"TREC Texas Standards of Practice, Legal and Ethics" course

Research & Writing Assignment:

after reading the article “Anatomy of a Commercial Inspection Report”, it appears that a commercial inspection is a great deal more detailed than a residential property inspection. The commercial inspection carries ancillary inspection reports by experts which could contain cost estimates etc.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Typical stucco cracks were observed on the home and detached garage. Unless the cracks exceed
one sixteenth of an inch in width, repair is not necessary. We recommend that you monitor all cracks and repair using a qualified contractor when required.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The inspector should have notified TREC within 30 days or should have included
in report along with his business name all his personal information including
license number, registered address, personal phone number.
should have also specified that report being used was not current applied by TREC
should have specified on report that roof was not inspected in detail should have for specified reason and recommend a certified roofer inspect roof
making sure that client was aware that inspector was unable to adequately inspect roof.

Research & Writing Assignment:

first and foremost inspection should not have been conducted without
liability insurance being current/active
and should have notified TREC 30 days prior to expiration
missing or lack GFCIs should be indicated as deficient
several sign of foundation movement throughout home should have been noted
as sign of structural deficiency noted from signs of foundation settlement

Research & Writing Assignment:

  1. it is of common practice that if inspection will be conducted with other people
    at home that sellers or owners be notified and that permission has been given before arriving at home for inspection and or before inspection is conducted
  2. as to provide a minimum level of inspection standards or practice

Research & Writing Assignment:

avoid any and all referrals by brokers/real estate agents to ensure or to avoid
any bias or any conflict that would inhibit a proper or adequate inspection conducted for client also informing broker or agent that any issues neglected on report can cause a liability issue for client and that inspection and sale of home should be at the best interest for prospected buyer

Research & Writing Assignment:

advising client affiliation to a third party is
mandatory also must give client option of whether
to give consent should always be optional for client
and not mandatory be entering into inspection agreement

Research & Writing Assignment:

inspection without insurance should not have been conducted must be active/current.
only a licensed plumber can conduct hydrostatic pressure testing
if such inspector should have indicated having plumbing license
and have signed a different agreement with client for pressure testing and reported on a separate report not on inspection report.
The inspector is only required to indicate and report only bonding
to gas line.

Research & Writing Assignment:

No. I have a home inspection software that is designed to operate within the Texas standards of practice. However, there are times when a seller and owner have agreed for me to light the pilot on a water heater because it was out upon the inspection.

Research & Writing Assignment:

An inspector is not qualified to inspect an item whenever there is not any prior knowledge or training possessed (by the inspector) pertaining to that component.
Common elements of a multi-family development that inspectors are not required to inspect are areas occupied (no access) by other residents such as: the foundation, roof, and HVAC.
Bad conditions or hazards the might prevent an inspector from inspecting an item are: wet surfaces on roof shingles, limited space inside of an attic or crawl space, and damage to components that can cause bodily injury or death.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The home inspector forgot to communicate that the lot grading is deficient at the southwest corner of the home because it is sloped towards the home. Lastly, he should recommend that the downspout be realigned to ensure proper functionality.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I ensure that my reports are accurate and complete by purchasing an efficient home inspection software. The design of the software is structured (according to the TREC required form REA-7 and SOPs) to prevent a home inspector from creating a non-compliant report.
Upon submitting the report to the client, the software will proofread and audit the report for errors (or missing components).

Research & Writing Assignment:

Several best practices for professional home inspectors when providing direct and indirect supervision are: clear communication, accessibility, and code compliance. A professional home inspector has to be able to correctly educate and train the apprentice through clear communication. Any miscommunication can hinder the learning process and develop poor habits.
No, I am not willing to supervise someone who practices in a different geographic region.

Research & Writing Assignment:

There are several best practices home inspectors can perform in order to enhance the inspector-client relationship. Home inspectors should continue learning about components and advancements in the home inspection field because clients are making major decisions based of the purchased report. Also, Home inspectors should clearly disclose which components they can and can’t inspect prior to performing the inspection. Lastly, a home inspector should notify the buyer (and seller if applicable)whenever there is a limitation during the home inspection.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The perimeter beam wall is cracked(greater than 3/4 inch) and needs to be further evaluated by a reputable foundation company.
The roof shingles are lifting (potential water intrusion) and there is sagging on the surface at various slopes of the roof. Recommend further evaluation by a reputable roofing company.
Cinder blocks are being used (trip and safety hazard) as a stairway at the rear entrance. Recommend removing blocks and installing a stairway at the rear entry with proper building material according to current building standards.

Research & Writing Assignment:

There are many things the home inspector failed to do. First, the home inspector forgot to notify TREC (within 30 days) about the new business name. Also, the home inspector is using the wrong form to report deficiencies to the client. In addition, the home inspector failed to immediately inform the client about not gaining access to the roof because of slip hazard. Lastly, the home inspector forgot to communicate prior repairs to the roof in the report.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The home inspector described above is negligent in many ways. Performing a home inspection without professional liability insurance is against the SOPs and can cause major financial loss for the owner of the property and inspector (if a component is damaged or stops functioning during the inspection). Also, a lack of AFCIs should have been reported by the inspector on the report. Lastly, the home inspector should not determine if the structure system is deficient based of the observations.

Research & Writing Assignment:

My essay is on
Easy steps that help home inspectors avoid Lawsuits by Nick Gromicko
I learned that inspector should always inform client in a pre inspection
agreement of inspectors responsibilities and duties, never be afraid to
ask for help on any subject matter that might not be familiar using InterNACHI 24/7 online help center, to avoid making uninformed comments on inspection report
making you susceptible to liabilities.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Home inspectors are not allowed to let anyone into the home but the client during the inspection. However, its common for the client to bring friends, contractors and family members to the inspection.
An area where inspectors can increases cooperation with others persons in the industry is networking. More forums should be created where individuals in the industry can communicate, collaborate, and share information. Also, special events and seminars should be organized to encourage “face to face” networking across the industry.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The home inspector can ensure independence by not doing inspections for an agent that is both the buyer and seller’s agent. Also, a home inspector should inform the referral partner about the Texas SOPs and proper expectations when they are first acquainted.