Home Inspection - Report Writing & SOP

1. Where would (due to defects observed, with cooling system recommend service and systems) evaluation by qualified HVAC Service Company be located on the inspection report form? (a) Cooling equipment (b) Heating equipment (c) Ducts (d) Vents

(a) Cooling equipment

15. Where would (smoke detectors failed to engage/not present at upper level) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Electrical (b) Ceilings and floors (c) Other (d) Walls (interior/exterior)

(a) Electrical

1. Where would (Major Settlement in My Opinion), suggest report by Structured Engineer; Cracks Evident, Be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Foundations (b) Grading and Drainage (c) Roof Structure (d) Walls

(a) Foundations

13. Where would (Dirty Blower/ Loose Fan) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Heating and Cooling Equipment (b) Ducts and Vents (c) Filters (d) Others

(a) Heating and Cooling Equipment

13. Where would (intercom checked in radio mode only and speakers have loose connections/control panel loose at wall) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Other built in appliances (b) Doorbell (c) Microwave (d) Trash compactor

(a) Other built in appliances

2. Where would (leak at kitchen sink drain, hall bath drain, master bath drain, bathtub at hall bath cracked knob, drains slow, master bath tub drains slow, exposed metal and diverter fails to engage) be located on the inspection form? (a) Plumbing system (water supply fixtures) (b) Water heater (c) Dryer ducts (d) Drain waste, vents

(a) Plumbing system (water supply fixtures)

9. Where would (Rotting Evident of rear porch entry overhang) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Porches, Decks and Carports (Attached) (b) Walls (c) Ceilings (d) Windows

(a) Porches, Decks and Carports (Attached)

9. Where would (timer not working/cover broken) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Range/ovens/cooktops (b) Range hood (c) Garage door operator (d) Doorbell and chimes

(a) Range/ovens/cooktops

4. Where would (Water Stains at Left/Right side of Fireplace Hearth Area Walls) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Walls (Interior and Exterior) (b) Ceilings and Floors (c) Plumbing (d) Living Room

(a) Walls (Interior and Exterior)

6. Where would (Doors not closing properly at hall Bath/ Hall Closet Front Entry Not Latching) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Walls (b) Doors (Interior and Exterior) (c) Foundation (d) Other

(b) Doors (Interior and Exterior)

6. Where would (leaks at the food waste disposer) be located on the inspection report form?(a) Appliances (b) Food waste dispenser (c) Plumbing (d) Drains waste and vents

(b) Food waste dispenser

4. Where (leak from spouts both hot//cold at laundry room) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Water heating equipment (b) Plumbing system (water supply and fixtures) (c) Hydro-therapy equipment (d) Dryer vents

(b) Plumbing system (water supply and fixtures)

2. Where would (tree limbs touching shingles) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Grading and Drainage (b) Roof Covering (c) Roof Structure (d) Doors

(b) Roof Covering

11. Where would (Conduit at water heater not Secure) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Branch circuits (b) Service Entrance and Panels (c) Knockouts (d) Plumbing

(b) Service Entrance and Panel

10. Where would (Circuit panel location (Kitchen Pantry and type of wiring) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Branch Circuits (b) Service Entrance and Panels (c) HVAC (d) Appliances

(b) Service Entrance and Panels

14. In Optional Systems, where would (heads failed to engage/consult owner) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Plumbing (b) Sprinkler system (c) Range hood (d) Out building

(b) Sprinkler system

3. Where would Damaged Sheetrock at Tub/area wall be located on the Inspection Report? (a) Roof Structure and Attic (b) Walls (Interior and Exterior) (c) Ceilings and Floors (d) Roof Coverings

(b) Walls (Interior and Exterior)

7. Where would (Windows not latching properly at first bedroom) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Exterior (b) Windows (c) Electrical (d) Ducts

(b) Windows

10. Where would (exhaust fan failed to engage at hall/master bath) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Range hood (b) Plumbing (c) Bathroom exhaust fans and or heaters (d) Dryer vent

(c) Bathroom exhaust fans and or heaters

12. Where would (GFCI Outlets not in proper areas of kitchen, bathroom, exterior and garage) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Knockouts (b) Water heater (c) Branch circuits (d) Electrical

