The Inspection Group, Inc. continues to grow by offering innovative solutions and developing effective new field data collection and analysis tools for both the Public and Private Housing Industry. Our headquarters is located in Columbus, Ohio but we have satellite offices in multiple US Cities where our agents perform high quality inspections for return clients and agencies.

The Inspection Group, Inc. (TIG) was founded in 1998 to provide building inspections and related services for the public and affordable housing industry. Founder Saul Himelstein was one of the original 20 Certified REAC inspectors (#M30016).

TIG specializes in leveraging the experience of performing millions of HUD REAC protocol inspections nationwide to offer a full range of inspection-related services, including:

• PHAS annual inspections (NSPIRE and former UPCS requirements)
• HCV/HQS Inspections
• NSPIRE protocol training
• REAC inspection preparation and shadowing
• REAC report reviews and score appeals
• Energy audits

TIG continues to deliver effective inspection-related tools for both public and private housing sectors.

HUD / REAC Inspections

TIG’s REAC inspection experience spans all three HUD REAC programs: MOBIS (Pilot Program), National Inspection Contract (NIC), and Baseline Inspection Contract (BIC). Their work has taken them across the country, including large public housing authorities such as those in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston.

Inspected properties include:

• Public Housing
• Section-8 project-based units
• Homeownership properties
• HUD/FHA insured and assisted multifamily units
• Elderly and group homes
• Section-504 properties

Many TIG inspectors have held REAC certification.

NSPIRE and HQS Inspections

Inspections under NSPIRE, UPCS, and HQS standards have been a major part of TIG’s service offerings. TIG has helped over 3,200 housing agencies and property management companies conduct their inspection requirements, including 100% Annual Inspections and PHAS/SEMAP audit preparation.

TIG has completed over 5.4 million housing unit inspections nationwide.

NSPIRE Inspection Protocol Training

TIG’s NSPIRE Training Classes range from 1.5 hours to 2-day sessions, providing in-depth clarification of defect definitions. Offered both in-person and online, these trainings include:

• Actual housing defect photos
• Cost-effective repair scenarios
• REAC inspection tips
• Open discussions for a deeper learning experience

The 2-day class includes a training manual with all NSPIRE defect definitions and a certificate upon completion. With over 30,000 professionals trained since 2000, this is considered a top resource for improving property scores.

Pre-REAC and REAC Consulting

TIG’s Pre-REAC Screenings (PRS) are used to train maintenance staff and prioritize resources to boost REAC PASS scores. TIG also provides REAC Shadow services—experts who accompany clients during REAC inspections to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Additional services include:

• REAC report reviews
• Appeals services to HUD

Clients often see significant score improvements and many achieve HUD High Performer status thanks to TIG’s expertise.

Energy Audits

TIG has completed numerous field data collection projects in partnership with Osborn Engineering. TIG provides reliable field work for HUD 5-Year Energy Audits and other energy assessment needs.

Municipal Rental Inspections (MRI)

Following the 2009 American Housing Survey, many municipalities identified the need for improved rental housing standards. TIG supports Municipal Residential Rental Property Inspection Programs (MRIs), which aim to:

• Preserve neighborhood quality and life
• Educate property owners and renters
• Ensure compliance through periodic inspections
• Facilitate emergency communications between landlords and cities

Benefits of an effective MRI program include:

• Improved housing quality and safety without undue burden on landlords or tenants
• Increased compliance with standards and reduced insurance risks
• Creation of a comprehensive rental housing database
• Budget support for municipalities through fee-based funding

TIG has led the development and implementation of MRI programs since their inception. TIG was selected by the City of Arlington, TX in 2010 to launch a demonstration program in 2012 and was later chosen by the City of Detroit as an Authorized Vendor for third-party residential rental inspections. Outsourcing MRIs ensures low costs, high quality, and clear accountability.