Texas Home Inspection Not Required List
The Texas Real Estate Commission puts out the Standards by which an inspector must inspect by. According to those standards, a home inspection is not intended to be a comprehensive investigation or exploratory probe to determine the cause or effect of deficiencies noted by the inspector, and requires the use of reasonable and appropriate tools to satisfy the requirements of the standards of practice. These standards do not prohibit an inspector from providing a higher level of inspection performance than required by these standards of practice or from inspecting components and systems in addition to those listed under the standards provided the inspector possesses the competency required to do so. Familiarize yourself with what an inspector is not required to do before getting your inspection.
The standards do not require an inspector to use specialized equipment, including but not limited to:
- thermal imaging equipment
- moisture meters
- gas or carbon monoxide detection equipment
- environmental testing equipment and devices
- elevation determination devices
- ladders capable of reaching surfaces over one story above ground surfaces
- cameras or other tools used to inspect the interior of a drain or sewer line
- drones
The inspector is also not required to use specialized procedures, including but not limited to:
- environmental testing
- elevation measurement
- calculations
- any method employing destructive testing that damages otherwise sound materials or finishes.
The inspector is not required to inspect:
- items other than those listed within these standards of practice
- elevators
- detached buildings
- decks, docks, fences, waterfront structures, or related equipment
- anything buried, hidden, latent, or concealed
- sub-surface drainage systems
- automated or programmable control systems, automatic shutoff, photoelectric sensors, timers, clocks, remote controls,
metering devices - signal lights
- lightning arrestor system
- security or data distribution systems
- solar panels
- smart home automation components
- concrete flatwork such as driveways, sidewalks, walkways, paving stones or patios
The inspector is not required to report:
- past repairs that appear to be effective and workmanlike except as specifically required by these standards
- cosmetic or aesthetic conditions
- wear and tear from ordinary use
The inspector is not required to determine:
- the presence or absence of pests, termites, or other wood-destroying insects or organisms
- the presence, absence, or risk of asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, mildew, corrosive or contaminated drywall “Chinese Drywall”, or any other environmental hazard, environmental pathogen, carcinogen, toxin, mycotoxin, pollutant, fungal presence or activity, or poison
- types of wood or preservative treatment and fastener compatibility
- the cause or source of a condition
- the cause or effect of deficiencies
The inspector is also not required to determine any issues concerning a system or component such as:
- insurability or warrantability
- suitability, adequacy, compatibility, capacity, reliability
- marketability, or operating costs
- recalls, counterfeit products, or product lawsuits
- life expectancy or age
- energy efficiency, vapor barriers, or thermostatic performance
- compliance with any code, listing, testing or protocol authority
- utility sources
- manufacturer or regulatory requirements, except as specifically required by these standards
The inspector is not required to anticipate future events or conditions, including but not limited to:
- decay, deterioration, or damage that may occur after the inspection
- deficiencies from abuse, misuse or lack of use
- changes in performance of any component or system due to changes in use or occupancy
- the consequences of the inspection or its effects on current or future buyers and sellers
- common household accidents, personal injury, or death
- the presence of water penetrations
- future performance of any item
The inspector is not required to:
- operate shutoff, safety, stop, pressure or pressure-regulating valves, or items requiring the use of codes, keys, combinations, or similar devices
- designate conditions as safe
- recommend or provide engineering, architectural, appraisal, mitigation, physical surveying, realty, or other specialist services
- review historical records, installation instructions, repair plans, cost estimates, disclosure documents, or other reports
- verify sizing, efficiency, or adequacy of the ground surface drainage system
- verify sizing, efficiency, or adequacy of the gutter and downspout system
- operate recirculation or sump pumps
- remedy conditions preventing inspection of any item
- apply open flame or light a pilot to operate any appliance
- turn on decommissioned equipment, systems or utility services
- provide repair cost estimates, recommendations, or re-inspection services.
Author Larry Wedige holds a license from the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Real Estate Inspector (license #6060), which he has maintained since 2002. He maintains memberships with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the Texas Professional Real Estate Inspector Association (TPREIA), and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), where he serves as a Certified Deck Inspector. He formerly served as an Adjunct Instructor at San Antonio College, where he taught courses in home inspection. Larry is also Infrared Certified and incorporates infrared thermography into all inspections. A native of San Antonio, Larry possesses over five decades of expertise in remodeling, repair, and home construction. His extensive experience is augmented by the completion of the home inspector curriculum at San Antonio College, licensure by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and the fulfillment of numerous hours of continuing education in home inspection. He consistently surpasses the continuing education requirements set by the Real Estate Commission. Larry adheres to the TREC Standards of Practice and the NACHI Code of Conduct, which forbids participation in any conflict of interest activities that could affect his impartiality.
LarryInspects Home Inspection Service
San Antonio, Texas