| (a) Scope.
(1) These standards of practice apply when a professional
inspector or real estate inspector who is licensed under this chapter
accepts employment to perform a real estate inspection for a prospective
buyer or seller of real property.
(2) These standards of practice define the minimum
requirements for a real estate inspection conducted on a one to four
family unit that is substantially completed. Substantially completed
means the stage of construction when a new building, addition, improvement,
or alteration to an existing building can be occupied or used for
its intended purpose.
(3) For the purposes of these standards of practice
a real estate inspection:
(A) is a limited visual survey and basic performance
evaluation of the systems and components of a building using normal
controls that provides information regarding the general condition
of a residence at the time of inspection;
(B) is not intended to be a comprehensive investigation
or exploratory probe to determine the cause or effect of deficiencies
noted by the inspector; and
(C) requires the use of reasonable and appropriate
tools to satisfy the requirements of the standards of practice. However
an inspection does not require the use of:
(i) specialized equipment, including but not limited
to:
(I) thermal imaging equipment;
(II) moisture meters;
(III) gas or carbon monoxide detection equipment;
(IV) environmental testing equipment and devices;
(V) elevation determination devices;
(VI) ladders capable of reaching surfaces over one
story above ground surfaces;
(VII) cameras or other tools used to inspect the interior
of a drain or sewer line; or
(VIII) drones; or
(ii) specialized procedures, including but not limited
to:
(I) environmental testing;
(II) elevation measurement;
(III) calculations; or
(IV) any method employing destructive testing that
damages otherwise sound materials or finishes.
(4) These standards of practice 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 of practice.
If an inspector provides services beyond the scope required by these
standards of practice, including the use of specialized equipment,
or inspects components and systems in addition to those listed under
the standards of practice, the inspector must possess the competency
required to do so.
(b) Definitions.
(1) Accessible--In the reasonable judgment of the inspector,
capable of being approached, entered, or viewed without:
(A) hazard to the inspector;
(B) having to climb over obstacles, moving furnishings
or large, heavy, or fragile objects;
(C) using specialized equipment or procedures;
(D) disassembling items other than covers or panels
intended to be removed for inspection;
(E) damaging property, permanent construction or building
finish; or
(F) using a ladder for portions of the inspection other
than the roof or attic space.
(2) Chapter 1102--Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1102.
(3) Component--A part of a system.
(4) Cosmetic--Related only to appearance or aesthetics,
and not related to performance, operability, or water penetration.
(5) Deficiency--In the reasonable judgment of the inspector,
a condition that:
(A) adversely and materially affects the performance
of a system, or component; or
(B) constitutes a hazard to life, limb, or property
as specified by these standards of practice.
(6) Deficient--Reported as having one or more deficiencies.
(7) Gas distribution system--All gas lines between
the point of delivery and appliance shutoff valves.
(A) The point of delivery for a natural gas system
is:
(i) the outlet of the service meter assembly;
(ii) the outlet of the service regulator; or
(iii) the service shut valve where a meter is not provided.
Where a system shutoff valve is provided after the outlet of the service
meter assembly, such valve shall be considered to be downstream of
the point of delivery.
(B) The point of delivery for undiluted liquefied petroleum
gas systems is the outlet of the service pressure regulator, exclusive
of line gas regulators, in the system.
(8) Inspect--To operate in normal ranges using ordinary
controls at typical settings, look at and examine accessible systems
or components and report observed deficiencies as specified by these
standards of practice.
(9) Performance--Achievement of an operation, function
or configuration relative to accepted industry standard practices
with consideration of age and normal wear and tear from ordinary use.
(10) Report--To provide the inspector's opinions and
findings regarding systems and components required by the standards
of practice.
(11) Standards of practice--§§535.227 - 535.233
of this title.
(c) General Requirements. The inspector shall:
(1) operate fixed or installed equipment and appliances
listed herein in at least one mode with ordinary controls at typical
settings;
(2) visually inspect accessible systems or components
from near proximity to the systems and components, and from the interior
of the attic and crawl spaces; and
(3) complete the standard inspection report form as
required by §535.222 and §535.223 of this title.
(d) General limitations. The inspector is not required
to:
(1) inspect:
(A) items other than those listed within these standards
of practice;
(B) elevators;
(C) detached buildings, decks, docks, fences, waterfront
structures, or related equipment;
(D) anything buried, hidden, latent, or concealed;
(E) sub-surface drainage systems;
(F) automated or programmable control systems, automatic
shutoff, photoelectric sensors, timers, clocks, metering devices,
signal lights, lightning arrestor system, remote controls, security
or data distribution systems, solar panels or smart home automation
components; or
(G) concrete flatwork such as driveways, sidewalks,
walkways, paving stones or patios;
(2) report:
(A) past repairs that appear to be effective and workmanlike
except as specifically required by these standards;
(B) cosmetic or aesthetic conditions; or
(C) wear and tear from ordinary use;
(3) determine:
(A) the presence or absence of pests, termites, or
other wood-destroying insects or organisms;
(B) the presence, absence, or risk of:
(i) asbestos;
(ii) lead-based paint;
(iii) mold, mildew;
(iv) corrosive or contaminated drywall "Chinese Drywall";
or
(v) any other environmental hazard, environmental pathogen,
carcinogen, toxin, mycotoxin, pollutant, fungal presence or activity,
or poison;
(C) types of wood or preservative treatment and fastener
compatibility;
(D) the cause or source of a condition;
(E) the cause or effect of deficiencies; or
(F) any of the following issues concerning a system
or component:
(i) insurability or warrantability;
(ii) suitability, adequacy, compatibility, capacity,
reliability, marketability, or operating costs;
(iii) recalls, counterfeit products, or product lawsuits;
(iv) life expectancy or age;
(v) energy efficiency, vapor barriers, or thermostatic
performance;
(vi) compliance with any code, listing, testing or
protocol authority;
(vii) utility sources; or
(viii) manufacturer or regulatory requirements, except
as specifically required by these standards;
(4) anticipate future events or conditions, including
but not limited to:
(A) decay, deterioration, or damage that may occur
after the inspection;
(B) deficiencies from abuse, misuse or lack of use;
(C) changes in performance of any component or system
due to changes in use or occupancy;
Cont'd... |
