Texas (TREC) Standards of Practice

Texas Real Estate Commission
Chapter 535, General Provisions
Rules Adopted at the October 27, 2008 Meeting
(a) Definitions. thermal imaging equipment, moisture meters,
gas leak detection equipment, environmental
(1) Accessible--In the reasonable
testing equipment and devices, elevation
judgment of the inspector, capable of being
determination devices, and ladders capable of
approached, entered, or viewed without:
reaching surfaces over one story above ground
(A) undue hazard to the inspector; surfaces.
(B) moving furnishings or large, (10) Specialized procedures--
heavy, or fragile objects; Procedures such as environmental testing,
elevation measurement, and any method
(C) using specialized tools or
employing destructive testing that damages
procedures;
otherwise sound materials or finishes.
(D) disassembling items other than
(11) Standards of practice--
covers or panels intended to be removed for
§§535.227 - 535.233 of this title.
inspection;
(b) Scope.
(E) damaging property; or
(1) These standards of practice define
(F) using a ladder for portions of the
the minimum levels of inspection required for
inspection other than the roof or attic space.
substantially completed residential
(2) Chapter 1102--Texas Occupations improvements to real property up to four
Code, Chapter 1102. dwelling units. A real estate inspection is a
limited visual survey and basic operation of the
(3) Cosmetic--Related only to
systems and components of a building using
appearance or aesthetics, and not related to
normal controls and does not require the use of
structural performance, operability, or water
specialized tools or procedures. The purpose of
penetration.
the inspection is to provide the client with
(4) Deficiency--A condition that, in the information regarding the general condition of
inspector’s reasonable opinion, adversely and the residence at the time of inspection. The
materially affects the performance of a system inspector may provide a higher level of
or component or constitutes a hazard to life, inspection performance than required by these
limb, or property as specified by these standards of practice and may inspect parts,
standards of practice. General deficiencies components, and systems in addition to those
include but are not limited to inoperability, described by the standards of practice.
material distress, water penetration, damage,
(2) General Requirements. The
deterioration, missing parts, and unsuitable
inspector shall:
installation.
(A) operate fixed or installed
(5) Deficient--Reported as having one or
equipment and appliances listed herein in at
more deficiencies.
least one mode with ordinary controls at typical
(6) Inspect--To look at and examine settings;
accessible items, parts, systems, or
(B) visually inspect accessible
components and report observed deficiencies.
systems or components from near proximity to
(7) Performance--Achievement of an the systems and components, and from the
operation, function, or configuration consistent interior of the attic and crawl spaces; and
with accepted industry practice.
(C) complete the standard inspection
(8) Report--To provide the inspector's report form as required by §535.222 and
opinions and findings on the standard §535.223 of this title.
inspection report form.
(3) General limitations. The inspector is
(9) Specialized tools--Tools such as not required to:

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(A) inspect: (D) anticipate future events or
conditions, including but not limited to:
(i) items other than those listed
herein; (i) decay, deterioration, or
damage that may occur after the inspection;
(ii) elevators;
(ii) deficiencies from abuse,
(iii) detached structures, decks,
misuse or lack of use,
docks, fences, or waterfront structures or
equipment; (iii) changes in performance of
any part, component, or system due to changes
(iv) anything buried, hidden,
in use or occupancy;
latent, or concealed; or
(iv) the consequences of the
(v) automated or programmable
inspection or its effects on current or future
control systems, automatic shut-off,
buyers and sellers;
photoelectric sensors, timers, clocks, metering
devices, signal lights, lightning arrestor system, (v) common household accidents,
remote controls, security or data distribution personal injury, or death;
systems, or solar panels;
(vi) the presence of water
(B) report: penetration(s); or
(i) past repairs that appear to be (vii) future performance of any
effective and workmanlike; item;
(ii) cosmetic or aesthetic (E) operate shut-off, safety, stop,
conditions; or pressure, or pressure-regulating valves or
items requiring the use of codes, keys,
(iii) wear and tear from ordinary
combinations, or similar devices;
use;
(F) designate conditions as safe;
(C) determine:
(G)recommend or provide
(i) insurability, warrantability,
engineering, architectural, appraisal,
suitability, adequacy, capacity, reliability,
mitigation, physical surveying, realty, or other
marketability, operating costs, recalls,
specialist services;
counterfeit products, life expectancy, age,
energy efficiency, vapor barriers, thermostatic (H) review historical records,
operation, code compliance, utility sources, or installation instructions, repair plans, cost
manufacturer or regulatory requirements estimates, disclosure documents, or other
except as specifically required by these reports;
standards;
(I) verify sizing, efficiency, or
(ii) the presence or absence of adequacy of the ground surface drainage
pests, termites, or other wood-destroying system;
insects or organisms;
(J) operate recirculation or sump
(iii) the presence, absence, or pumps;
risk of asbestos, lead-based paint, mold,
(K) remedy conditions preventing
mildew, or any other environmental hazard,
inspection of any item;
environmental pathogen, carcinogen, toxin,
mycotoxin, pollutant, fungal presence or (L) apply open flame to operate any
activity, or poison; or appliance;
(iv) types of wood or (M) turn on decommissioned
preservative treatment and fastener equipment, systems, or utility services; or
compatibility;

