Texas Warranty Inspection Standards

General Inspection Topics General Inspection Discussion
1

These may be helpful to others in need of prescriptive inspection standards
http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&sch=B&rl=Y

§304.10](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=10)Performance Standards for Foundations and Slabs§304.11](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=11)Performance Standards for Framing§304.12](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=12)Performance Standards for Drywall§304.13](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=13)Performance Standards for Insulation§304.14](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=14)Performance Standards for Exterior Siding and Trim§304.15](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=15)Performance Standards for Masonry including Brick, Block and Stone§304.16](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=16)Performance Standards for Stucco§304.17](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=17)Performance Standards for Roofs§304.18](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=18)Performance Standards for Doors and Windows§304.19](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=19)Performance Standards for Interior Flooring§304.20](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=20)Performance Standards for Hard Surfaces, including Ceramic Tile, Flagstone, Marble, Granite, Slate, Quarry Tile, Finished Concrete or Other Hard Surfaces§304.21](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=21)Performance Standards for Painting, Stain and Wall Coverings§304.22](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=22)Performance Standards for Plumbing§304.23](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=23)Performance Standards for Heating, Cooling and Ventilation§304.24](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=24)Performance Standards for Electrical Systems and Fixtures§304.25](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=25)Performance Standards for Interior Trim§304.26](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=26)Performance Standards for Mirrors, Interior Glass and Shower Doors§304.27](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=27)Performance Standards for Hardware and Ironwork§304.28](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=28)Performance Standards for Countertops and Backsplashes§304.29](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=29)Performance Standards for Fireplaces§304.30](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=30)Performance Standards for Irrigation Systems§304.31](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=31)Performance Standards for Fencing§304.32](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=32)Performance Standards for Yard Grading§304.33](http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=10&pt=7&ch=304&rl=33)Performance Standards for Pest Control

2

Wouldn’t the warranty standards from the TRCC replace these?

3

Patrick…good to see you posting again. Hope things are going well for you in MD and that your wife’s new job is challenging. Those standards are the TRCC standards. Notice at the top of the page when you go to it that it says “Part 7 - TRCC”. Those of us doing new construction inspections better know these standards.

4

Michael,

My bad, I guess my eyes need to re-adjust to the computer screen.:cool: It’s nice to be back on the BB after about 3 months away. I’m just now starting to get things in order to open up business here in MD. It figures, right when the slow season is starting.:roll:

5

In Texas, do you need ICC cert. to inspect new construction?
Or would the TREC cert. be enough?

6

If you are inspecting for the builder he may or may not require ICC certification. If you are inspecting for the buyer, either phase inspections or move-in inspections, then TREC licensing is sufficient but even that may not be required. TREC only requires licensing when the inspection is done for a property that is changing owners via a TREC contract. I’m not sure that’s the case for new construction and will have to research it some more. In the meantime, I’ll continue doing new construction (not phase) inspections just like always and will follow the TREC SOP/COE.

Follow-up: TREC provides not only the standard 1-4 Family Residential Contract for sales (Form TREC 20-7) but also contracts for new construction home purchases ( Forms TREC 23-6 & 24-6) and all provide for an inspection by an TREC licensed inspector. An ICC certification is not required. On the other hand, my personal opinion is that anyone doing phase inspections should have ICC certification or very extensive construction knowledge. The training required to obtain a professional real estate inspectors license here in Texas does not qualify one to do phase inspections. Again, my opinion, not TREC’s.

7

Although I’m new and currently a student I’ve been in the construction field for 25 years. This article is interesting and helpful because I have property in Texas and someday becoming an inspector there.

8

I keep hearing conflicting views from Texas inspectors.

Some say you need to be a licensed inspector to do new construction inspections (stages).

Others say you don’t cause its not a full tamale. A friend of mine up by Anna Texas had some drainage, structure and other issues in new construction. I gave her 2 names of Texas licensed inspectors (Barry Adair & Aaron Miller), and her insurance company and/or warranty company told her only an engineer could do the new construction.

Must be real confusing.