personals Dining Set and China
51
Debris
Auto Removal
BIDS: If a contractor is bidding over the state allowable for vehicle removal per FHA guidelines, they must provide a valid reason why the removal cannot be done for the allowable.
Before (Required)
After (Required)
52
Yard Maintenance
53
Yard Maintenance
Grass Cut
Required photos for grass cuts include a before and an after of the front yard; and a before and an after of the rear yard. **Please refer to the P&P production manual and memo 1105 for details on grass cut bid pricing. Before Rear After - Rear
Before - Front
After - Front
54
Yard Maintenance
Grass Cuts - Incorrect
INCORRECT - After Photo Grass clippings should be removed, per HUD guidelines. This photo indicates that this was not done correctly.
55
Yard Maintenance
Shrub Trimming
Before After
56
Yard Maintenance
Snow Removal
Before After
Before
After
57
Damages
Mortgagor Neglect Unfinished Renovations Freeze Damage Thaw Freeze Damaged Pipes Roof Tarping Roof Patching Structural Damage Mold Mold/Mildew - Treatment Water Damage Vandalism Damage Fire Damage Environmental Hazards Damage Storm Damage Natural Disaster Damage Crime/Biohazards/Meth Labs
58
Damages
Mortgagor Neglect
Mortgagor neglect includes items of wear and tear during normal occupancy. We need a clear description of the damage and what is damaged (floor, ceiling, carpets, cabinets, etc.). A few examples of mortgagor neglect are shown below.
Drywall Damage
59
Damages
Unfinished Renovations
Includes any remodeling or construction that was not finished.
60
Damages
Freeze Damage
This category includes broken pipes, toilets or cracked heating systems as a result of freezing temperatures.
61
Damages
Freeze Damage - Bids
Bids to thaw should include the method of thawing, the materials used to thaw, and the amount of time needed to thaw and the cost per man hour.
62
Damages
Freeze Damage - Bids
Freeze Damage can cause pipes to break or burst. In these cases, contractors should supply bids to repair pipes.
63
Damages
Roof
When roof damage is present, we can tarp, repair/patch or replace the roof. Bids to address roof damage over $1,500 should be reviewed by claims prior to submitting the bid to the client.
Before Tarp
After Tarp
64
Damages
Roof
When roof damage is present, we can tarp, repair/patch or replace the roof. Bids to address roof damage over $1,500 should be reviewed by claims prior to submitting the bid to the client.
Before Patch
After Patch
Before Patch
After Patch
65
Damages
Structural Damage
Structural damage includes damage to the foundation or any supporting structure of the property (caved in or cracked ceilings and walls; neglected/unstable building; etc.) We must have a clear description of what is damaged.
66
Damages
Mold
Mold damage includes any damage to the property from existing mold. If mold damage is reported, we need the following information from the contractor: 1. A clear description of what has been damaged including location and area/size; 2. An eyeball estimate; 3. A bid to treat/clean or remove the mold; 4. The source of the mold damage on updates; 5. Bids to cure the source of the damage.
DEHUMIDIFIERS
Install Dehumidifier to rectify moisture issues that may be causing or can cause mold damage to a property.
Dehumidifiers generally cost between $150-$250 to purchase at a local home improvement store.
67
Damages
Mold/Mildew - Treatment
Before Mildew
Before Mildew
68
Damages
Water Damage
This category of includes basic water and floor damage. Mold should NOT go into this category. We need an eyeball estimate and cause of the water damage (burst pipe, roof leak, sump pump back-up, etc.). We also need to know specifically what was damaged (floor, ceiling, carpets, cabinets, etc.).
69
Damages
Vandalism Damage
May include broken windows, broken doors and graffiti. The method used to eradicate graffiti, both interior and exterior, is to cover it up by painting over it. Exterior Graffiti Before Exterior Graffiti Covered After
70
Damages
Fire Damage
- Fire Damaged Interior -
71
Damages
Environmental Hazards Damage
The environmental hazard category includes infestations of fleas, mice/rats and other pests.
72
Damages
Storm Damage
The following photos depict damages caused by a storm.