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(N) provide repair cost estimates, component, the earliest practical opportunity
recommendations, or re-inspection services. for the notice required by this subsection is the
first contact with the prospect and the inspector
(4) In the event of a conflict between
has reason to believe that the property being
specific provisions and general provisions in the
inspected has the part, system, or component
standards of practice, specific provisions shall
the inspector routinely does not inspect.
take precedence.
(c) Enforcement. Failure to comply with the
(5) Departure.
standards of practice is grounds for disciplinary
(A) An inspector may depart from action as prescribed by Chapter 1102.
the standards of practice only if the
requirements of subparagraph (B) are met,
and: §535.228. Standards of Practice: Minimum
Inspection Requirements for Structural
(i) the inspector and client agree
Systems.
the item is not to be inspected;
(a) Foundations. The inspector shall:
(ii) the inspector is not qualified
to inspect the item; (1) inspect slab surfaces, foundation
framing components, subflooring, and related
(iii) conditions beyond the control
structural components;
of the inspector reasonably prevent inspection
of an item; (2) report:
(iv)the item is a common (A) the type of foundation(s); and
element of a multi-family development and is
(B) the vantage point from which the
not in physical contact with the unit being
crawl space was inspected; and
inspected, such as the foundation under
another building or a part of the foundation (3) generally report present and visible
under another unit in the same building; indications used to render the opinion of
adverse performance, such as:
(v) the inspector reasonably
determines that conditions or materials are (A) open or offset concrete cracks;
hazardous to the health or safety of the
(B) binding, out-of-square, non-
inspector; or
latching, warped, or twisted doors or frames;
(vi)the inspector reasonably
(C) framing or frieze board
determines that actions of the inspector may
separations;
cause damage to the property.
(D)out-of-square wall openings or
(B) If a part, component, or system
separations at wall openings or between the
required for inspection is not inspected, the
cladding and window/door frames;
inspector shall:
(E) sloping floors, countertops,
(i) advise the client at the
cabinet doors, or window/door casings;
earliest practical opportunity that the part,
component, or system will not be inspected; (F) wall, floor, or ceiling cracks;
and
(G)rotating, buckling, cracking, or
(ii) make an appropriate notation deflecting masonry cladding;
on the inspection report form, clearly stating
(H) separation of walls from ceilings
the reason the part, component, or system was
or floors; and
not inspected.
(I) soil erosion, subsidence or
(C) If the inspector routinely departs
shrinkage adjacent to the foundation and
from inspection of a part, system, or

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differential movement of abutting flatwork such (2) determine area hydrology or the
as walkways, driveways, and patios; presence of underground water; or
(4) report as Deficient: (3) determine the efficiency or operation
of underground or surface drainage systems.
(A) exposed or damaged
reinforcement; (e) Roof covering materials. The inspector
shall:
(B) a crawl space that does not
appear to be adequately ventilated; (1) inspect the roof covering materials
from the surface of the roof;
(C) crawl space drainage that does
not appear to be adequate; (2) report:
(D)deteriorated materials; (A) type of roof covering(s);
(E) damaged beams, joists, bridging, (B) vantage point from where the
blocking, piers, posts, pilings, or subfloor; roof was inspected
(F) non-supporting piers, posts, (C) any levels or surfaces that were
pilings, columns, beams, sills, or joists; and not accessed;
(G)damaged retaining walls related (D)evidence of previous repairs to
to foundation performance; and roof covering materials, flashing details,
skylights, and other roof penetrations; and
(5) render a written opinion as to the
performance of the foundation. (E) evidence of water penetration;
and
(b) Specific limitations for foundations. The
inspector is not required to: (3) report as Deficient:
(1) enter a crawlspace or any area (A) a roof covering that is not
where headroom is less than 18 inches or the appropriate for the slope of the roof;
access opening is less than 24 inches wide and
(B) deficiencies in:
18 inches high;
(i) fastening of roof covering
(2) provide an exhaustive list of
material, as determined by a random sampling;
indicators of possible adverse performance; or
(ii) roof covering materials;
(3) inspect retaining walls not related to
foundation performance. (iii) flashing details;
(c) Grading and drainage. The inspector (iv)skylights; and
shall report as Deficient:
(v) other roof penetrations.
(1) improper or inadequate grading
(f) Specific limitations for roof covering.
around the foundation (including flatwork);
The inspector is not required to:
(2) erosion;
(1) determine the remaining life
(3) water ponding; and expectancy of the roof covering;
(4) deficiencies in installed gutter and (2) inspect the roof from the roof level
downspout systems. if, in the inspector’s reasonable judgment, the
inspector cannot safely reach or stay on the
(d) Specific limitations for grading and
roof or significant damage to the roof covering
drainage. The inspector is not required to:
materials may result from walking on the roof;
(1) inspect flatwork or
(3) determine the number of layers of
detention/retention ponds (except as related to
roof covering material;
slope and drainage);

