Questions, answered
Clear answers about Texas home inspections, from what the TREC standards cover to what North Texas soil, hail and heat mean for the home you love.
TREC requires licensed inspectors to use its promulgated Property Inspection Report form, currently REI 7-6, for real estate inspections. The form includes a preamble explaining the inspector’s and client’s responsibilities, followed by sections for structural, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, appliance and optional systems.
Each item is marked I (Inspected), NI (Not Inspected), NP (Not Present) or D (Deficient). NI is used when an item is present but couldn’t be inspected or fully inspected, and the inspector should explain why. D means the item has a deficiency as defined by TREC.
TREC defines a deficiency as a condition that, in the inspector’s reasonable judgment, adversely and materially affects the performance of a system or component, or constitutes a hazard to life, limb or property as specified in the standards. Deficient does not always mean expensive; it means the item needs attention.
TREC’s standards require some items to be reported as deficient based on current safety practices, even in homes that met the code when built. A long list is normal, especially for older or larger homes. Our explanations help you separate safety items and costly repairs from routine maintenance. New homes are no exception: one recent new-build report listed loose flashing and raised shingles, missing weep holes, a leaking water heater with an improperly terminated relief valve pipe, uninsulated PEX in the attic and garage door photo eyes mounted too high.
Yes. Each finding in our reports is paired with photos showing what we saw and where, a plain-English explanation, a label such as “Safety Hazard” or “Recommendation,” and the type of professional to contact. That makes it easy to share findings with your agent, contractors and the seller. Recent residential reports included roughly 150 to 280 photos, plus short videos of items such as smoke alarm tests and drains.
The same day. Most reports are ready before we leave the property, thanks to a refined process that doesn’t sacrifice quality. That gives you the most time possible within your option period.
The report belongs to you, the client. We deliver it to you, and with your permission, to your real estate agent. Your report will not be shared with anyone else without your consent.
No. TREC’s standards do not require inspectors to provide repair cost estimates, and we recommend getting bids from qualified, licensed contractors for accurate pricing. Your report gives contractors exactly what they need to quote the work.
No answers matched. Try another word, or ask us directly below.