(c) Branch circuits

12. Where would (failed to engage when pushed) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Dryer vents (b) Whole house vacuum system (c) Doorbell and chimes (d) Walls

(c) Doorbell and chimes

3. Where would (exterior faucets front and rear have no vacuum breakers installed) be located on the inspection report? (a) Laundry (b) Walls interior/exterior (c) Plumbing system (water supply and fixtures) (d) Foundation

(c) Plumbing system (water supply and fixtures)

7. Where would (range hood light not working) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Electrical (b) Plumbing (c) Range hood (d) Microwave

(c) Range hood

8. Where would (no anti tip device) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Trash compactor (b) Doorbell (c) Ranges/ovens/cooktops (d) Dryer

(c) Ranges/ovens/cooktops

5. Where would (Water Stains above Fireplace at ceiling) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Foundations (b) Walls (c) Plumbing (d) Ceiling and Floors

(d) Ceiling and Floors

15. Where would (Low Temperature Differential of 10 degrees based on 57 degrees at supply and 67 degrees at Return) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Heating Equipment (b) Ducts and vents (c) Plumbing (d) Cooling Equipment

(d) Cooling Equipment

5. Where would (rust inside/trays damaged at dishwasher) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Microwave (b) Trash compactor (c) Range hood (d) Dishwasher

(d) Dishwasher

11. Where would (does not safety reverse properly) be located on the inspection report form? (a) Trash compactor (b) Exterior door (c) Garage door (d) Garage door operator

(d) Garage door operator

1. The committee may submit its written recommendations to the commission concerning licensing and regulation of real estate inspectors anytime. (a) True (b) False

a

10. TREC can suspend, revoke, and/or probate a license. (a) True (b) False

a

15. In the interest of his/her client and his/her profession, the inspector should endeavor always to maintain and increase his level of knowledge regarding new developments in the field of inspections. (a) True (b) False

a

16. An inspector must render an opinion as to the performance of the foundation. (a) True (b) False

a

16. An inspector should exclude any part, component or system, which the inspector is not competent or qualified to inspect. (a) True (b) False

a

18. The inspector is not required to inspect sewer cleanouts when inspecting plumbing systems. (a) True (b) False

a

19. An inspector is not required to determine the uniformity of conditioned air to the building. (a) True (b) False

a

20. When inspecting exterior doors, locks and latches are included in the inspection. (a) True (b) False

a

21. The inspector shall report as deficient, broken or missing knobs on a gas or electric range. (a) True (b) False

a

22. The inspector shall address all parts, components and systems contained in the standards of practice in the property being inspected. (a) True (b) False

a

23. The inspector shall advise the client at the earliest practicable time that the specific part, component or system will not be included in the inspection. (a) True (b) False

a

24. The inspector shall report as deficient any post tension cable ends that are not protected. (a) True (b) False

a

27. The inspector shall not report obvious damage to floor, wall or ceiling coverings. (a) True (b) False

a

28. The inspector shall report as deficient in condition and operation of exterior doors and (a) True (b) False

a

30. The inspector shall report as deficient any gas log lighter valves that do not function or leak gas. (a) True (b) False

a

33. The inspector shall report as deficient (except decks which are not higher than 30 inches as measured from the adjacent grade) spacing between intermediate balusters, spindles, or rails that permit passage of an object greater than four inches in diameter. (a) True (b) False

a

34. The inspector shall report as deficient a food waste disposer that is not securely mounted. (a) True (b) False

a

36. Are there exceptions from the mandatory use of TREC report forms? (a) Yes. In addition to transactions in which a federal or state law requires use of a different form, the inspector is not required to use the TREC forms for quality control construction inspections of new homes, inspections of remodeling, re-inspections, or for inspections performed for a lender or a person other than the prospective buyer or prospective seller. An inspection of a building or addition that is not substantially complete or inspections of a single system or component as outlined in 535.223 and the first page of the report contains a notice substantially similar to the notice in 535.223 (b) No. There are not any exceptions that would allow the use of any other form other than the TREC required inspection report form regardless of whether it is for a prospective buyer are seller or for inspections performed for a lender or a person other than the prospective buyer or prospective seller. An inspection of a building or addition that is not substantially complete or inspections of a single system or component as outlined in 535.223 and the first page of the report contains a notice substantially similar to the notice in 535.223