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(4) identify latent hail damage; or (B) deficiencies related to structural
performance or water penetration; and
locations of water penetrations or previous (C) lack of fire separation between
repairs. the garage and the residence and its attic
space.
(g) Roof structure and attic. The inspector
shall: (j) Specific limitation for interior walls,
doors, ceilings, and floors. The inspector is not
(1) report:
required to:
(A) the vantage point from which the
(1) report cosmetic damage or the
attic space was inspected;
condition of floor, wall, or ceiling coverings;
(B) the presence of and approximate paints, stains, or other surface coatings;
average depth of attic insulation and thickness cabinets; or countertops, or
of vertical insulation, when visible; and
(C) evidence of water penetration; locations of water penetrations.
and
(k) Exterior walls, doors, and windows. The
(2) report as Deficient: inspector shall:
(A) attic space that does not appear (1) report evidence of water
to be adequately ventilated; penetration; and
(B) deficiencies in installed framing (2) report as Deficient:
members and decking;
(A) the lack of functional emergency
(C) deflections or depressions in the escape and rescue openings in all sleeping
roof surface as related to the adverse rooms;
performance of the framing and the roof deck;
(B) the lack of a solid wood door not
(D)missing insulation; less than 1-3/8 inches in thickness, a solid or
honeycomb core steel door not less than 1-3/8
(E) deficiencies in attic access ladder
inches thick, or a 20-minute fire-rated door
and access opening; and
between the residence and an attached garage;
(F) deficiencies in attic ventilators.
(C) missing or damaged screens;
(h) Specific limitations for roof structure and
(D) deficiencies related to structural
attic. The inspector is not required to:
performance or water penetration; and
(1) enter attics or unfinished spaces
(E) deficiencies in:
where openings are less than 22 inches by 30
inches or headroom is less than 30 inches; (i) claddings;
(2) operate powered ventilators; or (ii) water resistant materials and
coatings;
locations of water penetrations. (iii) flashing details and
terminations;
(i) Interior walls, ceilings, floors, and doors.
The inspector shall: (iv)the condition and operation of
exterior doors, garage doors, and hardware;
(1) report evidence of water
and
penetration; and
(v) window operation and
(2) report as Deficient:
components.
(A) doors and hardware that do not
operate properly;

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(l) Specific limitations for exterior walls, (p) Specific limitation for stairways. The
doors, and windows. The inspector is not inspector is not required to exhaustively
required to: measure every stairway component.
(1) report the condition or presence of (q) Fireplace and chimney. The inspector
awnings, shutters, security devices, or shall report as Deficient:
systems; (1) built-up creosote in visible areas of
the firebox and flue;
(2) determine the cosmetic condition of
paints, stains, or other surface coatings; or
(2) the presence of combustible
(3) operate a lock if the key is not materials in near proximity to the firebox
available. opening;
(m) Exterior and interior glazing. The (3) the absence of fireblocking at the
inspector shall: attic penetration of the chimney flue, where
accessible;
(1) inspect the window and door
glazing; and (4) an inoperative circulating fan; and
(2) report as Deficient: (5) deficiencies in the:
(A) insulated windows that are (A) damper;
obviously fogged or display other evidence of
(B) lintel, hearth, hearth extension,
broken seals;
and firebox;
(B) deficiencies in glazing, weather
(C) gas log lighter valve and
stripping, and glazing compound in windows
location;
and exterior doors; and
(D)combustion air vents; and
(C) the absence of safety glass in
hazardous locations. (E) chimney structure, termination,
coping, crown, caps, and spark arrestor.
(n) Specific limitation for exterior and
interior glazing. The inspector is not required (r) Specific limitations for fireplace and
to: chimney. The inspector is not required to:
(1) exhaustively observe insulated (1) verify the integrity of the flue;
windows for evidence of broken seals;
(2) perform a chimney smoke test; or
(2) exhaustively observe glazing for
(3) determine the adequacy of the draft.
identifying labels; or
(s) Porches, Balconies, Decks, and Carports.
(3) identify specific locations of damage.
The inspector shall:
(o) Interior and exterior stairways. The
(1) inspect balconies, attached carports,
inspector shall report as Deficient:
and attached porches and abutting porches,
(1) spacing between intermediate decks, and balconies that are used for ingress
balusters, spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, and egress; and
guards, and railings that permit passage of an
object greater than 4 inches in diameter,
except that on the open side of the staircase (A) on decks 30 inches or higher
treads, spheres less than 4-3/8 inches in above the adjacent grade, spacings between
diameter may pass through the guard rail intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails that
balusters or spindles; and permit passage of an object greater than four
inches in diameter;
(2) deficiencies in steps, stairways,
landings, guardrails, and handrails.

