questions with correct answers
Who licenses real estate inspectors? -Ans>>TREC
The role of sales agent in disclosing property condition: -Ans>>agent must refrain from giving an
opinion of the condition of the property or the validity of any findings in the report. Sales agents
responsibility to explain the inspection process.
TREC standards of practice - what properties are covered -Ans>>resales or substantially completed
houses. Inspection of houses under construction is a growing segment.
If residential inspector sees wood damage or decay, what should he do: -Ans>>may not comment on
whether termite infestations exist. Required to comment on visible damage regardless of the
underlying cause and note it as a deficiency in their report. (may NOT state wood-destroying insects
specifically caused the damage)
GFCI's on the inspection report -Ans>>Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters - protects against shock.
Required for bathrooms, washrooms, all outdoor outlets, garages, kitchen outlets, near bars,
swimming pools, pool equipment, and whirlpool baths.
AC compressors and condensers - use and location -Ans>>located outside (usually side yard). Requires
massive amounts of air to remove heat from the house; cools/heats the home
Appliances covered/not covered in the TREC inspection report -Ans>>all built-in appliances are
inspected. Not included are fridges, washers/dryers and separate table-top items.
Evidence of shower leaks - what and where you find it -Ans>>water build up and mildew soon cover
the walls of the shower stall/pan; excess mildew on shower wall, water on brick exterior wall that
surrounds the bathroom is another clue.
Lead effects in children: -Ans>>1. damage to brain/nervous system
2. severe headaches
3. behavior/learning problems such as hyperactivity
4. slowed growth
What a licensed plumber or electrician can do for a buyer in relation to the inspection process: -
Ans>>they are allowed to give opinions about his/her area of expertise but not inspect other areas of
the property unless they are licensed inspector.
Pest control, targets and times -Ans>>quarterly pest control targets cockroaches, silverfish and ants
Reverse Polarity -Ans>>when the ground wire and neutral wire are installed on wrong side; outlets
will still work and they can be tested and easily switched.
Banned refrigerants and the replacement -Ans>>Refrigerant R22 (Freon) banned by fed. gov.; New
freon line R410A-Puron is allowed.
TREC max payment to aggrieved consumers (per transaction) from the Recovery Fund -Ans>>TREC
pays max of $12,500 per transaction out of fund for actual damage.
what a foundation does and what it supports: -Ans>>supports the superstructure; house rests on the
foundation
, General limitations on inspections: (not required to inspect) -Ans>>-elevators
-detached buildings
-decks
-docks
-fences
-waterfront structures or related equipment
-anything buried/hidden/latent/concealed
-subsurface drainage systems
-automated/programmable control sys., remote controls, concrete flat work (driveway and sidewalks)
TREC inspectors and their role with code enforcement: -Ans>>RE inspectors do NOT enforce codes,
also not responsible for passing or failing a property (municipal code inspectors do this); must be
aware of local building and zoning ordinances.
Responsibility for repairs of components listed as deficient on the report -Ans>>clients and sellers are
NOT under any obligation to repair items marked as deficient by a residential inspector. It is solely at
the discretion of the client (buyer) to request that a seller take action to have deficient items repaired
Inspector requirements in connection with the electrical service: -Ans>>home inspectors do NOT
commonly calculate LOAD CAPACITY and should be referred to a qualified electrician.
Temperature degrees for oven accuracy -Ans>>350 degrees; Inspectors should report an actual
temperature that differs by 25 degrees
what determines the type of foundation? -Ans>>type of soil
Example of possible good advice and inspector might give: -Ans>>good idea to advise your clients to
have septic tank periodically pumped out for long term trouble-free operation.
Inspect -Ans>>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.
component -Ans>>part of a system
category for food waste disposers -Ans>>appliances
recommendations for private water wells -Ans>>be tested for coliform bacteria
1. Operate 2 fixture simultaneous
2. Recommend or arrange coliform testing
3. Report: type of: pump, storage equipment, proximity of any unknown septic systems.
4 report deficiencies in: water pressure, pressure switches, conditions assemble, i proper site
drainage and clearances
roof wear and tear -Ans>>inspector should note uneven, sagging or damaged sections. Roofs do not
wear out evenly. The W and SW exposure get the brunt from the sun. New shingles do not mean new
roof; 1/3 damaged roof, usually means they are better off replacing
prohibited actions for inspectors? -Ans>>treating for dry-wood termites
Evidence of dry-wood termites: -Ans>>1. they do NOT build shelter tubes
2. have tunnels that cut across the grain and contains little or no dirt or frass in the chambers
AFCI protects against -Ans>>protects people and their houses from a fire