a

38. If none of the optional systems are being inspected, may the inspector delete all of the optional system page without a notation to that effect? (a) Yes. The notation required by the departure provisions of the Standards of Practice, 22 TAC §535.223, does not apply to the optional systems. (b) No The notation required by the departure provisions of the Standards of Practice, 22 TAC §535.223, does not apply to the optional systems

a

4. Is a licensed professional inspector responsible for the conduct of a licensed real estate inspector sponsored by the professional inspector? (a) Yes (b) No

a

4. The advertisement must contain the license number of the person licensed. (a) True (b) False

a

40. I am a licensed inspector and would like to advertise that my company performs wood destroying insect inspections. Neither I nor anyone in my company is a licensed wood destroying insect inspector, but we recommend or provide one if requested by the client. (a) Under inspector advertising Rule 535.221, an inspector may not engage in false or misleading advertising. (b) Under inspector advertising Rule 535.220, an inspector may not engage in false or misleading advertising. (c) Under inspector advertising Rule 535.227, an inspector may not engage in false or misleading advertising. (d) Under inspector advertising Rule 535.222, an inspector may not engage in false or misleading advertising.

a

41. I am not currently performing inspections, but I'd like to maintain my license. Is there a way for me to do that without going to the expense of obtaining insurance? (a) Yes an inspector may request inactive status in writing at any time and using the proper form available on the TREC website www.trec.texas.gov. (b) No. An inspector may not request inactive status in writing at any time .only certain times of the year as outlined on the TREC website www.trec.texas.gov.

a

43. Do the Standards of Practice require inspectors to report double-tapped neutral wires on a panel box terminal as deficient? (a) Yes (b) No

a

44. The inspector shall report as deficient electrical cabinets and panel boards that are not accessible or do not have a minimum of 36 inches of clearance in front of them. (a) True (b) False

a

45. The inspector shall manually test the installed and accessible smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. (a) True (b) False

a

49. The inspector shall report as deficient combustible materials within thirty inches above the cook top burners. (a) True (b) False

a

5. An application for a license may be denied if the Commission determines that applicant has failed to satisfy to the Commission, Honesty, trustworthiness and integrity? (a) True (b) False

a

5. Procuring or attempting to procure a license by fraud is ground to deny an application. (a) True (b) False

a

50. The inspector shall report as deficient installed photo electric sensors located more than six inches above the garage floor. (a) True (b) False

a

8. __________ may not act on a complaint of a license by the general public for more than 4 years after the incident in question. (a) TREC (b) TCEQ (c) TDLR (d) ICC

a

9. You can be the principal buyer and disclosed home inspector in the same transaction. (a) True (b) False

a

10. TREC cannot authorize an administrative penalty. (a) True (b) False

b

11. A Real Estate Inspector's license allows you to perform wood destroying insect inspections. (a) True (b) False

b

12. A payment to the recovery fund is not required before an inspector is issued a license. (a) True (b) False

b

12. If found guilty of performing an inspection without having an inspector's license will result in a: (a) Class B misdemeanor (b) Class A misdemeanor (c) Class D misdemeanor (d) Class F misdemeanor

b

13. The inspector should not bind himself to the duty of maintaining fairness and integrity in all dealings with other inspectors and other persons performing real estate transactions. (a) True (b) False

b

13. The inspector should not deal with the general public at all times in all manners in a method that is conducive to the promotion of professionalism and independence. (a) True (b) False

b

14. An inspector shall inspect properties under contingent arrangements whereby any compensation or future referrals are dependent on reported findings. (a) True (b) False

b

14. The inspector shall pay and/or receive a fee or other valuable considerations to or from settlement service providers (a) True (b) False

b

17. An inspector is required to determine accuracy of breaker labeling in the service panel. (a) True (b) False

b

17. An inspector is required to test a microwave for radiation. (a) True (b) False

b

18. The inspector is not required to inspect the visible flue area. (a) True (b) False

b

19. An inspector is required to operate a cooling system when the outdoor temperature is less than 60 degrees? (a) True (b) False