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(B) deficiencies in visible footings, (E) are not bonded and grounded;
piers, posts, pilings, beams, joists, decking,
(7) cabinets, disconnects, cutout boxes,
water proofing at interfaces, flashing, surface
and panel boards that do not have dead fronts
coverings, and attachment points of porches,
secured in place with proper fasteners;
decks, balconies, and carports; and
(8) conductors not protected from the
(C) deficiencies in, or absence of
edges of electrical cabinets, gutters, or cutout
required, guardrails and handrails.
boxes;
(t) Specific limitation for porches, balconies,
(9) trip ties not installed on 240 volt
decks, and carports. The inspector is not
circuits;
required to:
(10) deficiencies in the type and
(1) exhaustively measure the porch,
condition of the wiring in the cutout boxes,
balcony, deck, or attached carport components;
cabinets, or gutters;
or
(11) deficiencies in the compatibility of
(2) enter any area where headroom is
overcurrent devices and conductors;
less than 18 inches or the access opening is
less than 24 inches wide and 18 inches high. (12) deficiencies in the overcurrent
device and circuit for labeled and listed 240 volt
appliances;
§535.229. Standards of Practice: Minimum
(13) a panel that is installed in a
Inspection Requirements for Electrical
hazardous location, such as a clothes closet, a
Systems.
bathroom, where there are corrosive or easily
(a) Service entrance and panels. The ignitable materials, or where the panel is
inspector shall report as Deficient: exposed to physical damage;
(1) a drop, weatherhead, or mast that is (14) the absence of appropriate
not securely fastened to the structure; connections, such as copper/aluminum-
approved devices;
(2) the lack of a grounding electrode
system; (15) the absence of anti-oxidants on
aluminum conductor terminations;
(3) the lack of a grounding electrode
conductor; (16) the lack of a main disconnecting
means;
(4) the lack of a secure connection to
the grounding electrode system; (17) the lack of arc-fault circuit
interrupting devices serving family rooms,
(5) deficiencies in the insulation of the
dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries,
service entrance conductors, drip loop,
dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreations rooms,
separation of conductors at weatherheads, and
closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas;
clearances;
and
(6) electrical cabinets, gutters, meter
(18) failure of operation of installed arc-
cans, and panel boards that:
fault circuit interrupter devices.
(A) are not secured to the structure;
(b) Specific limitations for service
(B) are not appropriate for their entrance and panels. The inspector is not
location; required to:
(C) have deficiencies in clearances (1) determine present or future
and accessibility; sufficiency of service capacity amperage,
voltage, or the capacity of the electrical
(D) are missing knockouts; or
system;

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(2) test arc-fault circuit interrupter (i) are damaged;
devices when the property is occupied or
(ii) are inoperative;
damage to personal property may result, in the
inspector’s reasonable judgment; (iii) have incorrect polarity;
(3) report the lack of arc-fault circuit (iv)are not grounded, if
interrupter protection when the circuits are in applicable;
conduit;
(v) display evidence of arcing or
(4) conduct voltage drop calculations; excessive heat;
(5) determine the accuracy of (vi)are not securely mounted; or
overcurrent device labeling;
(vii) have missing or damaged
(6) remove covers where hazardous as covers;
judged by the inspector;
(D) switches that:
(7) verify the effectiveness of
(i) are damaged;
overcurrent devices; or
(ii) are inoperative;
(8) operate overcurrent devices.
(iii) display evidence of arcing or
(c) Branch circuits, connected devices, and
excessive heat;
fixtures. The inspector shall:
(iv)are not securely mounted; or
(1) report the type of branch circuit
conductors; (v) have missing or damaged
covers;
(2) manually test the accessible smoke
alarms by use of the manufacturer’s approved (E) deficiencies in or absences of
test or by the use of canned smoke; and conduit, where applicable;
(3) report as Deficient: (F) appliances and metal pipes that
are not bonded or grounded;
(A) the lack of ground-fault circuit
interrupter protection in all: (G)deficiencies in wiring, wiring
terminations, junctions, junction boxes,
(i) bathroom receptacles;
devices, and fixtures, including improper
(ii) garage receptacles; location;
(iii)outdoor receptacles; (H) the lack of equipment
disconnects;
(iv) crawl space receptacles;
(I) the absence of appropriate
(v) unfinished basement
connections, such as copper/aluminum
receptacles;
approved devices, if branch circuit aluminum
(vi) kitchen countertop conductors are discovered in the main or sub-
receptacles; and panel based on a random sampling of
accessible receptacles and switches;
(vii) laundry, utility, and wet bar
sink receptacles located within 6 feet of the (J) improper use of extension cords;
outside edge of a laundry, utility, or wet bar
(K) deficiencies in smoke alarms that
sink; and
are not connected to a central alarm system;
(B) the failure of operation of and
ground-fault circuit interrupter protection
(L) the lack of smoke alarms:
devices;
(i) in each sleeping room;
(C) receptacles that:

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(ii) outside each separate (D)burners, burner ignition devices
sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the or heating elements, switches, and
sleeping rooms; and thermostats that are not a minimum of 18
inches above the lowest garage floor
(iii) on each additional story of
elevation, unless the unit is listed for garage
the dwelling, including basements but excluding
floor installation;
crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics (in
dwellings with split levels and without an (E) inappropriate location;
intervening door between the levels, a smoke
(F) inadequate access and
alarm installed on the upper level and the
clearances;
adjacent lower level shall suffice provided that
the lower level is less than one full story below (G) deficiencies in mounting and
the upper level). operation of window units; and
(d) Specific limitations for branch circuits, (H) deficiencies in thermostats;
connected devices, and fixtures. The inspector
(3) in electric units, report as Deficient
is not required to:
deficiencies in:
(1) inspect low voltage wiring;
(A) operation of heating elements;
(2) disassemble mechanical appliances; and
(3) verify the effectiveness of smoke (B) condition of conductors; and
alarms;
(4) in gas units, report as Deficient:
(4) verify interconnectivity of smoke
(A) gas leaks;
alarms
(B) the presence of forced air in the
(5) activate smoke alarms that are being
burner compartment;
actively monitored or require the use of codes;
or (C) flame impingement, uplifting
flame, improper flame color, or excessive scale
(6) verify that smoke alarms are suitable
buildup;
for the hearing-impaired.
(D) the lack of a gas shut-off valve;
and
(E) deficiencies in:
Inspection Requirements for Heating,
Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems. (i) conditioned, combustion, and
dilution air;
(a) Heating equipment. The inspector shall:
(ii) gas shut-off valves and
(1) report:
locations;
(A) the type of heating system(s);
(iii) gas connector materials and
and
connections; and
(B) the energy source(s);
(iv) the vent pipe, draft hood,
(2) report as Deficient: draft, proximity to combustibles, and vent
termination point and clearances.
(A) an inoperative unit;
(b) Cooling equipment other than
(B) deficiencies in the controls and
evaporative coolers. The inspector shall:
operating components of the system;
(1) report the type of system(s); and
(C) the lack of protection from
physical damage; (2) report as Deficient:
(A) inoperative unit(s);

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(B) inadequate cooling as panels, water trays, exterior housing, or the
demonstrated by its performance in the roof frame;
reasonable judgment of the inspector;
(D) less than a one-inch air gap
(C) inadequate access and between the water discharge at the float and
clearances; water level in the reservoir;
(D)noticeable vibration of the blower (E) corrosion, decay, or rust on the
fan or condensing fan; pulleys of the motor or blower;
(E) deficiencies in the condensate (F) the lack of a damper; and
drain and auxiliary/secondary pan and drain
(G) deficiencies in the:
system;
(i) function of the pump;
(F) water in the auxiliary/secondary
drain pan; (ii) interior housing, the spider
tubes, tube clips, bleeder system;
(G)a primary drain pipe that
terminates in a sewer vent; (iii) blower and bearings;
(H) missing or deficient refrigerant (iv)float bracket;
pipe insulation;
(v) fan belt;
(I) dirty evaporator or condensing
(vi)evaporative pad(s);
coils, where accessible;
(vii) installation and condition of
(J) damaged casings on the coils;
the legs on the roof rails and fasteners to the
(K) a condensing unit lacking roof structure and the unit;
adequate clearances or air circulation or that
(viii) roof jack; and
has deficiencies in the condition of fins,
location, levelness, or elevation above ground (ix)thermostats.
surfaces;
(d) Duct system, chases, and vents. The
(L) deficiencies in mounting and inspector shall report as Deficient:
operation of window or wall units; and
(1) damaged ducting or insulation,
(M) deficiencies in thermostats. improper material, or improper routing of
ducts;
(c) Evaporative coolers. The inspector
shall: (2) the absence of air flow at accessible
supply registers in the habitable areas of the
(1) report:
structure;
(A) type of system(s) (one- or two-
(3) improper or inadequate clearance
speed);
from the earth; and
(B) the type of water supply line; and
(4) deficiencies in:
(C) winterized units that are drained
(A) duct fans;
and shut down; and
(B) filters;
(C) grills or registers;
(A) inoperative units;
(D)the location of return air
(B) inadequate access and
openings; and
clearances;
(E) gas piping, sewer vents,
(C) corrosive and mineral build-up or
electrical wiring, or junction boxes in the duct
rust damage/decay at the pump, louvered
system, plenum(s), and chase(s).

