Look at the Definitions, Scope and Limitations. They define your inspection. Blue highlight is applicable TREC wording.
(a) Definitions.
(1) Accessible–In the reasonable judgment of the inspector, capable of being approached, entered, or viewed without: *Cahill: In my opinion it is unreasonable to unscrew light bulbs and verify wattage ratings. The condition you describe is not capable of being viewed without disassembly. *
(A) undue hazard to the inspector; Cahill: In my opinion is an undue hazard to 1) carry a ladder into an occupied home to unscrew light bulbs 2) a hazard to the inspector who would have to climb the ladder numerous times.
(B) moving furnishings or large, heavy, or fragile objects; Cahill: A light bulb is reasonably argued as fragile.
© using specialized tools or procedures;
(D) disassembling items other than covers or panels intended to be removed for inspection; Cahill: You are not required to disassemble anything unless it is a cover or panel intended to be removed for inspection.
(E) damaging property; or
(F) using a ladder for portions of the inspection other than the roof or attic space. Cahill: The SoP specifically say you do not have to use a ladder for anything but roofs or attics.
(2) Chapter 1102–Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1102.
(3) Cosmetic–Related only to appearance or aesthetics, and not related to structural performance, operability, or water penetration.
(4) Deficiency–A condition that, in the inspector’s reasonable opinion, adversely and materially affects the performance of a system or component or constitutes a hazard to life, limb, or property as specified by these standards of practice. General deficiencies include but are not limited to inoperability, material distress, water penetration, damage, deterioration, missing parts, and unsuitable installation.
(5) Deficient–Reported as having one or more deficiencies.
(6) Inspect–To look at and examine accessible items, parts, systems, or components and report observed deficiencies.
(7) Performance–Achievement of an operation, function, or configuration consistent with accepted industry practice. *Cahill: Did the light turn on? That is performance. It is not accepted industry practice to unscrew light bulbs. *
(8 Report–To provide the inspector’s opinions and findings on the standard inspection report form.
(9) Specialized tools–Tools such as thermal imaging equipment, moisture meters, gas leak detection equipment, environmental testing equipment and devices, elevation determination devices, and ladders capable of reaching surfaces over one story above ground surfaces.
(10) Specialized procedures-- Procedures such as environmental testing, elevation measurement, and any method employing destructive testing that damages otherwise sound materials or finishes.
(11) Standards of practice-- §§535.227 - 535.233 of this title.
(b) Scope.
(1) These standards of practice define the minimum levels of inspection required for substantially completed residential improvements to real property up to four dwelling units. A real estate inspection is a limited visual survey and basic operation of the systems and components of a building using normal controls and does not require the use of specialized tools or procedures. The purpose of the inspection is to provide the client with information regarding the general condition of the residence at the time of inspection. The inspector may provide a higher level of inspection performance than required by these standards of practice and may inspect parts, components, and systems in addition to those described by the standards of practice.
(2) General Requirements. The inspector shall:
(A) operate fixed or installed equipment and appliances listed herein in at least one mode with ordinary controls at typical settings;
(B) 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
© complete the standard inspection report form as required by §535.222 and §535.223 of this title.
(3) General limitations. The inspector is not required to:
(A) inspect:
(i) The inspector is not required to inspect items other than those listed herein; Cahill: disassembly and inspection of fixtures and light bulbs is not listed.
(ii) elevators;
(iii) detached structures, decks, docks, fences, or waterfront structures or equipment;
(iv) The inspector is not required to inspect anything buried, hidden, latent, or concealed; or Cahill: a bulb base is concealed
(v) automated or programmable control systems, automatic shut-off, photoelectric sensors, timers, clocks, metering devices, signal lights, lightning arrestor system, remote controls, security or data distribution systems, or solar panels;
(B) report:
(i) past repairs that appear to be effective and workmanlike;
(ii) cosmetic or aesthetic conditions; or
(iii) The inspector is not required to inspect wear and tear from ordinary use; *Cahill: light fixtures often have small arc history. It is wear and tear without evidence of a visible ongoing performance problem. *
© determine:
(i) The inspector is not required to determine insurability, warrantability, suitability, adequacy, capacity, reliability, marketability, operating costs, recalls, counterfeit products, life expectancy, age, energy efficiency, vapor barriers, thermostatic operation, code compliance, utility sources, or manufacturer or regulatory requirements except as specifically required by these standards; Cahill: pick any or all. Inspecting light bulbs, fixtures or capacity is not required.
(ii) the presence or absence of pests, termites, or other wood-destroying insects or organisms;
(iii) the presence, absence, or risk of asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, mildew, or any other environmental hazard, environmental pathogen, carcinogen, toxin, mycotoxin, pollutant, fungal presence or activity, or poison; or
(iv) types of wood or preservative treatment and fastener compatibility;
(D) anticipate future events or conditions, including but not limited to:
(i) The inspector is not required to anticipate future events or conditions including but not limited todecay, deterioration, or damage that may occur after the inspection;
(ii) deficiencies from abuse, misuse or lack of use,
(iii) changes in performance of any part, component, or system due to changes in use or occupancy;
(iv) the consequences of the inspection or its effects on current or future buyers and sellers;
(v) common household accidents, personal injury, or death; Cahill: Although grim, you are not required to anticipate if a light fixture will arc, start a fire and kill the family.
(vi) the presence of water penetration (s); or
(vii) future performance of any item; Cahill: self descriptive
(E) operate shut-off, safety, stop, pressure, or pressure-regulating valves or items requiring the use of codes, keys, combinations, or similar devices;
(F) designate conditions as safe; Cahill: by operating a light fixture you are not certifying that is safe
(G) recommend or provide engineering, architectural, appraisal, mitigation, physical surveying, realty, or other specialist services; *Cahill: you are not required to recommend the buyer have the light fixtures and bulbs inspected by a specialist for any reason whatsoever. *
(H) review historical records, installation instructions, repair plans, cost estimates, disclosure documents, or other reports;
(I) verify sizing, efficiency, or adequacy of the ground surface drainage system;
(J) operate recirculation or sump pumps;
(K) remedy conditions preventing inspection of any item; *Cahill: You are not required to unscrew a bulb to inspect the bulb socket. *
(L) apply open flame to operate any appliance;
(M) turn on decommissioned equipment, systems, or utility services; or
(N) provide repair cost estimates, recommendations, or re-inspection services.
(4) In the event of a conflict between specific provisions and general provisions in the standards of practice, specific provisions shall take precedence. *Cahill: There are no specific provisions that discuss bulbs and fixture socket. *
I haven’t heard anything more from the buyer about the light fixtures.