Hanging Wires
73
Damages
Natural Disaster Damage
The following photos depict damages from Natural Disaster declared areas.
74
Damages
Crime/Biohazards/Methamphetamine Labs
Should an updater run across any items thought to represent criminal activity, biohazards or a meth lab, these should be forwarded to the SPI unit in charge of these items. See your manager for further details.
PROPERTY POSTINGS
CORONERS SEAL: If there is a coroners seal on a property the contractor should do no work and the updater should immediately forward the work order to the Crime/Biohazard Specialist at Safeguard. (Example of a coroners seal shown below.)
METHAMPHETAMINE POSTING: If there is a posting that the property is a Methamphetamine or clandestine laboratory, SPI reps should NOT enter the property and should notify Safeguard immediately. If an Specialist receives a work order that shows that a property is posted as a Methamphetamine or clandestine laboratory, they should forward that work order immediately to their manager and/or a Crime/Biohazard Specialist. This should not be sent in an email, but should be brought over personally to someones attention. (Example of Meth Lab Posting, shown above)
75
Miscellaneous Bids
Exposed Electrical Units Handrails Appliance Cleaning & Removal Repairing Fences Capping Gas Lines Soffit & Fascia
76
Miscellaneous Bids
Safety Issues Exposed Electrical Units
Capping Wires
77
Miscellaneous Bids
Exposed Electric Covers/Outlets
Before Replacing Outlet Covers After Replacing Outlet Covers
78
Miscellaneous Bids
Safety Issues - Handrails
We only bid handrails to the client if the absence of a handrail would cause constitute a potential safety hazard. The absence or unstable condition of an interior or exterior handrail constitutes a potential safety hazard if all of the following conditions exist: 1. There was originally a handrail installed on the stairs. 2. There are more than three risers. 3. One or both sides of the stairs are open, creating a falling hazard. Before no handrail After new handrail installed
Although not the preferred method of installing/replacing a handrail, nailing a board to the wall does suffice as an acceptable handrail installation.
79
Miscellaneous Bids
Appliance Cleaning & Removal
All appliances on this page should be cleaned and NOT removed from the property. If a contractor submits a bid to remove for an appliance in this condition, they should also submit a bid to clean.
80
Miscellaneous Bids
Repairing Fences
Bids for fence repairs will vary depending on the size/type of fence and the section that needs to be repaired. Please see your manager if you have questions on this topic.
81
Miscellaneous Bids
Capping Gas Line
Before Capping Gas Line After Capping Gas Line
82
Miscellaneous Bids
Soffit & Fascia
What is a soffit? The exposed underside of any overhead component of a building, such as. arch; balcony; beam, etc SOFFIT
What is Fascia? The vertical board at the edge of the roof. The photo shows part of the Fascia board removed from the property.
FASCIA REMOVED
FASCIA
83
Miscellaneous Topics
Swamp Coolers Inspection Sign In Sheet Utility Notice Mobile Homes
84
Miscellaneous Topics
Swamp Coolers
What is a swamp cooler and how does it work? A swamp cooler is similar to an air conditioner, however, it cools air through evaporation.
Swamp Coolers
85
Miscellaneous Topics
Inspection Sign-In Sheet
According to Memo 5021, all contractors and inspectors are required to post interior inspection sign-in sheets inside all vacant and secured properties (even if we do not perform interior inspections for the client). It should be posted inside the front door or nearby wall. Anyone that enters the property should sign the sheet for each visit. They are also required to submit a photo of this sign-in sheet at each visit.
Sign-In Sheet
86
Miscellaneous Topics
Utility Notice
According to Memo 1140, Safeguard is requiring all contractors to post a utility notice at every property that is winterized. The notice states the property has been winterized and utilities should not be turned on without a walk-through inspection. It also contains a checklist of items that must be reviewed prior to turning on the electricity. If a photo of the notice is not provided you must request if from the contractor. Even though the memo advises contractors the photo is required before the order is closed and paid we are not holding orders open for this information at this time. An email to the contractor advising them to send the photo is all that is required.
87
Miscellaneous Topics
Mobile Homes
Mobile Home
88