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(e) Specific limitations for the heating
equipment, cooling equipment, duct system,
chases, and vents. The inspector is not
Inspection Requirements for Plumbing
required to:
Systems.
(1) program digital thermostats or
(a) Plumbing systems. The inspector shall:
controls;
(1) report:
(2) inspect:
(A) static water pressure;
(A) for pressure of the system
refrigerant, type of refrigerant, or refrigerant (B) location of water meter; and
leaks;
(C) location of main water supply
(B) winterized evaporative coolers; valve; and
or
(C) humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air
(A) the presence of active leaks;
purifiers, motorized dampers, electronic air
filters, multi-stage controllers, sequencers, heat (B) the lack of fixture shut-off
reclaimers, wood burning stoves, boilers, oil- valves;
fired units, supplemental heating appliances,
(C) the lack of dielectric unions,
de-icing provisions, or reversing valves;
when applicable;
(3) operate:
(D) the lack of back-flow devices,
(A) setback features on thermostats anti-siphon devices, or air gaps at the flow end
or controls; of fixtures;
(B) cooling equipment when the (E) water pressure below 40 psi or
outdoor temperature is less than 60 degrees above 80 psi static;
Fahrenheit;
(F) the lack of a pressure reducing
(C) radiant heaters, steam heat valve when the water pressure exceeds 80 PSI;
systems, or unvented gas-fired heating
(G) the lack of an expansion tank at
appliances; or
the water heater(s) when a pressure reducing
(D) heat pumps when temperatures valve is in place at the water supply
may damage equipment; line/system; and
(4) verify: (H) deficiencies in:
(A) compatibility of components; (i) water supply pipes and waste
pipes;
(B) the accuracy of thermostats; or
(ii) the installation and
(C) the integrity of the heat
termination of the vent system;
exchanger; or
(iii) the operation of fixtures and
(5) determine:
faucets not connected to an appliance;
(A) sizing, efficiency, or adequacy of
(iv)water supply, as determined by
the system;
viewing functional flow in two fixtures operated
(B) uniformity of the supply of simultaneously;
conditioned air to the various parts of the
(v) functional drainage at fixtures;
structure; or
(vi)orientation of hot and cold
(C) types of materials contained in
faucets;
insulation.

Page 13 of 20

(vii) installed mechanical drain (B)leaking or corroded fittings or
stops; tank(s);
(viii) installation, condition, and (C) broken or missing parts or
operation of commodes; controls;
(ix)fixtures, showers, tubs, and (D) the lack of a cold water shut-off
enclosures; and valve;
(x) the condition of the gas (E) if applicable, the lack of a pan
distribution system. and drain system and the improper termination
of the pan drain line;
(b) Specific limitations for plumbing
systems. The inspector is not required to: (F) an unsafe location;
(1) operate any main, branch, or shut- (G) burners, burner ignition devices
off valves; or heating elements, switches, or thermostats
that are not a minimum of 18 inches above the
(2) operate or inspect sump pumps or
lowest garage floor elevation, unless the unit is
waste ejector pumps;
listed for garage floor installation;
(3) inspect:
(H) inappropriate location;
(A)any system that has been
(I) inadequate access and
winterized, shut down or otherwise secured;
clearances;
(B)circulating pumps, free-standing
(J) the lack of protection from
appliances, solar water heating systems, water-
physical damage;
conditioning equipment, filter systems, water
mains, private water supply systems, water (K) a temperature and pressure relief
wells, pressure tanks, sprinkler systems, valve that:
swimming pools, or fire sprinkler systems;
(i) does not operate manually;
(C) the inaccessible gas supply
(ii) leaks;
system for leaks;
(iii) is damaged;
(D) for sewer clean-outs; or
(iv) cannot be tested due to
(E) for the presence or operation of
obstructions;
private sewage disposal systems;
(v) is corroded; or
(4) determine:
(vi) is improperly located; and
(A) quality, potability, or volume of
the water supply; or (L) temperature and pressure relief
valve discharge piping that:
(B) effectiveness of backflow or anti-
siphon devices; or (i) lacks gravity drainage;
(5) verify the functionality of clothes (ii) is improperly sized;
washing drains or floor drains.
(iii) has inadequate material; or
(c) Water heaters. The inspector shall:
(iv)lacks proper termination;
(1) report the energy source;
(4) in electric units, report as Deficient
(2) report the capacity of the unit(s); deficiencies in:
(3) report as Deficient: (A) operation of heating elements;
and
(A)inoperative unit(s);
(B) condition of conductors; and

Page 14 of 20

(5) in gas units, report as Deficient: required to determine the adequacy of self-
draining features of circulation systems.
(A) gas leaks;
(B) lack of burner shield(s);
(C) flame impingement, uplifting
Inspection Requirements for Appliances.
flame, improper flame color, or excessive scale
build-up; (a) Dishwasher. The inspector shall report
as Deficient:
(D) the lack of a gas shut-off valve;
and (1) inoperative unit(s);
(E) deficiencies in: (2) rust on the interior of the cabinet or
components;
(i) combustion and dilution air;
(3) failure to drain properly;
(ii) gas shut-off valve(s) and
location(s); (4) the presence of active water leaks;
and
(iii) gas connector materials and
connections; and (5) deficiencies in the:
(iv)vent pipe, draft hood, draft, (A) door gasket;
proximity to combustibles, and vent
(B) control and control panels;
termination point and clearances.
(C) dish racks;
(d) Specific limitations for water heaters.
The inspector is not required to: (D)rollers;
(1) verify the effectiveness of the (E) spray arms;
temperature and pressure relief valve,
(F) operation of the soap dispenser;
discharge piping, or pan drain pipes;
(G)door springs;
(2) operate the temperature and
pressure relief valve if the operation of the (H) dryer element;
valve may, in the inspector’s reasonable
(I) door latch and door disconnect;
judgment, cause damage to persons or
property; or (J) rinse cap;
(3) determine the efficiency or adequacy (K) secure mounting of the unit; and
of the unit.
(L) backflow prevention.
(e) Hydro-massage therapy equipment.
(b) Food waste disposer. The inspector shall
The inspector shall report as Deficient:
report as Deficient:
(1) inoperative unit(s) and controls;
(1) inoperative unit(s);
(2) the presence of active leaks;
(2) unusual sounds or vibration level;
(3) inaccessible pump(s) or motor(s);
(3) the presence of active water leaks;
(4) the lack or failure of required and
ground-fault circuit interrupter protection; and
(4) deficiencies in the:
(5) deficiencies in the ports, valves,
(A) splash guard;
grates, and covers.
(B) grinding components;
(f) Specific limitation for hydro-massage
therapy equipment. The inspector is not (C) exterior casing; and
(D) secure mounting of the unit.