b

2. Continuing education credit can be used twice for the same course taken within a 12-month period. (a) True (b) False

b

2. If your license expires and you have submitted a renewal you may continue to perform home inspections. (a) True (b) False

b

20. The inspector is required to inspect wood burning stoves used as a heating system? (a) True (b) False

b

25. The inspector shall not report the type of foundation. (a) True (b) False

b

26. The inspector shall not report as deficient conditions that are present and visible and may be adversely affecting foundation performance. (a) True (b) False

b

29. The inspector shall not report as deficient any insulated windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals. (a) True (b) False

b

3. The inspector should not accept the duty of protecting the public against fraud, misrepresentation, or unethical practices in the field of real estate inspections. (a) True (b) False

b

3. The inspector should not conduct his business in a manner that will assure his client of the inspector's independence. (a) True (b) False

b

31. The inspector shall not report any visible evidence of moisture penetration. (a) True (b) False

b

32. The inspector shall not report as deficient excessive deflections or depressions in the roof's surface relating to the performance of the framing and the roof deck. (a) True (b) False

b

35. The inspector shall not report as deficient an electric or gas oven heating elements and thermostat sensing elements that are not properly supported. (a) True (b) False

b

37. May inspectors continue to use the current report forms? (a) Yes REI 7-3 and REI 7-4 can still be used' (b) No The only TREC-approved inspection report form that may be used after Sept 1, 2015, is REI 7-5.

b

39. May an inspector provide only an oral report if that is what the client wants? (a) Yes (b) No

b

42. The stage of construction when a new, building, addition, improvement, or alteration to an existing building is sufficiently complete that the building, addition, improvement or alteration can be occupied or used for its intended purpose is defined as? (a) Completed construction (b) Substantially completed (c) Completed (d) New Construction

b

46. The inspector shall not report as deficient deficiencies in the absence of a gas shut off valve within six feet of the appliance, the absence of a gas appliance connector or one that exceeds six feet in length, gas appliance connectors that are concealed within or extended through walls, floors, partitions, ceilings, or appliance housings and access to a gas shutoff valve that prohibits full operation. (a) True (b) False

b

47. The inspector is required to inspect heat pumps, in the heat pump mode, when the outdoor temperature is above 70 degrees. (a) True (b) False

b

48. The inspector is required to verify tonnage match of indoor coils or condensing units. (a) True (b) False

b

6. An inspector shall not maintain professional liability insurance coverage. (a) True (b) False

b

7. There shall be an examination for a Real Estate and for Professional Inspector license and a Real Estate Inspector Applicant must achieve a score of at least 80% and a Professional Inspector 70%. (a) True (b) False

b

7. What is the rule number that specifies Education and Experience requirements? (a) 535.211 (b) 535.212 (c) 535.216 (d) 535.214

b

8. You can be a Real Estate Inspector and Real Estate Agent in the same transaction. (a) True (b) False

b

1. The commission shall mail renewal application at least how many days in advance to the last known permanent address. (a) 120 (b) 60 (c) 90 (d) 30

c

11. The inspector's _________________ must be written on the inspector's report. (a) Name (b) Client's name and number (c) Name and license number (d) Sales persons name and license number

c

8. Where would (Chimney has soot build up) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Doors (Interior and Exterior) (b) Walls (Interior and Exterior) (c) Fireplace/Chimney (d) Ceilings/Floors

c) Fireplace/Chimney

15. The Standards of Practice is the ________________ level of inspection an inspector may perform. (a) Highest (b) Best (c) Lowest (d) Minimum

d

6. The Commission shall charge and collect the following fee for an original application for a Professional Inspectors license: (a) $45 (b) $35 (c) $20 (d) $120

d

9. An inspector has ______ business days to respond to TREC when called upon to be a witness at a TREC hearing. (a) 15 (b) 5 (c) 30 (d) 10

d

14. Where would (Dirty Disposable filter size 16x25x2) be located on the Inspection Report Form? (a) Heat (b) Heating Equipment (c) Dryer Vents (d) Ducts and Vents

d) Ducts and Vents