Residential Inspection
How should an inspector respond to "should I buy this house?"
"That is a question only you can answer. I can provide you with important information about the condition and performance of the house, but there are many other factors that you need to consider
TREC has made a maximum of _____ per transaction from the Real Estate Inspection Recovery Fund
$12,500
What should be included in an inspection agreement? (7)
1. Address of the property to be inspected 2. parties to the agreement (not the agent) 3. date of service 4. scope of work 5.duties of the inspector and of the client 6. fee 7. signatures of the parties
how much of a damaged roof usually means they are better off replacing the whole thing?
1/3
How long do composition shingles typically last?
14-16 years
how long does a typical composition shingle roof last
14-16 years
How long does a client have to collect from the Real Estate Inspection Recovery Fund?
2 years
What are the number of Texas Legal/Ethics educational hours required for a real estate inspector license?
8
Complete the sentence. A real estate inspection is:
A limited visual survey and evaluation of the basic operation of the systems and components of a structure using normal controls
what three states don't follow the national electrical code?
Arizona, Missouri, Mississippi
Homeowner inspectors are not required All built in appliance a. range? b.dishwasher? c. clothes washer and dryers?
C
The DTPA is a(n) ____________ act. a. Federal real estate b. Federal residential inspection c. Consumer protection d. Consumer warranty
C
Which one of these is NOT one of the 6 systems that are inspected? a. structural. b. appliances. c. health systems.
C
what should water well be tested for?
Coliform
Inspectors ARE required to report on a. wear and tear of ordinary use b. adverse cosmetic conditions c. past repairs that are workmanlike d. deficiencies in a system or component
D
what is that rotten egg smell a sign of?
Hydrogen sulfide may accompany the water supply
Why would a residential inspector omit an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical inspection?
If a licensed plumber or electrician, or a STATE licensed HVAC inspector had been engaged by the client. They would note the above in their report.
_______ is the definition of: 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.
Inspect
define departure provision
It recognizes that there are items that a client may not want to have inspected. For example, a buyer may tell the inspector, "We know the roof is bad and we have negotiated the replacement of the roof in the contract. You don't need to inspect it." In that case, the inspector's only obligation is to note the buyer's request in the inspection report format
what is LEED?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a voluntary rating and certificate system geared toward increasing the environmental and health performance of structures and neighborhoods.
What do TREC Standards of Practice (SOP apply to
Mainly to re-sales or substantially completed homes
Are inspectors required to use pre-inspection or employment contracts?
No
Do roofs wear out evenly?
No
Are inspectors allowed to give warranties?
Not, the federal and state law expressly forbids it. It would put them in the insurance business
If a buyer asks, should the inspector inspect washer, dryer, or refrigerator?
Only if they are conpetent in those appliances
what does Gulf Coast pest control target and how often?
Quarterly. cockroaches, silverfish, ants.
Who regulates Texas home inspectors?
TREC
Who regulates texas inspectors
TREC
What is a type of education required for an inspector license (and hours)
Texas Legal/Ethics
Just read
The compressor and condenser are located outside (usually the side yard) for two good reasons. First of all, they can be quite noisy. Secondly, the condenser requires massive amounts of air to remove the heat from the house. The compressor/condenser should be placed in an area so that as little direct sunlight as possible strikes the unit. Higher heat on the condensing unit makes it harder for the condensing unit to release heat into the atmosphere.
The TREC Standards of Practice define:
The minimum requirements for a real estate inspection conducted on substantially complete one-to-four family houses
What is galvanitic action?
The resulting corrosion when two dissimilar metals are joined. The dissimilar metals will attack each other, and the fitting will rust and corrode, shortening the life of the water pipes
define a roof
The roof is a continuation of the superstructure of the house. The primary function of a roof covering is to protect the structure from the effects of weather. (also adds beauty. not designed to be watertight, instead protect the structure from rain intrusion by shedding water)
Which sides of roofs get the most ware and tear?
West (or southwest)
Know the types of Cladding Systems:
Wood Siding, Brick Veneer (pg 145), Stucco (pg 146), Metal and Vinyl Siding (pg 148), Cement/Cellulose Fiber (pg 149)
Does Texas require licenses for home inspectors?