Page 15 of 20

(c) Range exhaust vent. The inspector shall (L) gas shut-off valve(s) and
report as Deficient: location(s);
(1) inoperative unit(s); (M) gas connector materials and
connections; and
(2) a vent pipe that does not terminate
outside the structure, if the unit is not of a re- (N) secure mounting of the unit.
circulating type or configuration;
(e) Microwave oven. The inspector shall:
(3) inadequate vent pipe material;
(1) inspect built-in units; and
(4) unusual sounds or vibration levels
from the blower fan(s);
(A) inoperative unit(s); and
(5) blower(s) that do not operate at all
speeds; and (B) deficiencies in the:
(6) deficiencies in the: (i) controls and control panels;
(A) filter; (ii) handles;
(B) vent pipe; (iii) the turn table;
(C) light and lens; (iv) interior surfaces;
(D)secure mounting of the unit; and (v) door and door seal;
(E) switches. (vi) glass panels;
(d) Electric or gas ranges, cooktops, and (vii) lights and lenses;
ovens. The inspector shall report as Deficient:
(viii) secure mounting of the
(1) inoperative unit(s); unit; and
(2) the lack of a gas shut-off valve; (ix) operation, as determined by
heating a container of water or with other
(3) gas leaks; and
means of testing.
(4) deficiencies in the:
(f) Trash compactor. The inspector shall
(A) controls and control panels; report as Deficient:
(B) thermostat(s) sensor support; (1) inoperative unit(s);
(C) glass panels; (2) unusual sounds or vibration levels;
and
(D)door gasket(s), hinges, springs,
closure, and handles; (3) deficiencies in the secure mounting
of the unit.
(E) door latch;
(g) Mechanical exhaust vents and bathroom
(F)heating elements or burners;
heaters. The inspector shall report as
(G)thermostat accuracy (within 25 Deficient:
degrees at a setting of 350 °F);
(H) drip pans;
(2) unusual sounds, speed, and vibration
(I) lights and lenses; levels;
(J) clearance to combustible (3) vent pipes that do not terminate
material; outside the structure;
(K) anti-tip device; (4) a gas heater that is not vented to
the exterior of the structure; and

Page 16 of 20

(5) the lack of an exhaust ventilator in (4) test trash compactor ram pressure;
required areas. or
(h) Garage door operators. The inspector (5) determine the adequacy of venting
shall report as Deficient: systems.
(2) door locks or side ropes that have §535.233. Standards of Practice: Minimum
not been removed or disabled; and Inspection Requirements for Optional
Systems. If an inspector agrees to inspect a
(3) deficiencies in:
component described in this section, §535.227
(A) installation; of this title relating to Standards of Practice:
General Provisions and the applicable
(B) condition and operation of the
provisions below apply.
garage door operator;
(1) Lawn and garden sprinkler systems.
(C) automatic reversal during the
The inspector shall:
closing cycle;
(A) manually operate all zones or
(D)electronic sensors;
stations on the system; and
(E) the control button; and
(B) report as Deficient:
(F)the emergency release
(i) surface water leaks;
components.
(ii) the absence or improper
(i) Doorbell and chimes. The inspector
installation of anti-siphon devices and backflow
shall report as Deficient:
preventers;
(1) inoperable unit(s); and
(iii) the absence of shut-off valves;
(2) deficiencies in components.
(iv)deficiencies in water flow or
(j) Dryer vents. The inspector shall report pressure at the zone heads;
as Deficient:
(v) the lack of a rain or freeze
(1) improper routing and length of vent sensor;
pipe;
(vi)deficiencies in the condition of
(2) inadequate vent pipe material; the control box; and
(3) improper termination; (vii) deficiencies in the operation of
each zone, associated valves, and spray head
(4) the lack of a dryer vent system when
patterns.
provisions are present for a dryer; and
(2) Specific limitations for lawn and garden
(5) damaged or missing exterior cover.
sprinkler systems. The inspector is not
(k) Specific limitations for appliances. The required to inspect:
inspector is not required to:
(A) for effective coverage of the
(1) operate or determine the condition sprinkler system;
of other auxiliary components of inspected
(B) the automatic function of the timer
items;
or control box;
(2) test for microwave oven radiation
(C) the effectiveness of the rain or
leaks;
freeze sensor; or
(3) inspect self-cleaning functions;
(D) sizing and effectiveness of anti-
siphon devices or backflow preventers.

