Texas Register

TITLE 22 EXAMINING BOARDS
PART 23TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION
CHAPTER 535GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBCHAPTER RREAL ESTATE INSPECTORS
RULE §535.233Standards of Practices: Inspection Guidelines for Building Systems
ISSUE 05/19/2006
ACTION Proposed
Rule Withdrawn: 06/20/2006
Preamble Texas Admin Code Rule

(a)Foundation.

  (1)Describe:

    (A)The type(s) of principal foundation(s).

    (B)Representative indicators associated with adverse performance, such as:

      (i)open or offset concrete cracks;

      (ii)exposed or damaged reinforcement;

      (iii)binding doors;

      (iv)framing separations;

      (v)out-of-square wall openings;

      (vi)sloping floors;

      (vii)wall, floor and ceiling cracks;

      (viii)rotating, buckling, or deflecting masonry veneer panels;

      (ix)separating of walls from ceilings or floors; and

      (x)deteriorated materials.

  (2)Slab Foundations. Inspect slab surfaces.

  (3)Pier and Beam/Raised Floor Foundations.

    (A)Describe the method used to inspect the crawlspace.

    (B)Inspect:

      (i)crawlspace ventilation;

      (ii)crawlspace moisture conditions; and

      (iii)the raised floor assembly:

        (I)post/pier supports;

        (II)beams and girders;

        (III)joists; and

        (IV)subfloor.

  (4)Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to:

    (A)enter a crawlspace or any area where headroom is less than 18 inches, or the access opening is of a size less than 24 inches wide by 18 inches high or is obstructed; or

    (B)provide an exhaustive list of distress indicators.

(b)Site Conditions.

  (1)Inspect adjacent surface grading.

  (2)Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to:

    (A)determine area hydrology or presence of ground water; or

    (B)inspect flatwork condition, retaining walls or detention/retention ponds.

(c)Exterior Surfaces.

  (1)Inspect:

    (A)walls;

    (B)entry doors;

    (C)garage doors;

    (D)windows:

      (i)glazing;

      (ii)screens; and

      (iii)burglar bar releases.

  (2)Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to:

    (A)inspect awnings, storm doors, screen doors, or shutters; or

    (B)exhaustively observe glazing or identify specific locations of damage.

(d)Interior Surfaces.

  (1)Inspect:

    (A)walls, floors and ceilings;

    (B)doors;

    (C)stairs, rails and guards; and

    (D)glazing.

  (2)Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to inspect cabinetry or countertops.

(e)Fireplace and Chimney.

  (1)Inspect:

    (A)chimney exterior;

    (B)firebox;

    (C)damper;

    (D)surround and hearth extension;

    (E)flue interior; and

    (F)gas supply connections and shut off.

  (2)Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to:

    (A)Inspect:

      (i)fireplaces in use; or

      (ii)stoves, inserts, door, screens or mantels.

    (B)Determine draft characteristics.

(f)Roof Covering

  (1)Describe:

    (A)representative covering type(s); and

    (B)method used to inspect roof.

  (2)Inspect:

    (A)coverings;

    (B)flashings;

    (C)skylights;

    (D)vents;

    (E)vent chimneys;

    (F)other roof penetrations; and

    (G)guttering system.

  (3)Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to:

    (A)determine number of layers; or

    (B)identify latent hail damage.

(g)Roof Framing and Attics.

  (1)Describe:

    (A)method used to inspect attic; and

    (B)approximate depth of attic insulation.

  (2)Inspect:

    (A)framing system;

    (B)ventilation;

    (C)insulation; and

    (D)fireblocking around flue penetration(s).

  (3)Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to:

    (A)enter attics or unfinished spaces where openings are less than 22 inches by 30 inches, headroom is less than 30 inches or walkways are not provided; or

    (B)operate powered ventilation.

(h)Balconies, Steps, Porches, Decks and Carports.

  (1)Inspect:

    (A)balconies;

    (B)attached decks;

    (C)porches;

    (D)stairs, rails and guards; and

    (E)attached carports.

  (2)Specific limitations. The inspector is not required to enter any area where headroom is less than 18 inches, or the access opening is of a size less than 24 inches wide by 18 inches high or is obstructed.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 8, 2006

TRD-200602522

Loretta R. DeHay

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 465-3900



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