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What is a Home Inspection
By Greg Genser, TREC Professional Inspector Lic. #2962Experience & Professionalism you can depend on since 1991
A home inspection will addresses the major components of the house including; foundation performance evaluation; grade & drainage; roof cover, roof structure & attic; interior & exterior walls, ceilings, floors, doors & windows; stairways; fireplace & chimney; balconies & porches; electrical system; HVAC system; plumbing system; water heating equipment; and appliances. Optional systems may include lawn irrigation system and swimming pool.
A home inspection for a buyer or seller is subject to the rules (Rules) of the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), which can be found at www.trec.texas.gov. The TREC Standards of Practice (Sections 535.227-535.233 of the Rules) are the minimum standards for inspections by TREC licensed inspectors. The inspection is NOT a code compliance inspection and does NOT verify compliance with manufacturer’s installation instructions. The inspection does NOT imply insurability or warrantability of the structure or its components. Although some safety issues may be addressed, an inspection is NOT a safety/code inspection, and the inspector is NOT required to identify all potential hazards.
The inspector will report if a condition exists that adversely and materially affects the performance of a system or component or constitutes a hazard to life, limb or property as specified by the TREC Standards of Practice. General deficiencies include inoperability, material distress, water penetration, damage, deterioration, missing components, and unsuitable installation. The inspector is not required to prioritize or emphasize the importance of one deficiency over another.
A property inspection is not a technically exhaustive inspection of the structure, systems or components. The inspection may not reveal all deficiencies. A real estate inspection helps to reduce some of the risk involved in purchasing a home, but it cannot eliminate these risks, nor can the inspection anticipate future events or changes in performance due to changes in use or occupancy. It is recommended that a home buyer obtain as much information as is available about the property, including any seller’s disclosures, previous inspection reports, engineering reports, building/remodeling permits, and reports performed for or by relocation companies, municipal inspection departments, lenders, insurers, and appraisers. A buyer should also attempt to determine whether repairs, renovation, remodeling, additions, or other such activities have taken place at the property. It is not the inspector’s responsibility to confirm that information obtained from these sources is complete or accurate or that the inspection is consistent with the opinions expressed in previous or future reports.
Items identified in a Property Inspection Report do not obligate any party to make repairs or take other actions, nor is the purchaser required to request that the seller take any action. When a deficiency is reported, it is the client’s responsibility to obtain further evaluations and/or cost estimates from qualified service professionals. Any such follow-up should take place prior to the expiration of any time limitations such as option periods. Evaluations by qualified tradesmen may lead to the discovery of additional deficiencies which may involve additional repair costs. Failure to address deficiencies or comments from an inspector may lead to further damage of the structure or systems and add to the original repair costs.
Text provided courtesy of the Property Inspection Report Promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). REI 7-5.
Greg Genser, owner of Cypress Inspections is a Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) licensed Professional Real Estate Inspector #2962, International Code Council (ICC) Residential Combination Inspector #5186780-R5 and a Texas Master Electrician (TMEL) #12817. Visit www.cypressinspections.com for additional information.
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