Page 17 of 20

(3) Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and (F) determine the presence of sub-
equipment. The inspector shall: surface water tables; or
(A) report the type of construction; (G) inspect ancillary equipment such as
computer controls, covers, chlorinators or other
chemical dispensers, or water ionization devices
(i) a pump motor, blower, or other or conditioners other than required by this
electrical equipment that lacks bonding; section.
(ii) the absence of or deficiencies in (5) Outbuildings. The inspector shall report
safety barriers; as Deficient:
(iii) water leaks in above-ground (A) the lack of ground-fault circuit
pipes and equipment; interrupter protection in grade-level portions of
unfinished accessory buildings used for storage
(iv) deficiencies in lighting
or work areas, boathouses, and boat hoists;
fixture(s);
and
(v)the lack or failure of required
(B) deficiencies in the structural,
ground-fault circuit interrupter protection; and
electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and
(vi) deficiencies in: cooling systems that these standards of
practice require to be reported for the principal
(I) surfaces;
structure.
(II) tiles, coping, and decks;
(6) Outdoor cooking equipment. The
(III) slides, steps, diving boards, inspector shall:
handrails, and other equipment;
(A) inspect the built-in equipment; and
(IV) drains, skimmers, and
(B) report the energy source; and
valves; and
(C) report as Deficient:
(V) filters, gauges, pumps,
motors, controls, and sweeps; and (i) inoperative unit(s);
(C) when inspecting a pool heater, (ii) a unit or pedestal that is not
report deficiencies that these standards of stable;
practice require to be reported for the heating
(iii) gas leaks; and
system.
(iv) deficiencies in:
(4) Specific limitations for swimming pools,
spas, hot tubs, and equipment. The inspector (I) operation;
is not required to:
(II) control knobs, handles,
(A) dismantle or otherwise open any burner bars, grills, the box, the rotisserie (if
components or lines; present), and heat diffusion material;
(B) operate valves; (III) gas shut-off valve(s) and
location(s); and
(C) uncover or excavate any lines or
concealed components of the system or (IV) gas connector materials and
determine the presence of sub-surface leaks; connections.
(D) fill the pool, spa, or hot tub with (7) Gas supply systems. The inspector
water; shall:
(E) inspect any system that has been (A) test gas lines using a local or an
winterized, shut down, or otherwise secured; industry-accepted procedure; and

Page 18 of 20

(i) leaks; and easement lines, property lines, soil absorption
systems, swimming pools, or sprinkler
(ii) deficiencies in the condition and
systems; and
type of gas piping, fittings, and valves.
(8) Specific limitation for gas lines. The
inspector is not required to inspect sacrificial (i) visual or olfactory evidence of
anode bonding or for its existence. effluent seepage or flow at the surface of the
ground;
(9) Private water wells. The inspector shall:
(ii) inoperative aerators or dosing
(A) operate at least two fixtures
pumps; and
simultaneously;
(iii) deficiencies in:
(B) recommend or arrange to have
performed water quality or potability testing; (I) accessible or visible
components;
(C) report:
(II) functional flow;
(i) the type of pump and storage
equipment; and (III) site drainage and clearances
around or adjacent to the system; and
(ii) the proximity of any known septic
system; and (IV) the aerobic discharge
system.
(D) report as Deficient deficiencies in:
(12) Specific limitations for individual
(i) water pressure and flow and
private sewage disposal (septic) systems. The
operation of pressure switches;
inspector is not required to:
(ii) the condition of visible and
(A) excavate or uncover the system or
accessible equipment and components; and
its components;
(iii) the well head, including
(B) determine the size, adequacy, or
improper site drainage and clearances.
efficiency of the system; or
(10) Specific limitations for private water
(C) determine the type of construction
wells. The inspector is not required to:
used.
(A) open, uncover, or remove the pump,
(13) Whole-house vacuum system. The
heads, screens, lines, or other components or
inspector shall report as Deficient:
parts of the system;
(A) inoperative units;
(B) determine the reliability of the water
supply or source; or (B) deficiencies in the main unit; and
(C) locate or verify underground water (C) deficiencies in outlets.
leaks.
(14) Specific limitations for whole-house
(11) Private sewage disposal (septic) vacuum systems. The inspector is not required
systems. The inspector shall: to:
(A) report: (A) inspect the attachments or hoses; or
(i) the type of system; (B) verify that accessory components
are present.
(ii) the location of the drain field;
and (15) Other built-in appliances. The
inspector shall report deficiencies in condition
(iii) the proximity of any known
or operation of other built-in appliances not
water wells, underground cisterns, water supply
listed in this section.
lines, bodies of water, sharp slopes or breaks,

Page 19 of 20


This agency hereby certifies that the repeal has
been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be
within the agency’s legal authority to adopt.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 3, 2008.

TRD #: 200805777
Devon V. Bijansky
Assistant General Counsel
Effective Date: February 1, 2009

Page 20 of 20

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