Yes
The inspection report is comprised of a checklist of 4 categories: Inspected (I), Not Inspected (NI), Not Present (NP), and ________. a. Deficient (D) b. Repair (R) c. Performing (P) d. Trouble (T)
a Deficient
what is an appliance you must inspect
a food waste disposer
what do you need to inspect for wood-destroying insects?
a license from the Texas Structural Pest Control Board in the Department of Agriculture.
Who is responsible for the conduct of a sponsored apprentice inspector?
a licensed professional inspector
define "component"
a part of a system
Which must the inspector provide the buyer or seller? a. property inspection agreement b. pre-inspection contract c. employment contract
a property inspection agrement
Define what appliances must be inspected according to the REI
all built-in appliances. not included in this category are refrigerators, washers, dryers, or separate tabletop items
define "accessible"
an area that can be reached without the use of tools and will not disassemble items other than covers or panels intended for removal during an inspection.
What type of supervision must a licensed professional inspector give their sponsored apprentice inspector?
at minimum, direct supervision
1. According to the text, how long should a standard inspection on a 2,000 square foot house take? a. 8 to 10 hours b. Around 2 hours c. 5 to 7 hours d. All day
b
Which statement is CORRECT? a. There are no exceptions to using the TREC Property Inspection Report form. b. Inspectors are permitted to make modifications to the TREC form. c. The TREC report form is only required for buyers. d. The TREC report form is only required when deficiencies are found.
b
1. An inspector-client agreement is an example of a(n) _________. a. Implied contract b. Expressed contract c. Warranty agreement d. Guarantee service agreement
b. expressed contract
TREC rules require that an inspection report be delivered to the client in _____ day(s). a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
c
A deficiency is defined as: a. Everything that can possibly be wrong with a house b. Anything that could get a sales agent sued, but nothing that would kill the deal c. Condition issues that adversely or materially affect the performance of an item d. The acceptability of a part, component, or system based on appearance
c. Condition issues that adversely or materially affect the performance of an item
what two things might a breaker panel contain?
circuit breaker or fuses
what type of analysis should be done on well water
coliform analysis
What is the exception to using tools when defining accessible
covers and panels intended for removal
Which statement is TRUE? a. Residential inspectors are required by state law to carry a fully-equipped toolkit and protective clothing with them to all job sites. b. Residential inspectors must carry iPads or tablets or a means of producing a report with them to job sites. c. Inspectors are not required to crawl under houses and on top of roofs. d. Residential inspectors are not required by state law to have any specialized equipment to perform their jobs.
d
According to the General Provisions of the Standards of Practice, which of the following is an inspector required to inspect? a. Sub-surface drainage systems b. Buried systems or components c. Driveways d. Built-in appliances
d. Built-in appliances
what is something an inspector is not required to inspect
elevators
what does the superstructure encompase
everything above the foundation
What temperature should inspectors NOT operate AC units at
if the outside temp is below 60F
where is a water heater usually found?
in the garage or attic
What is something that home inspectors commonly do not calculate
load capacity
do home inspectors commonly calculate the load capacity of a house?
no
do inspectors enforce codes?
no
do new shingles mean a new roof?
no
should a homeowner leave their pilot light on or off?
on
what size ladder does an inspector need?
one high enough to reach a one-story roof
what is an inspector not required to report
past repairs that appear to be effective and workmanlike except as specifically required by these standards
What is NOT an effect lead has on children
physical deformity
what does a pilot light being on help with
prevent condensation which leads to rust and cracks in the heat exchanger (which breaks and is expensive)
Common duct problems on cooling systems include
prob all of the above • Undersized or incomplete • Supply and return register problems • Dirty • Disconnected and leaking • Obstructed or collapsed • Poor support • Poor balance or distribution • Old • torn or damaged sheathing and insulation
In what form is asbestos harmful?
pulverized or "friable state"
what is a common problem with electrical receptacles
reverse polarity and no plug tension
The _____ determines the type of foundation
soil
what determines the type of foundation and will affect the cost of construction?
soil
The REI form is broken down into six different categories:
structural systems electrical systems heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems plumbing systems appliances optional systems
what is something that can help inspectors tech wise?
tablets loaded with templates and reporting software.
Who can best answer if they should buy the house?
the client can best answer that question for themselves
What is the foundation of the house support?
the superstructure
what does a foundation support?
the superstructure
Define "inspect"
to operate in normal ranges using ordinary controls at typical settings, look at and examine accessible systems or components and report observed decifiencies as specified by htese standards of practice
