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